Narissa D. Puran

Polytechnic Institute of NYU, Class of 2008
High School: Townsend Harris High School, Class of 2004
Jamaica, Queens

I am pursuing a dual-degree in Bio-molecular Science (BS) and Biomedical Engineering (MS). I plan to be become a physician and medical researcher after graduating from Polytechnic Institute of NYU and am beginning the process of applying to medical school. As the president of Alchemists Anonymous, a science-based student organization, I work with other students to help younger students develop an appreciation for the sciences and raise funds to support scientific research and patient support initiatives. I am currently a research student in the Polytechnic Optical Diagnostics Laboratory. My research project involves the characterization of polymers used to immobilize chemo-sensitive dyes into Fiber Optics Chemical Sensors (FOCS). These sensors can be used for in-situ health monitoring of bridges and tunnels and in a variety of fiber-optic based medical devices. In May 2007, I presented my research at the World Forum on Smart Materials and Smart Structures Conference in China. I was also a 2007 candidate for the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship. The Goldwater Scholarship is the premier nationally competitive, federally funded scholarship for outstanding undergraduates in the sciences and engineering. The Honors College of Polytechnic Institute of NYU has been a constant source of guidance and support for me in my college experience and I would highly encourage students to choose this program for their undergraduate career.