Quick facts
Every Personify student works one-on-one with a specialist like Jacob — not a generalist tutor.
Jacob
Science Fair Mentor — Regeneron STS Top 300 Scholar (UPenn)
Jacob is a biology researcher and competitive science mentor with a strong track record across some of the nation's most prestigious research competitions, including ISEF and the Regeneron Science Talent Search, where he was recognized as a Top 300 Scholar. His experience spans molecular biology, genetics, CRISPR therapeutics, synthetic biology, and experimental design.
His research journey began in high school modeling addiction pathways in fruit flies — a project that didn't initially place, but became foundational in shaping his understanding of what separates strong projects from truly elite competition-level research. He later engineered GMOs with increased resilience to climate-change conditions, earning recognition through Sigma Xi's IFoRE, JSHS, and ultimately national recognition at Regeneron STS and ISEF.
Currently at the University of Pennsylvania, Jacob researches improving the safety profile of CRISPR-based gene-editing therapies for genetic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, using advanced techniques including base editing and prime editing.
Having personally navigated failed experiments, project pivots, and eventual national recognition, Jacob is especially skilled at helping students identify promising directions, refine hypotheses, design compelling experiments, and strategically position their work for ISEF, Regeneron STS, and JSHS.
Track Record
Regeneron STS Top 300 Scholar
For independent synthetic-biology research.
ISEF & JSHS national recognition
Awards through Sigma Xi IFoRE and Junior Science & Humanities Symposium.
CRISPR therapeutics research at UPenn
Base editing and prime editing for genetic hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.
What Students Say
Preksha had an awesome learning experience with Jacob — she just submitted her application. Thank you!