#SlugStories Commencement 2019 Special Feature “The Planet 9 search algorithm I developed revealed observational constraints on infrared space telescopes, encouraging the development of next-generation sensors. My work with Professor Smith found correlations between chromospheric and coronal activity in dwarf stars, leading to more accurate solar storm predictions to protect our power and communication grids. In a talk given at NASA Ames, Professor Deamer used my mathematical model for RNA polymerization to argue in support of sending a Mars rover to dry hydrothermal sites in search of life. My work with neuron sensors will lead to pharmacological trials being run on lab-grown human brain tissue as opposed to rats, improving the relevance of data. These sensors will also help discover how genes affect human development, revealing the causes of disorders like autism and schizophrenia. UC Santa Cruz is an incredibly unique campus in that, so long as you are willing to put in the time an...