Ann Arbor Research Assistant

SONIA PARVEEN

Ann Arbor, MI

Email: *******@*****.*** Phone: 248-***-****

EDUCATION

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor

B.S. in Biopsychology, Cognition, and Neuroscience (Pre-Med) Frontier International Academy

High School Diploma

Graduated: June 2023

RESEARCH EXPERIENCE

Medical Mentorship Program (MMP), University of Michigan Research Assistant (Sep 2023 – Apr 2024)

● Investigated post-operative head positioning variability and its impact on retinal surgery outcomes.

● Assisted in study design, data collection, and analysis using diverse methodologies.

● Presented findings at the Michigan Medical School's research symposium. Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) [Research Scholar], University of Michigan

Research Scholar (Aug 2024 – Apr 2025)

● Designed and administered surveys to assess patient-reported outcomes in retinal surgery.

● Analyzed patient responses to evaluate post-operative recovery impact.

● Presented findings at academic symposiums.

Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program, University of Michigan Summer Research Fellow (May 2024 – Aug 2025)

● Conducted advanced research on head positioning after retinal detachment surgery.

● Built on prior research findings to enhance surgical outcome assessments. Undergraduate Research Assistant

Parent Lab, Michigan Neuroscience Institute & Department of Neurology – University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, MI January 2025 – Present

● Working under the mentorship of Dr. Emmanuel Crespo on research related to epilepsy/neurogenesis.

● Operate a cryostat to section brain tissue samples for histological analysis.

● Perform immunohistochemistry staining and recently began imaging stained samples for morphological and cellular markers.

● Participate in regular one-on-one discussions with a lab mentor to deepen understanding of neuroanatomy and the project’s scientific context.

● Attend lab meetings and contribute to ongoing experimental planning and analysis. Kellogg Eye Center, University of Michigan (April 2025 - Present)

● Concluding my Head Positioning after Retinal Detachment Project. CLINICAL & PATIENT CARE EXPERIENCE

Pharmacy Technician, CVS, Ann Arbor

(Feb 2024 – August 2025)

● Assisted with prescription fulfillment, inventory management, and patient inquiries.

● Provided excellent customer service and ensured pharmacy compliance with safety regulations.

Hospital Elder Life Program, Michigan Medicine

(Sep 2024 – Present)

● Provided companionship and support to hospitalized patients.

● Assisted with mobility exercises and patient engagement initiatives. CareYaya, Ann Arbor

(Jan 2025 – Present)

● Offered compassionate, non-medical care to elderly and disabled individuals.

● Assisted with daily activities and provided meaningful social interaction. Patient Attendant, Ann Arbor

(March 2025 – Present)

● Provided compassionate, non-medical support to patients by assisting with mobility, hygiene, and daily living activities.

● Ensured patient comfort and safety through attentive monitoring and prompt response to needs.

● Facilitated meaningful social interaction and emotional support to promote mental well-being.

● Collaborated with healthcare staff to maintain a clean, organized, and patient-centered care environment.

VOLUNTEER EXPERIENCE

Human Appeal Volunteer

(Jan 2025 – Present)

● Assisted in fundraising efforts and community outreach initiatives.

● Helped organize donation drives and awareness campaigns for humanitarian causes. HOPE Ambassador Program Office of Patient Experience Ambassador Jan 2023 – Present

● Assist patients and families in navigating Michigan Medicine hospitals.

● Collect patient feedback to improve services and ensure satisfaction. Blood Drive Volunteer, Red Cross

(Dec 2024 – Present)

● Assisted with donor registration, education, and post-donation care. Avalon House Volunteer, Housing Justice Initiative

(Dec 2023 – Mar 2024)

● Provided resources and advocacy for individuals experiencing homelessness. Hands-On Activities Event Organizer, Dearborn

(Feb 2024)

● Organized and facilitated educational activities focused on Islamic history. Teachers' Aid, Detroit

(seasonal)

● Supported local schools by assisting teachers with classroom setup, organization, and curriculum planning at the start of each academic year, contributing to a positive and structured learning environment.

EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES & LEADERSHIP

Finance Chair, South Asian Magazine (Jan 2024 – Apr 2024)

● Managed budgeting and financial planning for student-run publication. Board Member, Muslim Fitness Club (MFC) (Jan 2024 – Present)

● Organized fitness events and wellness initiatives for the student community. Executive Team / National Secretary, United Pakistani Students Association (UPSA) (May 2025 – Present)

● Currently, connecting the Pakistani Student Associations and Pakistani Students in general to create a supportive community.

Member, All Pakistan Student Union (APSU) (May 2025 - Present)

● A volunteering organization.

Presenter, ARVO Annual Meeting (May 2025)

● The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO)

● Presented a research poster on Patient Head Positioning After Vitrectomy.

● Investigated adherence, comfort, and clinical outcomes of postoperative positioning in vitrectomy patients.

● Engaged with researchers and clinicians to discuss implications for surgical recovery and patient care.

Peer Facilitator, Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program (UROP) University of Michigan Aug 2025 – Present

● Mentor first-year researchers and facilitated weekly seminars on research skills and ethics.

● Provide feedback on student proposals, abstracts, and presentations.

● Supporte communication between students, mentors, and UROP staff. PUBLICATIONS

Head Positioning after RD Surgery: A Review

Published in Retina Today, 2024

https://www.retinatoday.com/articles/2024-oct/head-positioning-after-rd-surgery-a-review SKILLS & LANGUAGES

● Research Skills: Data collection, survey administration, statistical analysis, manuscript writing

● Clinical Experience: Patient care, medication management, healthcare communication

● Technical Skills: Microsoft Office, SPSS, Data Visualization

● Languages: English, Urdu

Contact this candidate