David Kim

Aspiring Neurologist
Education Academic Foundation
Beckman High School
2024 — 2028
Irvine, California
GPA: 3.93 (Unweighted) • 4.33 (Weighted)
Relevant Coursework: AP Biology (4)
1800
SAT Score
900
Math
900
English
Research Experience Neural Investigations
UCI Piomelli Research Assistant
2025-2028
Dr. Daniele Piomelli's Lab, University of California Irvine
Investigated the role of environmental enrichment on hippocampal neuroplasticity in adolescent mice using immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy.
  • Performed stereotaxic surgeries and viral vector injections for neural circuit tracing
  • Analyzed dendritic spine density and morphology using ImageJ and custom Python scripts
  • Presented findings at Stanford Summer Research Symposium; manuscript in preparation for Journal of Neuroscience
  • Mastered techniques: Western blotting, qPCR, behavioral assays (Morris Water Maze, Novel Object Recognition)
UCSF Memory & Aging Center — Research Intern
2024 — 2025
Dr. James Rodriguez Lab, San Francisco, CA
Contributed to longitudinal study on cognitive decline in early-stage Alzheimer's disease, focusing on biomarker analysis and neuropsychological assessment data.
  • Processed and analyzed cerebrospinal fluid samples for Aβ42, tau, and p-tau levels using ELISA
  • Built statistical models in R to correlate biomarker profiles with MRI volumetric measurements
  • Co-authored abstract submitted to Society for Neuroscience annual meeting
  • Participated in weekly lab meetings and journal clubs on neurodegeneration mechanisms
Independent Research Project
2024 — 2025
Mentored by Dr. Sarah Thompson, Stanford University
Designed and executed original research on the effects of acute stress on synaptic plasticity in rodent prefrontal cortex neurons using patch-clamp electrophysiology.
  • Developed novel behavioral paradigm combining restraint stress with immediate LTP induction protocols
  • Recorded excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) from layer 2/3 pyramidal neurons in acute brain slices
  • Data analysis revealed stress-induced impairment of long-term potentiation, supporting hypothesis
  • Project recognized as Intel ISEF finalist and submitted to Brain Research for peer review
Technical Skills Methodological Arsenal
Electrophysiology (Patch-Clamp) Immunohistochemistry Confocal Microscopy Western Blotting qPCR ELISA Stereotaxic Surgery Cell Culture Calcium Imaging Behavioral Assays
Python (NumPy, SciPy, Pandas) R (ggplot2, dplyr) MATLAB ImageJ/Fiji GraphPad Prism Statistical Analysis Machine Learning Basics Neural Signal Processing
fMRI Analysis (FSL, SPM) DTI Tractography FreeSurfer Computational Modeling Network Analysis
Activities & Leadership Community Engagement
Neuroscience Club — Founder & President
2024 — Present
Established and lead school's first neuroscience-focused student organization with 45+ members. Organize weekly discussions on current research, host guest lectures from local professors, and coordinate visits to Stanford labs.
Science Olympiad — Team Captain
2023 — Present
Lead team in Anatomy & Physiology and Disease Detectives events. Placed 3rd at State Competition (2025) and 5th at Nationals (2024). Mentor underclassmen in scientific research methodology and presentation skills.
Local Hospital — Volunteer
2023 — Present
200+ Hours in neurology and psychiatric departments. Shadow neurologists during rounds, assist with patient education materials, and organize support groups for families of Alzheimer's patients.
STEM Outreach Mentor
2024 — Present
Developed and teach monthly "Brain Science for Kids" workshops at local elementary schools, introducing neuroscience concepts through interactive demonstrations and hands-on activities. Reach 100+ students annually.
Additional Involvement
  • Varsity Track & Field — 800m runner, team record holder (1:58.3)
  • School Newspaper — Science columnist, write monthly articles on neuroscience discoveries
  • Chamber Orchestra — First violin, 8 years experience, perform at community events
  • Lab Hours: 400+ cumulative hours across research positions
  • CITI Program: Responsible Conduct of Research
  • HIPAA Privacy & Security Training
  • Laboratory Animal Research (IACUC certified)
Recognition Awards & Honors
National Merit Scholar
2025
Recognized for outstanding academic achievement and PSAT performance.
Intel ISEF Finalist
2025
Behavioral & Social Sciences category. Project on environmental enrichment and neuroplasticity.
AP Scholar with Distinction
2025
Achieved scores of 5 on all five AP science examinations.
Science National Honor Society
Member
Active participation in STEM outreach and peer mentorship programs.

The moment I first observed action potentials firing across cultured neurons under the microscope, I was captivated by the elegant complexity of neural communication. Each spike represents not just an electrical event, but a conversation between billions of cells that somehow produces thought, memory, and consciousness. My goal is to decode this language and apply that understanding to develop treatments for neurological disorders that affect millions worldwide.