Pre-Med · Researcher · EMT

Aliya
Nagaria

Molecular Biology & Biochemistry, Rutgers Honors College

A first-year honors student at Rutgers University with a passion for biomedical research, clinical medicine, and community service. Currently investigating the microbiome's role in early-life hepatic development at CABM and serving as a certified EMT.

CABM Researcher NREMT Certified 4× Published Honors College Pre-Med
4+
Research Publications
650+
Research Hours
250+
EMT Hours
3.6
University GPA
Contact
aliyanagaria@gmail.com ann71@scarletmail.rutgers.edu (732) 773-2888
Toms River, NJ · Rutgers University, New Brunswick
01 ——

Research
Experience

Oct 2024 – Present
Undergraduate Research Assistant
CABM · Blaser Laboratory, Rutgers University
Working with PhD candidate Meifan Zhang on early-life antibiotic-induced obesity, focusing on adipose tissue, liver function, and antibiotic resistance comparisons between conventional and germ-free mice. Dedicating 10–12 hours per week.
Jun – Jul 2025
CABM SURE Summer Researcher
Center for Advanced Biomedical Research, Rutgers
400-hour intensive summer research program investigating the role of the microbiome in early-life hepatic development. Collected, analyzed, and presented findings to a panel of expert judges — awarded 1st place in category at the SURE 2025 Poster Symposium.
🏆 1st Place · SURE 2025 Symposium
Dec 2022 – Jun 2023
Independent Fatty Liver Disease Research
Collaboration with UCLA PhD Candidate Emily Peluso-Smith
Researched the effects of gut bacterial variations on progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), focusing on metabolism, obesity, cardiovascular pathology, and T2 diabetes.
Published · Journal of High School Science
Jun – Sep 2023
Cambridge International Research Scholar
With Dr. Akman, PhD (Pharmacology) & Dr. Tuncer, PhD (Molecular Biology)
Independently researched the effect of CDKN2A — a gene regulating protein production and cell growth — on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), an aggressive and often fatal form of brain cancer.
Published · Curieux Academic Journal, May 2024
Aug – Sep 2023
Student Researcher · Rutgers vWISE
Rutgers University
Utilized DNA sequencing platforms including 4Peaks to isolate DNA from duckweed (Landoltia punctata), identify specific coding regions, and contribute sequence data to the scientific community.
2× Published · National Library of Medicine
May – Sep 2022
Research Assistant
Amici Research Company
Collected and organized clinical data from 100+ patient records during virtual physician visits for an Alzheimer's drug trial, transferring entries to research databases to support novel drug development.
02 ——

Research
Publications

Journal of High School Science
2023
Can cirrhosis secondary to NASH be related to the alteration of bile acids caused by bacterial dysbiosis?
Curieux Academic Journal
May 2024, Part I
Introduction to CDKN2A
National Library of Medicine
2023
Landoltia punctata clone WJ09ANJ4.18 sequence, mRNA sequence
National Library of Medicine
2023
Landoltia punctata clone WJ09ANJ3.18 myo-inositol-1-phosphate synthase-like mRNA, partial sequence
03 ——

Medical
Experience

EMT · Work
Nationally Registered EMT
Quality Medical Transport · May 2025 – Present
Completed the nationally recognized EMT course and passed the NREMT exam. Holds BLS & CPR certification. Provides pre-hospital emergency care, assesses patient conditions, administers first aid, and ensures safe transport to medical facilities.
250+ hours completed
Volunteering
Emergency Room Student Volunteer
Robert Wood Johnson Hospital · Dec 2024 – Present
Supporting ER operations through patient visits, gift shop management, and directing and escorting visitors. Dedicated 8 hours per week to hospital service.
8 hrs/week · Ongoing
Shadowing
Clinical Shadow · Internal Medicine
Dr. Rimmi Sobti, M.D. · Community Medical Center · 2023 & 2024
Observed clinical and office procedures in internal medicine. Learned patient interaction best practices, and documented patient data in the patient portal to support efficient test result turnaround.
50 hours shadowed
Volunteering
Volunteer & Nurse's Aid
Rose Garden Nursing Home & Rehabilitation Center · Mar – Oct 2023
Assisted with resident meals, verified medication dosages, alerted nursing staff to patient concerns, and tracked essential supplies for care and activities. Built meaningful relationships with long-term residents.
~250 hours accumulated
04 ——

Honors &
Awards

2021 – 2023
Gold Medal Congressional Award
U.S. Congress — Completed 400 hrs service, 200 hrs personal development, 200 hrs fitness, and planned a 5-day international trip.
2025
SURE 2025 Symposium — 1st Place
Awarded first place in category for presentation of microbiome and early-life hepatic development research to CABM faculty and expert judges.
May 2023
Certificate of Merit
Society of Women Engineers — Demonstrated excellence in AP Chemistry and AP Calculus, with active participation in teacher review sessions.
July 2023
AP Scholar with Honor
College Board — AP Chemistry (4), AP Calculus AB (4), AP Lang & Comp (4), AP Seminar (3).
2023 – 2024
National Honors Society
Participated in Rowan University Biomedical Engineering summer program exploring AI's future role in surgery and medical innovation.
2020 – 2024
High School Swim Awards
Rookie of the Year (Fr.), Highest Point Scorer (So. & Jr.), Captain's Award and MVP (Sr.) — Toms River East Lady Raiders.
05 ——

Leadership &
Activities

Executive Board
Zeta Tau Alpha — VP Inclusion & Belonging
Championed diversity and equity initiatives; also serves as Director of Virtual Recruitment, liaising with 600+ potential new members.
Mar 2025 – Present
Executive Board
Rutgers Panhellenic — VP Programming
Leads large-scale cross-chapter events fostering unity across Panhellenic; manages logistics, budgets, and campus partnerships.
Jan 2026 – Present
Director of Service
Global Surgery Student Alliance
Bridges gaps in global surgical access through community service projects and outreach, connecting local organizations to address health equity.
Aug 2025 – Present
Certified Sitter
Rutgers Seeing Eye Puppy Club
Trains and socializes guide dog puppies through weekly meetings and certified sitting sessions — 2–3 hrs/week.
Sep 2024 – Present
Competitive Swimmer
Rutgers University Club Swim Team
Training toward a club national qualifying time in butterfly events. 5 hrs/week across team and individual morning practices.
Sep 2024 – Present
President / 4-Year Member
Key Club — Toms River High School East
Led year-long school supply drives (400+ items donated), Color Runs, beach clean-ups, and food drives. Recipient of the Greater Kiwanis Scholarship.
Sep 2020 – Jun 2024