Maraki Solomon

Generated reproducible extracellular vesicle (EV) data from U87MG glioblastoma cells, as measured by NTA size and concentration profiles across 8 hydrogel conditions plus a TCPS control (3 samples each), by maintaining cultures under aseptic technique in a BSL-2 biosafety cabinet (T75 flasks, passage 5, ~80% confluency) and isolating EVs from serum-starved conditioned media with the Qiagen exoRNeasy kit Verified EV isolation purity, as measured by marker bands (HSP90, flotillin-2, CD9) and absence of the cellular contaminant IκBα, by running Western blots of EV isolates against whole-cell lysates Characterized EV populations, as measured by 10 trials per sample on a NanoSight NS300, by performing nanoparticle tracking analysis and confirming particles fell in the expected 30–200 nm range

Student Research CuTE Lab at Harvey Mudd College (2025-01 – Present)

• Generated reproducible extracellular vesicle (EV) data from U87MG glioblastoma cells, as measured by NTA size and concentration profiles across 8 hydrogel conditions plus a TCPS control (3 samples each), by maintaining cultures under aseptic technique in a BSL-2 biosafety cabinet (T75 flasks, passage 5, ~80% confluency) and isolating EVs from serum-starved conditioned media with the Qiagen exoRNeasy kit
• Verified EV isolation purity, as measured by marker bands (HSP90, flotillin-2, CD9) and absence of the cellular contaminant IκBα, by running Western blots of EV isolates against whole-cell lysates
• Characterized EV populations, as measured by 10 trials per sample on a NanoSight NS300, by performing nanoparticle tracking analysis and confirming particles fell in the expected 30–200 nm range
• Improved hydrogel reproducibility, as measured by >95% polymerization within a 90 s exposure by using pipetting and centrifugation protocols (aspirate-centrifuge cycles, tip placement) for precise reagent volumes in sterile 6-well plate preparation
• Currently co-authoring a technical memo and manuscript on how hydrogel modulus alters U87MG exosomal miRNA content
• Presented research at BMES 2025 and 2026 poster sessions

Team Member at Experimental Engineering (2026-01 – 2026-05)

• Contributed to an autonomous surface vehicle for environmental monitoring at Dana Point Beach, as measured by 2 field tests, by designing the frame in CAD (SolidWorks), then building and testing it
• Enabled water-quality data collection, by testing the pH sensor and designing a mounting stand for the turbidity sensor

Intern at NASA Langley Research Center (2024-05 – 2024-07)

• Led cross-functional student team in developing mission architecture and technical requirements for Mars return mission proposal
• Conducted comprehensive research synthesis and technical documentation, producing detailed mission planning materials
• Mentored team members in resource allocation and timeline optimization, demonstrating project management proficiency
• Collaborated across multidisciplinary teams during high-pressure project phases, ensuring deliverable quality and deadline adherence
• Applied systems thinking and analytical problem-solving to complex aerospace engineering challenges

Alt. Student Representative at Stafford County School Board (2022-12 – 2023-12)

• Represented constituency of 30,000+ students, serving as liaison between student body and district leadership
• Participated in strategic planning sessions addressing budget allocation, policy development, and organizational improvements
• Collaborated with board members and administrators to implement evidence-based decisions impacting educational outcomes
• Demonstrated advocacy, stakeholder management, and professional communication skills in formal governance setting

Instructor at Mathnasium (2022-06 – 2024-07)

• Delivered customized instructional programming across diverse student populations and learning levels
• Implemented learning strategies and assessment materials to maximize student outcomes and knowledge retention
• Translated complex quantitative concepts for varied audiences, demonstrating strong communication skills

BS in Engineering – Harvey Mudd College (2028)