Welcome back to PCUR! We are very excited to start the new year with some great posts starting this week, so check your email Tuesday morning for the first post of the academic year.
Bottom, from left to right: Alison Fortenberry, Gabriel Ascoli, Shannon Yeow, and Haya Elamir.
I have the pleasure of welcoming back PCUR correspondents Gabriel Ascoli ’27, Haya Elamir ’27, Stanley Stoutamire ’27, Angel Toasakul ’27, and Shannon Yeow ’26, as well as introducing new members Alison Fortenberry ’26 and Aishah Shahid ’28.
I am also very excited to join the team again as Chief Correspondent! Stay tuned for PCUR posts to engage with our perspectives on research, from reflections on summer internship experiences to bits of advice on junior and senior thesis work at Princeton. Learn a little more about each correspondent below:
Rebecca Cho ’26
Chief Correspondent
Concentration: Geosciences
Degree Program: A.B.
Research Interests: Isotopic Reconstruction of Marine Biogeochemistry and Ecology, Climate Science, Climate Storytelling, Environmental Narrative
Bio: I am a senior from Long Island, New York, studying Geosciences. My research interests lie in using the isotopic record to understand marine ecosystems and how both our planet and organisms (like ancient sharks!) respond to environmental shifts. My current project focuses on developing carbon isotopic signatures from enameloid-bound organic matter in fossil shark teeth as a biogeochemical proxy. By analyzing this record, I aim to learn more about the ecological roles and dietary behaviors of sharks in the past. I am also passionate about exploring how broader environmental shifts influence human health and shape societal narratives. Outside the lab, I love discovering new music, playing the cello and piano, and traveling. On campus, you can usually find me dancing, performing with La Vie (our campus cello group), or grabbing a coffee at Small World!
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 junior from Northern Virginia. I’m interested in ancient Greek and Roman literature and philosophy to answer philosophical questions about life, love, medicine, and death (think famous physicians such as Hippocrates or Galen, as well as philosophers and poets!). I hope to combine both humanistic elements from such work and scientific research to find answers that will help people at the moments where they most need it. In light of this goal, I’ve pursued a broad amount of research. I’ve worked as part of the Kang lab at Princeton, investigating how we can harness the human immune system and bolster it to attack breast tumors. This past summer, I was involved with clinical research at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, working to create more effective and pragmatic chemotherapy treatments for children diagnosed with high-risk leukemia. I’ve also conducted research in microbiology (developing a solution to antibiotic-resistant bacteria), and classics (on topics such as the connection between ancient Roman literature and modern-day white supremacy, the trauma following the death of loved ones in Homer’s Iliad, or determinants of status and worth in Petronius’ Satyricon). In high school, I was also in an oceanography lab, working with endangered trout and benthic macroinvertebrates! At Princeton, you’ll find me jogging, taking excessively long walks, or taking advantage of free coffee somewhere.
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.
Alison Fortenberry ’26
Social Sciences Correspondent
Concentration: African American Studies
Degree Program: A.B.
Certificate Programs: Religion, American Studies, and English
Research Interests: African American History, 20th-Century American History, American Religious History
Bio: My name is Alison, and I’m a member of the Class of 2026 from Philadelphia. My research is rooted in a passion for uncovering forgotten Black American histories and bringing them to the forefront. This is primarily grounded in archival research, but I enjoy using a wide range of methodologies from the humanities, digital humanities, and social sciences. On campus, I’m also a PAA for Butler College, an associate essay editor for a literary journal called Mélange, and a peer mentor for PUMP. In my free time, you can usually find me reading or doing jigsaw puzzles.
Aishah Shahid ’28
Engineering Correspondent
Concentration: Electrical and Computer Engineering
Degree Program: B.S.E.
Certificate Programs: Circuits and Systems and Entrepreneurship / Religion
Research Interests: Health Technology, Food Systems, Public Relations, Sociopolitical Structures
Bio: Hey, everyone! I’m Aishah, a first-year student planning to major in Electrical and Computer Engineering. I’m from Houston, TX—home of the Houston rodeo and where there’s always something new to explore (if you’re ever visiting and need recs, I’ve got you!). My research interests live at the intersection of technology and social impact—I’ve worked on projects ranging from microwave cancer detection to understanding how local food systems can better support underserved communities. On campus, I’m involved with the Engineering Council and the Muslim Students Association, both of which have been incredible spaces to connect with others and grow. When I’m not writing or deep in a podcast rabbit hole, you’ll probably find me reading Agatha Christie or hanging out in the Forbes backyard. I’m so excited to be part of PCUR and can’t wait to share the stories behind the amazing research happening at Princeton!
Stanley Stoutamire ’27
Social Sciences Correspondent
Concentration: Medical Anthropology
Degree Program: A.B.
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.
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. In high school, I conducted a behavioral study on how recalling positive memories influences creativity, sparking my interest in research. I joined the Computational Memory Lab in my freshman year, where I’ve been helping with utilizing fMRI neurofeedback to understand suppression-induced forgetting and intrusive thought inhibition. Currently, I’m planning my junior paper and senior thesis journey in the lab and very excited to pursue a new challenge with a more independent role.
Shannon Yeow ’26
Engineering Correspondent
Concentration: Computer Science
Degree Program: B.S.E.
Research Interests: Artificial Intelligence, Human-Computer Interaction, Robotics and Autonomous Systems, Avionics and Spaceflight Software, Quantum and Emerging Technologies, Technology and Society, Climate Change, Environmental Sustainability, Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technologies, Food Systems and Agriculture
Bio: My name is Shannon Yeow, and I’m from San Diego, California. I am most interested in how research and innovation shape human futures, from advances in artificial intelligence, robotics, and spaceflight to efforts addressing climate change, renewable energy, and sustainable food systems. At the center of my work is a curiosity about how technology, society, and the world around us intersect, and what these intersections reveal about both possibility and responsibility.
Outside of research, I am involved in student government, dance, and various mentorship communities on campus. I also enjoy photography and spending time outdoors, whether hiking, playing sports, or exploring new places.
