Leyla Rasheed

Pronouns: she/her

Current Research Project: My research interests center on systems biology and specifically spatial omics, where I use computational methods to develop models and analyze datasets with the long-term goal of advancing new cell therapies. My technical background in computer science, with a concentration in machine learning and AI and a minor in statistics, has prepared me to work on interdisciplinary projects at the intersection of computation and biology. In the Hickey Lab, I focus on applying mathematics and machine learning to high-dimensional datasets, including genomics, proteomics, and imaging-based modalities. Currently, I am working with data types such as scRNA-seq, spatial proteomics, and cryo-EM to better understand tissue organization and function. Looking ahead, I plan to continue this work in graduate school, pursuing research that applies AI/ML to spatial biology.

How she got involved with research: I first became interested in research after working on a systems biology project predicting breast cancer recurrence in CS 216: Everything Data, during my sophomore fall. Wanting to continue with computational biology, I applied through Muser and joined Dr. John Hickey’s newly started BME lab. There, I began modeling spatial proteomics to predict tissue structure and got funding to work full-time in the lab over the summer of 2024. I have since continued through independent study credit, presenting posters, preparing a manuscript, and now planning a thesis. Beyond my own projects, I have taken on leadership roles mentoring younger students on two separate projects in the lab, which has deepened my commitment to research, prepared me to continue in this field at the graduate level, and make an impact in organizations such as the URS SAC.