Raquel dos Santos

The Kawasaki Disease Research Center fosters excellence in care for patients with Kawasaki Disease (KD) - a rare pediatric cardiovascular condition characterized by inflammation of the blood vessels - and supports clinical, laboratory, and epidemiologic investigation into the etiology, pathophysiology, and natural history of the disease. Leading a first-author manuscript on geospatial climate outcomes and onset age groups. Physician shadowing in pediatric and adult cardiology. Strengthened quantitative skills with large-scale datasets in REDCap and Epic, and preparing to apply Principal Component Analysis and K-means clustering. Engaged in interdisciplinary collaboration with climate scientists and bioinformaticians. Deepened appreciation for translational research and reaffirms goal to bridge patient care, cardiometabolic disparities research, and context-informed interventions.

Co-founded and operate a student-run, adult-guided fiscally sponsored nonprofit empowering the next generation of women in STEM through real-world career exploration, impact-minded leadership development, and scholarships. We aim to cultivate a diverse, inclusive STEM workforce where girls and young women - especially those from underrepresented backgrounds - have the confidence, skills, and networks not only enter STEM, but to thrive as innovators and leaders. Lead a national team of HQ Student Leaders, collaborate with Advisory Board, oversee career exploration matches between students and professionals, lead strategic partnership initiatives, recruit & manage global high school chapters, spearhead fundraising efforts, and direct member communications. To date, facilitated 1,000+ matches in consulting projects, one-on-one mentorships, webinars, & in-person events, directly benefiting 600+ students and engaging 80+ professional role models across 16 global high school chapters. Global impact with reach across 8 countries (U.S., India, Kenya, Canada, Turkey, Egypt, Pakistan, Tanzania). Raised over $200,000 in funding to support program expansion and long-term sustainability. Second-author of 1 peer-reviewed publication on the effectiveness of Scientella’s model in reducing the STEM gender gap.

Translational cardiovascular research aimed at improving outcomes for patients with congenital heart disease. Apply Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), 3D anatomical modeling, and patient-specific simulations to study Fontan physiology and generate predictive insights that inform long-term surgical planning and care. Analyze longitudinal heart vessel morphology and hemodynamics using ScanIP for MRI-derived 3D reconstructions and MATLAB/Abaqus for computational simulations of geometry, wall stress, and growth dynamics. Produce data-driven findings to support growth-aware conduit design and improve clinical decision-making. Lead and mentor the lab's CFD Group, providing oversight, training, and technical guidance in modeling workflows, research methodology, and quantitative analysis. Coordinate cross-team collaboration, troubleshoot computational pipelines, manage large-scale file systems, and support the professional development of undergraduate researchers. Conduct systematic literature reviews and scientific writing, contributing to an output of 3 publications, 1 oral presentation, and 5 poster presentations at prominent conferences. Ongoing involvement post-graduation as manuscript support lead for first-author Fontan publication. Developed a passion for patient-specific research and the potential of predictive medicine to transform cardiovascular care.

Clinical research aimed at improving care for chronic disease patients - particularly those with asthma, COPD, and diabetes - through the development and implementation of patient- and system-level interventions. Supported the Technology Survey team in assessing patient access to technology and electronic health literacy by screening eligible participants in EPIC/REDCap and conducting both remote and in-person patient interviews. Engage directly with medically vulnerable communities on Chicago's South Side to understand barriers to self-management and digital engagement. Contributed to literature reviews and data screening/extraction to support research on enhancing patient education and reducing readmissions for individuals with chronic disease. Through firsthand clinical experience, deepened my understanding of the lived challenges faced by underserved populations and the essential role of community-engaged research in improving outcomes.

Drive ALMA’s mission to build community among Latinx pre-med students, promote professional development, and advance medical advocacy for underserved populations in the Chicagoland area. Develop and lead educational programming for general meetings, focusing on health disparities affecting Latinx communities and the underrepresentation of Latinx individuals in medicine. Coordinate guest speakers featuring healthcare professionals to enhance awareness, encourage informed discussions, and inspire members to become future leaders in Hispanic/Latinx health equity.

Lead volunteer outreach and partnership initiatives for an organization dedicated to fostering a love for STEM among elementary students from low-income communities in Chicago. Weekly hands-on STEM experiments designed to bridge the socioeconomic gap in STEM education by making science accessible and engaging to inspire the next generation of scientists. Provide Spanish translation for Spanish-only speaking students, ensuring equitable participation in lessons.

Directed the planning and coordination of weekly sisterhood activities for a 150-member sorority chapter, fostering strong relationships and a sense of community to enhance chapter cohesion and member engagement. Managed the sisterhood activity calendar, ensuring alignment with chapter goals and member interests.

Assays & Development intern for Bionano Genomics, a mission-driven biotech company working to transform the way the world sees the genome by providing genome analysis solutions, diagnostic services, and software. Developed an enzymatic activity assay for DNA Methyltransferase (DLE-1), integral to Bionano’s Direct Label and Stain (DLS) technology, contributing to advancements in genomic research. Gained hands-on experience with high molecular weight DNA isolation, labeling protocols, and Saphyr chip loading & runs. Conducted data analysis and interpretation, presenting valuable insights to improve assay precision and development.

Remote intern for Navega Therapeutics, a biotech start-up crafting a CRISPR gene therapy that increases pain tolerance and lowers pain levels for people suffering from chronic or severe pain. Conducted a comparative analysis of neuronal populations in the dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord, and brain across three species: mice, non-human primates, and humans. Reviewed and synthesized data from peer-reviewed scientific literature to investigate species-specific differences in neuron distribution and density. Created a 21-page final report with key information, graphs, and citations that will facilitate Navega’s CRISPR gene therapy clinical trial transition from mice to non-human primates to humans.

Non-profit organization aiding underprivileged, homeless children through school supply/toiletry donations purchased with tutoring revenue. Tutored 5 kids in a variety of subjects for 50 hours & personally raised $700. Managed a website & social media page, as well as coordinated matches between students & tutors. Participated in donation trips. Created a GoFundMe campaign that raised $2,486 for the UCSD COVID-19 Emergency Response Fund, which utilizes donations to expand clinical testing & develop treatments/vaccines. Donation matched by a private foundation to double impact.

Genetics Specialization, Health and Society Minor, Pre-Med

Honor Roll