top of page
  • Instagram

MEET THE FOUNDERS

Naomi Shim

FOUNDER & HEAD CHAIRMAN

Naomi Shim is a senior at University City High School.  As a research assistant at the Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Research Institute in San Diego, California, she is investigating the role of the lncRNA EPR as a potential onco-suppressor within colorectal cancer cells.  Under the guidance of Dr. Roberto Gherzi, Naomi has performed experiments exposing the pertaining molecule’s role in regulating gene expression: inhibiting uncontrolled cell proliferation, enabling apoptosis, and propagating the differentiation of stem cells in afflicted regions of the colon. With over 800 hours in the lab committed to carcinogenesis research on the aforementioned project, Naomi’s data and subsequent findings will be consolidated in a publication later this year.  Additionally, under Dr. Lorenzo Puri, she assists in research initiatives exploring epigenetic regulation in neuromuscular diseases. One of 16 students throughout San Diego selected by the California Institute of Regenerative Medicine for a prestigious internship, Naomi was selected to present her research at a statewide California regenerative medicine conference in August 2024.

​

​

Naomi Shim Headshot (2).png

​​

Further, endorsed by an internship with the Child Mind Institute, Naomi investigated covert biases and stigma within cross-cultural perspectives of mental health, conducting an independently designed research study to discover how generational length of American residence impacts the likelihood of teenagers seeking mental health treatment. Alongside a team of three other students, she compiled the collected data into a research paper that delved into the obscure nuances of this novel topic, later presenting her research poster to a panel of judges.  Naomi continues her research in psychology with the Child Mind Institute into the 2025-2026 school year.

​

Additionally, Naomi is a HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America) Co-President for the chapter established within University City High School after qualifying for the state conference two years in a row, proceeding to place fourth in the state of California for the 2025 student leadership conference.  She additionally won the Barbara James Service Award for her community service at the renowned Sharp Memorial and Sharp Mary Birch Hospitals.  In the duration of 14 months, Naomi has devoted over 250 hours to serving patients and providing comfort where patient-provider mistrust remains pervasive.

​

Feel free to reach out: naomishim.work@gmail.com!​

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/naomi-shim

 

View some of Naomi's work below.

bottom of page