I'm a first generation American and soaring college freshman at the University of Michigan. I'm majoring in neuroscience and on the pre-med track. I'm interested in medical journalism and am passionate about diverse learning environments, underserved communities, and learning about other people's struggles. I'm looking for research opportunities that include or combine my passions for neuroscience, medicine, and writing.
Latest Projects
● Synthesis of "three-legged" tri-dentate podand ligands incorporating long-chain aliphatic moieties, for water remediators, and for isolating metal ions in non-aqueous solution
In this Flint water crisis-inspired and green chemistry research project, a group of high schoolers, including me, created a molecule that binds to other molecules, called a ligand, capable of removing harmful substances from tainted water. We worked with Mark Benvenuto, Ph.D. at the University of Detroit Mercy to uphold the principles of green chemistry by creating a ligand that is cheap, easy-to-use, and environmentally-friendly. Our goal was to positively impact Michiganders affected by the Flint water crisis.
The poster below showcases our findings.
Check the checkbox to read more.
Our research showed that if our ligand could pull metal ions into a nonpolar solution called monoglyme, it should be able to pull metal ions out of aqueous solution. I received the 2017 American Chemical Society Ciba Travel Grant in Green Chemistry as the first high schooler recipient. This grant covers the costs for me to attend the American Chemical Society National Meeting in Boston, Massachusetts. Also, my abstract was accepted into the Sci-Mix and Division of Environmental Chemistry poster sessions. The Sci-Mix poster session consists of abstracts selected by division program chairs and represents the most exceptional abstracts submitted to participating divisions.
Our research will be published in Green Chemistry Education: Recent Developments.
Additional information: My group and I also presented at the ACS Central Regional Conference in Dearborn, Michigan as the only high school group. Click here to view our abstract from the conference.
The poster below showcases our findings.
● Controlling gene expression in an in-vivo model organism
I received a full-tuition scholarship and conducted extensive, ten-day, graduate-level developmental neuroscience research with a group of high schoolers. I collaborated with the scientific community, including predecessors in the program, to present research and publish data. We conducted our research at Coastal Marine Biolabs through the NeuroLab Program, which is funded by the National Institutes of Health, and we were supervised by Ralph Imondi, Ph.D. and Linda Santschi, Ph.D.
● Role of the microRNA-183/96/182 cluster in pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced keratitis
I worked with others to examine the role of microRNA in bacterial keratitis. MicroRNA is a newly-acknowledged level of gene expression regulation and bacterial keratitis is a corneal infection caused by bacteria commonly affecting contact-lens wearers. We specifically examined pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced keratitis, which causes blindness and visual disabilities. We focused on the role of the microRNA-183/96/182 cluster and ways in which it helps regulate the innate immune response to pseudomonas aeruginosa-induced keratitis infection. We also examined the potential of the anti-microRNAs, which are found in the cluster knockdown, to shield the cornea from unfavorable effects of the disease. Our research is aimed to identify new treatment strategies and therapeutic targets for the disease and other antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections and tumors that bypass the immune system.
Check the checkbox to read more.
I helped conduct this immunology-focused research in Shunbin Xu’s, M.D., Ph.D. laboratory at the Wayne State University School of Medicine. I emailed several hundred professors about research positions that interested me. I didn’t receive many responses, but I eventually chose Dr. Xu’s laboratory. because of my interest in bacterial keratitis.
● Resistance of active ingredients to water with calcium hypochlorite
In this collaborative research project, we investigated which active ingredient would yield the most resistance to water with calcium hypochlorite, which is added to pools. Throughout the research assignment we were required to create our own procedure without any teacher guidance. The following poster showcases our findings.
● Opioids i-Search Project
In this collaborative i-Search Project, my group and I researched the cause of the opioid epidemic and effects of opioids in general. Through our i-Search, we were able to learn more about the importance of proper physician training and long-term effects of opioids. Click here to go to our i-Search Project.
● Autism Spectrum Disorder i-Search Project
In this collaborative i-Search Project, my group and I researched the risk factors and treatments of autism. Through our i-Search, we were able to learn more about the relationship between the disease and hazardous environments and old drugs. Click here to go to our i-Search Project.
● The Effect of Leaf Color on Rate of Photosynthesis AP Biology Research
As a group, we investigated how leaf color affects the rate of photosynthesis. Throughout the research assignment we were required to create our own procedure without any teacher guidance. We used different leaves, carbon dioxide probes, and Logger Pro to graph our results. The following poster showcases our findings. Find more information on our website.
● Exponential Logistic Models AP Biology Project
I created a math model using various equations in order to show populations with exponential growth and logistic growth. Through this project I was able to see how different models affect populations.
● Hardy-Weinberg Math Model AP Biology Project
I created a math model using several equations in order to show a population in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium and another that is not in Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. The second population has been reduced to show a population that is not compliant with the Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium. Through this project I was able to discover how Hardy-Weinberg Equilibrium affects a population.
● Effects of Seed Size on Germination and Fertilizer Type on Plant Growth AP Biology Research
Prior to the experiment, we were given pumpkin and tomato seeds from our awesome teacher, Mrs. Speirs. During the experiment, we investigated how seed size affects the germination rate and how the type of fertilizer affects growth. Below is our science poster explaining our findings.
● Admitted under first round of early action applications.
Grosse Pointe North High School, Grosse Pointe, MI
SEPTEMBER 2014 - JUNE 2018
● Graduated Summa Cum Laude.
