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Simons STEM Scholars Program
HomeSimons Scholar ProfileSimons Scholars Profile - Kaylen James

KaylenJames

Image of Kaylen James

Cohort 1

Hometown: Brooklyn, NY

Major: Biology and Sociology

Year: Sophomore

High School: Brooklyn Prospect High School

Biography:

Kaylen plans on studying anesthesiology & cancer medicine. Specifically analyzing the effect FABP's (Fatty Acid Binding Proteins) have on inflammatory pain in anesthesia as well as cell growth that can be expressed in the progression of cancer cells in their time at Stony Brook. In their free time, Kaylen likes to listen to music, crack jokes, play volleyball, go shopping, ride bikes and try new adventures! Before becoming a Simons STEM Scholar, Kaylen participated as a HIRES Intern at the CUNY CREST HIRES (High School Initiative in Remote Sensing of the Earth Systems Engineering and Sciences), Girls Who Code Program, FDNY Explorers Program and the NYU Step Program. Kaylen is most excited to grow into the person they hope to be, and learn more about who they are through the different experiences and challenges they will encounter. They are also excited about meeting new people that are like-minded, to teach them things that makes them question their initial perspective, and challenges them to be a better individual, researcher, and thinker. 

Leading the Future:

"Being a leader in combating gender, and race inequalities that are faced in education. However, I will make sure that I invite more people from diverse backgrounds to help in making new discoveries because doing research, and science alone can only get you so far. The impact is much stronger when there is a team of different people sharing their thoughts and ideas."

Why did you become a Simons STEM Scholar?:

“I chose to become a Simons STEM Scholar because I wanted to be in an environment where I could grow, and be my authentic self. In academia sometimes people feel the need to suppress themselves to fit in or be "professional". However being in this program has reassured me that what I bring to the table is more than enough. I've learned who I am, along with my character, and motivation/dedication of course will get me far in my educational career.”

What would you say to someone who is applying?:

“To someone thinking about applying to the Simons STEM Scholars program, I would say even if you are unsure about what you want to do, or who you want to be after high school, don't let your uncertainty or worry get in the way of you applying and possibly being somewhere that is right for you, and allows you to grow as a person. In taking that risk to do something like applying for the Simons STEM Scholars program you have allowed yourself to be open to exploring the unknown which may turn out to be just what you need. What I'm saying doesn't just apply in this context but should be applied in all aspects of your life.”

Research Experiences:

Summer 2024 - Stony Brook University under Dr. David Montrose on "Dietary Protein-Induced Fecal Bile Acid Alterations are Colon Specific"