Ailyn Mendoza
Biography
Fun Fact: I’m probably the world’s greatest overthinker.
Hi, I’m Ailyn Mendoza. I’m from Central Falls, Rhode Island–but I was born in Providence! My intended concentration is Biology (Sc.B.), as I aim to become a scientist. Biology is a very diverse field, which is one reason why I admire it so much. Aside from academics, I go to the gym, write, and draw here and there. I also love long walks, listening to music, random philosophical conversations, and jokes–lots of jokes.
Research
This summer (2024), I conducted research at The Diane N. Weiss Center for Orthopaedic Trauma Research Lab at Lifespan (Rhode Island Hospital), where I visualized Staphylococcus aureus biofilm formation on Oxoid filter disks utilizing immunofluorescent staining. This project was connected to chronic osteomyelitis, an orthopedic infection that causes inflammation in the bone marrow. Essentially, the lab was visualizing bacterial biofilm formation as an additional assay to detect bacterial presence at the site of chronic osteomyelitis. Along with conducting research, I also taught high schoolers and first-year college students about laboratory techniques and conducting research in a lab.