Yurika Sakai

The Oliver Lab is focused on understanding the biology of under-studied subtypes of lung cancer, specifically squamous and small cell lung cancer (SCLC).

Developing a Roadmap for Goals of Care Conversations at Duke Health (the School of Medicine and the School of Nursing).

Help develop programming and discuss technical rules for competitions to foster growth of U.S. synchronized skating athletes. Member of two working groups: DREAM Camps and Athlete Programming, Synchronized Media/Skating Magazine.

Surveyed Bronx community residents as part of research on the impact of Covid-19 on health care accessibility; designed new infographics and distributional flyers for youth cancer prevention; volunteered at free cancer-screening events and BOLD Beauty Day.

Captain of Team USA synchronized ice skating team, Skyliners Junior (2021-2023). Silver medalist at 2022 World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships. Bronze medalist at 2023 World Junior Synchronized Skating Championships. 3x U.S. National Champion. Triple Gold Medalist in Freestyle, Moves in the Field, and Solo Free Dance.

One of 3 honorees selected from 24 national scholars to present my research, "Employed, Educated, Healthy, and Unhappy- Explaining Low Levels of Life Satisfaction in Japan," at the culminating Japan Day event.

5.1 GPA | 1570 SAT • Perkins Silver Catalyst Award • Williams College Book Award • GHS Honors Symphony Orchestra and Honors String Ensemble • CT Western Region Orchestra (2021, 2022) and CT All State Orchestra (2021) • President of the Portrait Project club • AP Scholar with Distinction • National Honor Society