Anduena Toci

(she/her)

Yalow Honors Scholar at Hunter College, CUNY

I am currently an undergraduate research assistant at the Molecular Genetics Lab at the Rockefeller University, and a volunteer in the Emergency Department at Mount Sinai Morningside. I also serve as an advising fellow through Matriculate, a Student Peer Leader for the Yalow Honors Scholar Program, as well as a General Chemistry I & II Peer TA, and Bio 100 Tutor at Skirball Science Center. In addition, I am one of the co-editors of the monthly newsletter “The Yalow Scholars.”

My name is Anduena Toci, and I am currently a sophomore student at Hunter College Yalow Honors Scholar Program. I am majoring in Chemistry II Biochemistry, and I am interested in pursuing MD-PhD as my future career focus.

Social

Contact

anduena.toci59@myhunter.cuny.edu

Education

  • Hunter College – Expected 2027
  • -Bachelor of Arts – BA, Biochemistry
  • -Yalow Honors Scholar

Research Experience

Undergraduate Research Assistant at the Rockefeller University (August 2023-Present)

  • -Assisting Dr. Han Tan, PhD, part of the Laboratory of Molecular Genetics, Rockefeller University, in research projects focused in molecular and neural mechanisms in mice models focusing on targeting downstream molecules in leptin signaling to develop
    strategies in overcoming leptin resistance
  • – Performing fMRI, Transcardiac Perfusions, Immunofluorescence Tissue Staining, Cryostat Tissue Sectioning, RT-qPCR regularly in obese and naive mice and collect and record the data for further analysis
    -Co-designing, collecting, and analyzing the data of a behavioral experiment focused on the learning aspects and feeding behavior of mice in connection to the neural activity
    – Currently working on a project targeting Nova1 protein function in energy balance regulation in Nova1 knockout and overexpressed mice models
  • New York Blood Center Summer Internship Intern (June 2024-August 2024)
  • -Conducted experiments utilizing confocal microscopy for imagining of the bone marrow niche of the stem cells, as well as assisted in preparing samples for flow cytometry and analyze the platelet activation in response to different agonists
  • -Conducted experiments to evaluate the platelet aggregation ability using T-TAS system and applied statistical analysis using GraphPad Prism to interpret the experimental data and derive conclusions
  • -Collaborated closely with a postdoctoral researcher and received one-on-one mentorship from faculty, Avital Mendelson, PhD throughout the internship
  • -Presented the final research project on mesenchymal stem cell regulation of megakaryocyte function and platelet activation to the New York Blood Center LFKRI faculty, postdoctoral scientists, and other summer interns

Leadership Experience

Advising Fellow at Matriculate (December 2023-Present)

-Trained undergraduate college student volunteering under the Hunter College Fellowship committed to access and equity on educational opportunities for underrepresented communities
-Currently working with 3 high-achieving, low-income high school junior students on researching potential colleges and universities that align with their academic interests and meet their financial needs
-Guiding the students on how to approach crafting a resume to highlight their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and volunteering experiences
-Advising the students on financial aid topics by providing information on financial aid options, including here full-ride scholarships, such as QuestBridge, Gates Scholarship, Posse Foundation, and introducing them to the FAFSA and other scholarship opportunities
-Organizing and facilitating weekly mentoring meetings to discuss important steps students need to take in their college application journeys

Co-editor of “The Yalow Scholar” Newsletter (May 2024-Present)

-Editing 20+ peer submissions for the newsletter distributed to a community of 200+ Yalow Honors Scholars, providing valuable resources on fields such as clinical, research, pharmacy, advocacy and outreach opportunities, as well as study tips, and mental health advice
-Reviewing and refining submissions to align with monthly themes, ensuring clarity, coherence, and grammatical accuracy
-Collaborating with a senior co-editor and faculty mentor to incorporate feedback and enhance the newsletter’s relevance and impact

Yalow Honors Scholar Peer Leader (May 2024-Present)

-Mentoring a freshman pre-medical student by offering guidance on academic planning, managing stress, and advice on adapting to the college campus
-Serving in the Wiki Committee by tracking and maintaining updated profiles of current Yalow Honors scholars for the leadership
-Organizing and hosting community-building events aimed at fostering stronger connections among the students

Clinical Experience

Emergency Department Volunteer at Mount Sinai Morningside (June 2024-Present)

-Assisting in greeting and escorting patients and visitors from the check-in Triage area to the appropriate departments
-Supporting medical staff by keeping an eye on the patient’s current state and providing feedback to the clinical team
-Responding to patients needs and following through with the resolution for the patient with the approval of the clinical staff the errands
-Providing food and beverages to the patients with the approval of the clinical staff as well as providing them with non-clinical items, such as masks, gloves, pillows, etc.
-Providing emotional support to patients and families, offering reassurance and comfort during stressful situations in a fast-paced environment

AP3 Winter Virtual 2024 Program Memorial Sloan Kettering – January 8-12 2024

Teaching Experience

Biology 100 Supplemental Instructor and Chem 102/104 Tutor at Skirball Science Center – (January 2025-Present)

-Tutoring current students on the present course material in a simplified versions for better understanding in challenging core science courses

General Chemistry I & II Peer TA – (May 2024-Present)

-Providing in-class support by actively assisting students during the lecture on general chemistry topics by explaining different concepts and problem-solving
-Holding weekly office hours during which personalized assistance offered to students to address the course material, practice questions, and sharing effective study strategies

Essentials to General Chemistry Teacher Assistant for Dr. Smeureanu – (Summer 2024)

-Providing in-class support by actively assisting students during the lecture on general chemistry topics by explaining different concepts and problem-solving
-Holding weekly office hours during which personalized assistance offered to students to address the course material, practice questions, and sharing effective study strategies

Awards

  • -Rosalyn Yalow Award for Academic Excellence (May 2024)
    For achieving a cumulative GPA between 3.9 and 4.0
    Outstanding Community Leadership Award (May 2024)
    In recognition of service and contributions to the STEM+ community
    Early Scientist Development Award (May 2024)
    For achievements in scientific research
    Dean’s List – Fall 2023, Spring 2024, Fall 2024
    -Valedictorian; Certificate of Academic Excellence (June 2023)
    For Outstanding Academic Performance as with Highest Honors during the 27th Graduation Ceremony
    Achievement Award by Office of the New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, State Comptroller (2023)
    -City Council Citation Speaker’s Achievement Award (June 2023)
    For demonstrating academic excellence and commitment to public service in New York City