Hyunji Helen Lee, Berkely, Autism Instructor, Application to Dental School
I hope to be selected for dental school not just because I am a qualified candidate, but also because I am an advocate for the disabled, the non-verbal, and especially children on the autism spectrum. I graduated in May 2022 with my BS in Molecular Environmental Biology and a minor in Disability Studies. During my last three years at Berkeley, I served as an instructor for a class on autism spectrum disorder, exploring the neurobiological roots of autism spectrum disorder, its research beginnings, comparative intervention therapies, family dynamics, law, the role of technology, media portrayals, stigma, and more.
Hyunji Helen Lee CV Berkely Instructor
Hyunji Helen Lee
h h e l e n n l e e @ g m a i l . c o m | M o b i l e : ( 8 1 8 ) - 3 9 7 - 7 8 2 1
EDUCATION
University of California, Berkeley
B.S. Molecular Environmental Biology
Disability Studies Minor
PROFESSIONAL/ACADEMIC EXPERIENCE
Berkeley, CA
Grad May 2022
GPA : 3.777
Dental Assistant — Daniel Nam DDS & Associates March 2023 – Present
- Conduct dental X-rays to diagnose cavities, impacted wisdom teeth, and other dental conditions and provide education to patients on findings
- Provide support to dentists during root canals, extractions, and other dental procedures, including sterilizing instruments to prevent infection
- Create dental impressions, mix compounds in the laboratory, assist with denture fittings, and maintain inventory levels for dental equipment and supplies
Staff Research Associate at Arnold Lab — University of California, San Francisco. April 2022 – March 2023
- Conducting project in the role of fibrosis in neonatal stroke caused by hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy through leveraging genetic (knock-out models) and molecular biology tools in cell lines and animal models
- Trained and mentored undergraduate students through hands-on training
- Experienced in mouse cardiac perfusions, tissue dissection, PCR, SDS-PAGE, mouse husbandry, immunochemistry, cell culture, tissue collection
Cancer Organoid Research Intern — Sung Kyun Kwan University June 2019-August 2019
- Assisted in cancer drug screening through 3D organoids by studying the effects of transplanted lung organoids in fibrosis induced lungs and in hair follicle stem cell hair regeneration in rats
Humanities in Medicine Internship — Remote June 2021 – September 2021
- Studied the humanities side of medicine such as Death and Dying, Health Policy, Arts in Medicine
- Actively designed and kickstarted a capstone project about Medical Bias including POC cultural disregard and lack of biomedical research among women and people of color; published on YouTube for educational purposes
COMMUNITY SERVICE
Suitcase Clinic – Berkeley, CA
General Clinic Health Education Officer January 2019 –May 2022
- Provided service to Berkeley’s underprivileged/homeless/uninsured population during student-run weekly clinics
- Administer free hygiene products, vitamins, over-the-counter drugs, clothing, etc., and tailor the distribution of products and supplies to the needs of each client
- Assess needs of clients served to improve strategies for greater organization efficiency and impact, oversee clinic supply of resources, manage purchases and donations, plan semesterly budgets for supplies
- Initiated a new cooperation with local thrift stores for clothing and blanket donations
- Designed posters for health education, such as STD’s, locations for vaccinations, free shelters, and more
SNAPkids Volunteer – Berkeley, CA January 2020 – May 2022
- Engaged disabled children with physical activity in the water; planned and executed exercises/activities specifically catered to a child for repetitive movement of unused muscles; help develop fine motor skills and social skills
- Participation in online Zoom run exercise classes due to COVID-19
Crisis Text Line Counselor July 2021 – Present
- Provide response in crisis situation to diffuse tensions and prevent potential violence, mitigating hazards and providing support to texters dealing with abuse, depression, stress, suicidal thoughts, and more
- Develop a goal-oriented action plan with texters at the end of each conversation
LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCES
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– Berkeley, CA August 2020 – May 2022
- Instructor in a student-run UC Berkeley class about Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Implement a tailored class to explore the possible neurobiological roots of Autism Spectrum Disorder, its research beginnings, possible intervention therapies, family dynamics, law, the role of technology, media portrayals, stigma, and more
- Stimulate a deeper understanding of ASD and the intersectional ties that play into Autism Spectrum Disorder and
create a safe community for further discussion of autism Spectrum: Autism at Cal – Berkeley, CA
Vice President of External Affairs / 5K Social Outreach Chair February 2019 -May 2022
- Promote acceptance and empower the Berkeley autism community through implementation of mentorship programs, volunteer opportunities, and fundraising events
- Spearheaded the 5K Run 3K Walk Social Outreach Committee; 115% increase in the amount of money donated to local organizations; 40% increase in the number of attendees; overall increase in collaboration with external Bay Area organizations
Vice President of External Affairs August 2018 – May 2022
- Celebrate Korean culture, discuss Korean-American identity, and foster a “home away from home”
- Implemented collaboration with Bay Area organizations for professional/networking opportunities for members; Examples include resume workshops, professional picture photoshoots, and career panels
- Managed and promoted philanthropy events, outreach, and community service opportunities
- Effectively and assertively fundraised up to $2000 to donate to Korean-American mental health-focused organizations each year
HOBBIES
Crocheting
Weight lifting
Swimming
Tennis