PCUR is back! We hope everyone had a great summer and is excited for the upcoming year. Posts are starting back this week on Wednesday, October 9, written by both returning and new correspondents, so check your email on Wednesday and get excited!
Welcome back to our returning PCURs, Alexis Wu ’25, Rebecca Cho ’26, and Yubi Mamiya ’27! In addition, Virginia Cobbs ’25 is returning as Chief Correspondent. We are excited to welcome our new correspondents Angel Toasakul ’27, Stanley Stoutamire ’27, Nathan Nguyen ’27, Advik Eswaran ’27, and Ignacio Arias Philippi ’25. Take a look below to find out more about each of our correspondents, their experiences, and what they bring to PCUR.
Virginia Cobbs ’25
Chief Correspondent
Concentration: African American Studies
Degree: A.B.
Research Interests: Racism in healthcare, Tech mediated bias in criminal justice, bumble bee social behavior, Parkinson’s Disease
Bio: My name is Virginia and I am a senior in the African American Studies department. I grew up in Birmingham, AL (roll tide!) and as someone pursuing a career in healthcare, my research interests are often at the intersection of race and medicine. I spent a gap year before Princeton studying Parkinson’s Disease, and a summer after freshman year researching bumble bees. I also worked with with Prof. Fuentes studying racial bias in medical algorithms, and Prof. Benjamin’s Just Data Lab studying how technology mediates bias and racism in the criminal justice system. When not in the lab, you can find me either competitively sailing or volunteering as an EMT with the Princeton First Aid and Rescue Squad.
Recent posts by Virginia Cobbs
Ignacio Arias Philippi ’25
Humanities Correspondent
Concentration: History
Certificate Programs: Medieval Studies, Roman Language and Culture
Degree Program: A.B.
Research Interests: Legal history, German language and culture, Polyliteracy, Paleography
Bio: My name is Ignacio Arias and I am a senior from Puerto Rico. My research in the History department has focused on legal history of various kinds, especially canon law, from Late Antiquity to Early Modern times. Other interests include Austrian history and classical music. Outside of academic research, I am also involved with the Aquinas Institute, the Princeton Tower Club, and Sinfonia.
Posts by Ignacio Arias Philippi coming soon
Gabriel Ascoli ’27
Humanities Correspondent
Concentration: Classics, Molecular Biology
Degree Program: A.B.
Research Interests: Ancient Greek and Roman Literature, History, Philosophy, Oncology, Microbiology, Biomedical Sciences
Bio: My name is Gabriel, and I’m a sophomore from Northern Virginia. As a pre-health student studying classics and biology, I’m interested in ancient Greek and Roman literature and philosophy, particularly when it comes to treating the sick, their ideology towards the values of other lives, and other humanistic and philosophical questions (think famous physicians such as Hippocrates or Galen, as well as philosophers and poets!). I’m currently a part of the Kang lab at Princeton, investigating how we can harness the human immune system and bolster it to attack early-stage breast tumors before they metastasize to other parts of the body. I’ve also conducted research in microbiology (developing a solution to antibiotic-resistant bacteria), and classics (exploring the connection between ancient Roman history and literature and modern-day white supremacy). At Princeton, you’ll find me taking excessively long walks, or taking advantage of free coffee somewhere.
Posts by Gabriel Ascoli coming soon
Rebecca Cho ’26
Natural Sciences Correspondent
Concentration: Geosciences
Degree Program: A.B.
Certificate Programs: Environmental Studies
Research Interests: Biogeochemistry, Climate Science, Reconstruction Modeling, Environmental Science
Bio: I am a sophomore from Long Island, NY, looking to concentrate in Geosciences! My research interests include the exploration of past climate-tectonic interactions and the past marine environment to understand how different aspects of the physical planet are responding to rapid climate change. I am also interested in the influence of these physical changes on public health and society. Outside of research, I love listening to music and reading. On campus, you can find me dancing or performing the cello and piano.
Haya Elamir ’27
Natural Sciences Correspondent
Concentration: Molecular Biology
Degree Program: A.B.
Research Interests: Cellular function and microbiology
Bio: My name is Haya, and I am a part of the Class of 2027. I’m from Buffalo, NY with an unfortunate dislike for the winter. I’m majoring in molecular biology because the intricacy of cells and the details you find in this subject are fascinating to me. My research has always been geared towards immunology, whether cancer or the disease of the gut microbiome. Knowing I can contribute in some small way to the health of others means a lot to me. When I’m not in the lab, I’m usually in and out of coffee shops (my favorite places to study!) or hanging out with my friends.
