Ayana Price

Major: Microbiology Cellular Science

AI Research Interests:  Currently conducting research at the intersection of artificial intelligence(AI), computational biology and bioinformatics. My work primarily focuses on leveraging AI-driven approaches such as machine learning and deep learning to uncover patterns that inform medical and therapeutic applications. Specifically, I have applied AI tools like AlphaFold and molecular dynamics simulations to study protein structures, with a focus on the JAK-STAT pathway and SOCS1 in autoimmune disorders. This study has led to the development of technology that uses fundamental physics laws to validate the mutations generated by AI.

Additionally, I've utilized tensor decomposition techniques (e.g. PARAFAC2) to analyze biological signatures and predict clinical outcomes in pneumonia patients including those affected by COVID-19.

I'm deeply interested in utilizing AI to identify potential biomarkers for diseases and improving the accuracy of predictive models in medical research

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Raquel Dias, assistant professor, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science;  Dr. Joseph Larkin, associate professor, Department of Microbiology and Cell Science

Status: Senior, Spring 2025

Email: Ayana Price