Honors Project learning community student KyiLei Aye has made extraordinary strides at College of San Mateo (CSM). This fall, KyiLei received a prestigious internship at Stanford University’s Winetraub Lab, where she worked on cutting-edge computational biology research. Her exceptional contributions earned her recognition as a co-author on a published scholarly paper—a significant milestone for any aspiring researcher. She was joined in this achievement by fellow CSM and CORE student Emilie Manning, who also served as a co-author.

KyiLei’s journey to CSM began two years ago when she relocated to the Bay Area from Los Angeles to pursue her passion for computer science. Reflecting on her inspiration, KyiLei shared, “After my sister’s cancer diagnosis, I became interested in biology and cancer research. That led me to apply for the Community College Outreach Program (CCOP), which gives students like me hands-on research opportunities at Stanford University labs.”

CCOP was established by two Stanford University developmental Biology Ph.D. students in collaboration with the CSM MESA (Mathematics, Engineering, Science Achievement) program. The program strives to provide community college students with access to research experiences typically reserved for four-year universities. CSM’s MESA program was key in creating a pathway for first-generation and historically excluded students to join world-class research labs at Stanford University.

Under the CCOP umbrella, a specific internship track is called CORE (CCOP Opportunities in Research Engagement). Through CCOP-CORE, students like KyiLei receive hands-on lab experience, benefit from the mentorship of Stanford faculty and graduate students, and contribute to leading-edge research that shapes the future of science and engineering.

Her time at the Winetraub Lab was both challenging and rewarding. As a computer science student with limited biology experience, KyiLei initially felt out of her depth. However, her dedication and curiosity helped her thrive. “I analyzed skin images using machine learning models, specifically large language and imaging models, to help detect skin cancer non-invasively,” she explained. Her innovative work, alongside guidance from mentors, was groundbreaking: “I was the first in the lab to test these models, and despite limited resources, I explored new techniques, attended conferences, and reached out to researchers across campus.”

KyiLei’s academic growth has been deeply tied to her participation in CSM’s Honors Project learning community. “I joined because I wanted research experience early in my academic journey. The Honors Project allowed me to work on AI and machine learning projects while building confidence in my skills.”

Throughout her time at CSM, supportive professors and counselors played a pivotal role in her success. She credits her CIS instructor, Kamran Eftekhari, for his encouragement: “KyiLei’s work is truly exceptional, and I am confident that her dedication and skills will make a significant impact in her field.”

Looking ahead, KyiLei plans to transfer to a UC next fall, with UC Berkeley as her dream school. Her ultimate goal is to pursue computational biology, bridging computer science and pathology to advance medical research. “I want to give back to underrepresented communities with my knowledge. Success, to me, is using what I learn to make a difference.”

KyiLei leaves future students with this advice, “Believe in yourself. Before coming to CSM, I lacked confidence, but meeting mentors and peers here has taught me that self-belief is the key to achieving your goals.”

As KyiLei prepares for the next chapter, she reflects on her time at CSM with gratitude: “The supportive professors and resources have been invaluable. I’ll always cherish the sense of community here.”

KyiLei also spent her winter break applying to the Stanford Undergrad Research Conference. She is thrilled to have been accepted to present her research at the conference, which will be held from April 11 to 13.

We commend KyiLei for her remarkable achievements and contributions and look forward to her future successes!