● Positively sloping GPA. Cumulative GPA of 4.21.
● Member of the National Honors Society chapter at GPN HS.
● Multiple AP courses sophomore through senior year. 10 credits in 3 years.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Editor-at-Large — North Pointe Newspaper, Grosse Pointe, MI
MARCH 2015 - JUNE 2018
Solved production problems, assigned stories, designed and edited pages, wrote and edited stories, served on the editorial board, sold ads, and trained staff.
Lifeguard — George Osius Municipal Park, Grosse Pointe, MI
MAY 2016 - SEPTEMBER 2017
Cleaned, watched patrons, assisted swimmers at meets, and kept up on skills and fitness. Lifesaving and CPR certified by Red Cross.
ACTIVITIES
Research Assistant — University of Detroit Mercy, Detroit, MI
Inspired by the Flint water crisis and green chemistry to create ligand that could pull metal ions out of aqueous solution. Collaborated with team to present and publish research. Received multiple awards for research. Supervised by Dr. Mark Benvenuto.
NeuroLab Scholar — Coastal Marine Biolabs, Ventura, CA
Received full-tuition scholarship and conducted extensive, 10-day developmental neuroscience research. Controlled gene expression in an in-vivo model organism. Collaborated with the scientific community, including predecessors in the program, to present research and publish data. Supervised by Dr. Ralph Imondi and Dr. Linda Santschi.
Research Assistant — Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI
Examined the role of gene expression in bacterial keratitis. Supervised by Dr. Shunbin Xu.
Member and Innovation Grant Proposal Team Member — Michigan Community Scholars Program, Ann Arbor, MI
Promoted values of community service, diversity and social justice. Co-founded organization that will serve and connect with residents of Flint, MI and educate the University of Michigan student population about the Flint water crisis.
Lambda Alpha Class Member — Phi Delta Epsilon International Medical Fraternity, Ann Arbor, MI
Promoted ideas of philanthropy, equity, and education through activities. Admitted as first year, first semester freshman.
Secretary — A'Subuhi Multicultural Council, Ann Arbor, MI
Organized meetings and agendas, assigned roles, and co-developed events that emphasized ideas of diversity, equity, and education.
Social Media Editor and Contributing Web Editor — American Chemical Society Division of Environmental Chemistry
Restored struggling division, created social media presence and profile series to promote the division, and set division up for continued success.
President and officer — GPN HS Chemistry Club and Health Career Investigations Club, Grosse Pointe, MI
Restored struggling club, grew membership by 233% and number of projects by 300%, created social media presence and websites, and set club up for continued success. Presented at numerous events.
Member — American Chemical Society & Engineering Society of Detroit
Volunteer and shadower — Ascension St. John Hospital, Detroit, MI
Over 190 hours of volunteering in the Emergency Department and shadowing physicians and PAs in seven specialties. Received an award for work.
Team America Rocketry Challenge Participant
Led team to design, construct, and successfully launch a model rocket to 800 feet and return two uncracked raw hen eggs using an Aerotech engine.
Violin Player — GPN HS and Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestras, Grosse Pointe, MI
Played advanced music along with professional musicians and participated in seasonal Grosse Pointe Symphony Orchestra Concerts. Performed with GPN HS Symphony Orchestra freshman year.
Swimmer — GPN HS Varsity Team, GP Gators Swim Club, and GP Shores Sharks, Grosse Pointe, MI
Assisted coaches with time management by ushering young swimmers during meets.
PUBLICATIONS AND PRESENTATIONS
Ruprecht, M. T., Berger, M., Goldfarb, J. L., Fitzgerald, P. R., Karod, M., Kohn, C., . . . Wathen, S. P. (2018). Green Chemistry Education: Recent Developments (Vol. 4, Green Chemical Processing) (M. A. Benvenuto & L. Kolopajlo, Eds.). De Gruyter.
Ruprecht, M. T. (2018, August). Synthesis of "three-legged" tri-dentate podand ligands incorporating long-chain aliphatic moieties, for water remediators, and for isolating metal ions in non-aqueous solution. Presented at Sci-Mix and Water Reuse & Recycling: Innovative Solutions for Treatment & Implementation poster sessions at the 256th American Chemical Society National Meeting, Boston, Massachusetts.
Benvenuto, Mark Anthony, Kosmas, Steven P., Pothoof, Justin, Ruprecht, M. T., Sosnowski, Ben M., & Fitzgerald, Polly R. (2017, June). Production of a new series of ligands with potential to act as water remediators. Poster session presented at the annual American Chemical Society Central Region Conference, Dearborn, Michigan.
HONORS AND AWARDS
● Youngest presenter at the American Chemical Society National Meeting in Boston
● Youngest recipient of the ACS CIBA Travel Grant in Green Chemistry
● NeuroLab Scholar
● ACS Division of Environmental Chemistry Certificate of Merit for first poster presentation
● Honored at the Metro Detroit Youth Day and by Ascension Health, the ACS Detroit Rubber Group, Engineering Society of Detroit, and Lusk Albertson Law Firm
● G. John and Elizabeth Stevens Volunteer Award
● Individual Michigan Interscholastic Press Association awards for news and feature writing
● Network of Educators in Science and Technology Student Award from MIT
● AP Scholar with Distinction Award
● National Scholastic Press Association Honor Roll of Student Journalists
REFERENCES
References are available upon request. Email me at me@michalruprecht.com to request references.
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