Rishi Kanchi

Digital Scholars was an intensive summer program that empowered me to develop computing skills, bolster college and career readiness, and forge connections within Chicago's dynamic tech sphere. Participating in the Data Science Discovery course, I explored data visualization, analysis, and glimpses of machine learning, culminating in a final project on Startup Unicorns. Through daily interactions, I connected with the city's tech influencers, engaged in weekly workshops spanning AI, machine learning, data science, and gained insights from leading tech incubators. Beyond the curriculum, I honed communication, teamwork, and networking abilities, fostering a holistic skill set for professional readiness.

The Boston University RISE Practicum combines lab work with instructor-led lectures to provide the opportunity to conduct research. In addition to workshops, I participated in weekly activities such as industry site tours and research talks. To create my final poster titled "Modeling the Effects of Astrocytic GLT-1 Downregulation and Therapeutic Agents on Tripartite Synapse in ALS," I worked with a group of peers to create a Python Ordinary Differential Equation model of a small brain circuit called the tripartite synapse. Then, we modeled the effects of ALS and various drugs with ALS to analyze the effectiveness of possible treatments. Finally, we presented our findings to professors and other visitors at the BU RISE poster symposium.