Meet Our Peer Ambassadors!

Sydney Baller (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in Mechanical Engineering (2) and minoring in Spanish. She has UROPed with the Department of Material Sciences and Engineering (course 3) and D-Lab during her time at MIT. On campus, she is a member of the varsity women’s basketball team along with the track and field team and is part of her dorm’s house government. In her free time, she enjoys doing crafts, baking, and playing pickleball.

Kovin Batten (he/him): I am a sophomore majoring in course 10-B (Chemical-Biological engineering) originally from Georgia. I have done two UROPs previously, one with MIT’s Center for Biomedical Innovation researching vaccine manufacturing procedure and safety, and one in the Lew Lab in the MIT Biology Department researching mating proteins in yeast. At MIT, I am one of the professional development chairs for the MIT Premedical Society, and I am the Social Chair for Nu Delta Fraternity. I have really loved going on rollercoasters since I was a kid and hope to visit more parks soon!

Catherine Kung (she/her): Hi! I’m Catherine, a junior in Courses 20 and 6-9. I’ve been a UROP in the Jasanoff lab since my freshman spring and a UROP ambassador since my sophomore fall. Outside of UROP, I play the violin for the Emerson/Harris program and the Chamber Music Society, and I’m also part of the UA, BEUB, and AAI (Asian American Initiative). Please feel free to reach out anytime! 🙂

Mayu Nakano (she/her) is a sophomore majoring in Brain and Cognitive Sciences (9) and Literature (21L). She is currently UROPing in the Anderson-Langer lab researching lipid nanoparticles and in the Jain lab studying cancer metabolism. On campus, she is involved in MINCE, BrainTrust, and SWE. In her free time, she enjoys running, baking, reading, and sewing.

Lara Ozkan (she/her) is a senior majoring in Computer Science and Molecular Biology (6-7). She has been a UROP at the MIT Media Lab, focusing on wearable ultrasound technology, and at CSAIL, researching Alzheimer’s Disease. On campus, Lara is involved in the Sloan Business Club (SBC), MIT Capital Partners, Camp Kesem, CodeIt, and Laureates & Leaders. In her free time, Lara enjoys DJing and reading.

Nina Petulla (she/her) is a junior majoring in Chemistry and Biology (5-7). She is researching cancer drug uptake in the Hammond Lab at the Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research. Last summer, she worked for a biotech startup called METSYSTEM in Copenhagen, Denmark through the MIT MISTI program. On campus, Nina is involved as the Director of Volunteers with Camp Kesem, Vice President of Health and Wellness with MIT Alpha Phi, and a member of the women’s lacrosse team. In her spare time, she enjoys dancing, crocheting, and spending time outdoors.

Meet with a UROP Peer Ambassador to get advice and support for your UROP journey! Whether you’re looking for answers to your questions about the program or want to explore potential opportunities that match your interests, we’re here to help! Plus, enjoy a free coffee, hot cocoa, tea, or a similar treat as you connect and collaborate!

Coffee Talk Sign-Up here!

Questions? Email urop@mit.edu.