Posts by Haya Elamir coming soon
Advik Eswaran ’27
Natural Sciences Correspondent
Concentration: Geosciences
Degree Program: A.B.
Research Interests: Glaciology, Paleoclimate, Climate Science, Machine Learning, Earth History
Bio: My name is Advik, and I’m a sophomore from the Seattle area. I’m interested in researching how Earth’s climate has changed in the past, so that we can better understand how it might change in the future. Currently, I’m part of the Maloof Research Group, where I work on developing machine learning methods to reconstruct ancient fossils; I’ve also been involved with research at the University of Washington on reconstructing Antarctic snowfall trends since the onset of anthropogenic climate change. Outside of research, you can find me competitively sailing, wandering around the outdoors, or reading.
Posts by Advik Eswaran coming soon
Yubi Mamiya ’26
Engineering Correspondent
Concentration: Computer Science
Certificate Program/Minor: Engineering Biology, Global Health and Health Policy
Degree Program: B.S.E.
Research interests: Artificial Intelligence, Neurotechnology, Disease and Disorders, Mental Health, Reproductive Justice, Healthcare, Educational Equity, Sustainability, Music and Art in Social Movements
Bio: I’m Yubi and I’m a sophomore from Shoreline, WA interested in computer science. I hope to develop artificial intelligence-based software that improves the effectiveness and accessibility of healthcare for underserved communities. Outside of research, I love singing at Saturday Morning Arts, running with Princeton Running Club, and reading.
Nathan Nguyen ’27
Engineering Correspondent
Concentration: Chemical and Biological Engineering
Degree Program: B.S.E.
Certificate Programs: Sustainable Energy, Bioengineering
Research Interests: Bioengineering, Biomolecular Engineering, Chemical Reaction Engineering, Renewable Energy, Machine Learning and AI
Bio: Hi everyone! I’m Nathan, and I hail all the way from Hanoi, Vietnam. Before Princeton, though, I lived in the sunshine city of Brisbane, Australia. I am most interested in topics related to sustainability and renewable energy. In my free time, I sing Baritone for Princeton’s FRESHEST low-voice acapella group, the Princeton Footnotes, upcycle and thrift clothes, and hike with friends.
Posts by Nathan Nguyen coming soon
Stanley Stoutamire ’27
Social Sciences Correspondent
Concentration: TBD
Degree Program: A.B.
Certificate Programs: TBD
Research Interests: Rural Medicine; Healthcare Equity; Neglected American History; Social Implications of Meteorology; Narrative Fantasy
Bio: My name is Stanley and I am a sophomore from the Birmingham, Alabama area. My most recent research has been focused on eliminating inequalities in health outcomes, but I have a variety of interests that I am always glad to talk about! When I’m not working on academics you can find me singing with the Glee club, spending time with the Trenton Youth Orchestra, or enjoying a good book.
Posts by Stanley Stoutamire coming soon
Angel Toasakul ’27
Natural Sciences Correspondent
Concentration: Neuroscience
Degree Program: A.B.
Certificate Programs: Planets and Life, Cognitive Science
Research Interests: Neuroscience, Memory, Cognitive Science, Neurochemistry, Neurobiology, Healthcare
Bio: My name is Angel, and I’m a member of the Class of 2027 from Bangkok, Thailand. As a neuroscience major with aspirations in healthcare, I am passionate about the brain and its functions, particularly in relation to memory and cognition. In high school, I conducted a behavioral and psychological study on how recalling positive memories influences creativity, sparking my interest in research. Currently, I am part of the Norman Lab, where I work on utilizing fMRI neurofeedback to understand memory pathways and induce unwanted memory suppression in PTSD patients. Outside of research, I spend my time volunteering both on and off campus and serving as an International Center Leader, organizing International Orientation for incoming students and coordinating cultural activities on campus throughout the year. In my free time, I love getting lost in a good book and discovering new favorite reading spots around campus.
Posts by Angel Toasakul coming soon
Alexis Wu ’25
Engineering Correspondent
Concentration: Computer Science
Degree Program: B.S.E.
Research Interests: Applications of Computing, Machine Learning, Computer Systems, Public Policy, Game Theory, Ethics, Art History
Bio: My name is Alexis and I am a senior from San Diego, California. I am passionate about integrating my interests in technology and policy to tackle critical issues such as algorithmic fairness and the ethical development of technologies. This is my third year with PCUR, and the articles I’ve written over these years capture the evolution of my academic and research interests. I hope there is an article that excites you, and I would love to hear from our readers about topics they would like to see more of. On campus, I am currently the Undergraduate President of Colonial Club and a student tour guide for the Princeton University Art Museum.
— Virginia Cobbs, Chief Correspondent
