Mara Cecil

Dedicated Molecular and Cellular Biology student at the University of Arizona, complemented by a minor in Biochemistry, with a focus in health science. Demonstrates strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills through extensive research experience and leadership roles. Passionate about pursuing a career in biomedical research or genetic counseling to contribute to advancements in health care.

2025-present

Alpha Epsilon Delta

• Attended meetings
• Participated in professional development, philanthropy, health, fundrasing, and social events
• Participated in Big/Little program

2024-present

Women in Medicine and Science

• Attended meetings
• Volunteered through fundraising projects and local outreach
• Participated in Big/Little program

2024-present

Undergraduate Journal Club

• Attended meetings and speakers
• Read weekly scientific papers and presented on them with groups
• Nominated to be an officer for next year

2024-present

Cru Christian Group

• Attended large group meetings
• Participated in Bible study and outreach day

2022-2024

Health Occupations Students Association

• Competed in various healthcare events
• Attended State Leadership Conference

2022-2024

Science National Honor Society

• Secretary
• Completed science-based volunteer work
• Organized meetings, events, and volunteer opportunities
• Tracked member information and requirements

2022-2024

Biotech Club

• Learned research skills
• Participated in team activities

2021-2024

Science Olympiad

• President
• Competed in science events
• Organized meetings and events
• Tracked member information

2025

Children's Museum Tucson Volunteer

• Ran activity stations teaching kids about the science behind baseball

2024

Ben's Bells Volunteer

• Created clay beads for kindness bells

2024

Beads of Courage Volunteer

• Put together bracelet making kits for kids with illnesses

2022-2024

Journey Church Student Leader

• Attended leadership meetings
• Organized youth events
• Set up/cleaned up weekly youth group

2022-2024

Journey Church Worship Team Member

• Attended rehearsals
• Played piano in band for youth group

2023-2024

Missions Ministries Volunteer

• Went on two mission trips to Mexico
• Helped build houses for impoverished families
• Prepared food at a soup kitchen

2025

Dean's List

• Awarded for having 3.5-3.99 GPA

2020-2024

Highest Honors Academic Award

• Awarded for having 4.0+ GPA every semester

2023 and 2024

AP Scholar with Distinction Award

• Awarded for passing 5+ exams with a score of 3 or higher

2024

AP Capstone Diploma

• Awarded for passing AP Seminar and Research courses and passing an additional 4 AP exams

2024

Nominated for CBS STEM Student of the Month

• Recognized excellence and dedication in STEM field

2024

Health Occupations Students Association State Top Ten Finalist

• Awarded two top ten finishes in state health science competition

2023

Biotechnician Assistant Credentialing Exam (BACE)

• Passing the internationally recognized BACE through Biotility certifies competency in a university-level laboratory

2023

Journey Church Worship Team Member of the Year

• Awarded for showing excellence and dedication on worship team

2022

Nominated for National Youth Leadership Forum: Medicine Scholar

• Nominated for passion, leadership, and excellence in medical science field

2024-present

Yao Lab

Currently, I am a part of Dr. Guang Yao's lab at the University of Arizona. This lab utilizes data science and in vitro experimentation to alter lysosomal function in fibroblasts, which acts as a dimmer switch between cellular quiescence and senescence, thus having major implications for cancer and aging research. Last semester I learned several new techniques and have started my own project this semester analyzing the effect of serum starvation on a cell's ability to divide after prolonged quiescence. 

2021-2024

Biotechnology

The three-year Biotechnology program at my high school allowed me to gain several research experiences. In the first year, I learned the foundations of research, and the following year my team and I designed and tested our own experiment involving DNA sequencing. During the last year of the program, I became a mentor and used the research skills I learned previously to help guide other students in the Experimental Design course. Below are the articles I contributed to, some of which were locally published.  

Authored the following articles:

Cecil, M. H., Roseberry, L. N., Avinash, A., Searwar, K. P., & Petri, S. M. (2022). The effect of varying the internal homeostasis of Planaria by electrical current on regenerative capabilities. 

Cecil, M. H., Roseberry, L. N., Torres, J. K., & Benko, C. K. M. (2023). Identifying the Presence of the Aspergillus genus in high school food preparation areas utilizing Sanger sequencing. Research in Biotechnology, 7, 58-66. 

Peer reviewed the following articles:

Swanson, E. M., Glauser, B. M., & Lakkireddy, H. R. (2024). Effect of Deferoxamine Mesylate Salt on cell viability of EO771 Medullary Breast Adenocarcinoma cells, associated with C57BL/6 mice. Research in Biotechnology, 8.

Carter, K. M., Weinberg, E. K., & Cranney, E. E. (2024). The effects of Hesperetin on cell viability of Caco-2 cells. Research in Biotechnology, 8. 

2023-2024

AP Research

In the AP Seminar and Research courses, I was able to further refine the research skills I learned in Biotechnology. For my AP Research capstone project, I independently explored the effects of Roundup on mouse cells. I presented my findings to a board of faculty, administrators, and researchers at the Rock Canyon Research Symposium. 

Link to my AP Research website detailing my research process: https://sites.google.com/s.dcsdk12.org/cecil-ap-research-project/home