Jaden R.
Taher
Pre-Medical Student Majoring in Biology and History
Advancing Human Health Through Research
I am driven to understand the mechanisms that shape human health. My interests lie at the intersection of laboratory research and clinical application, where I aim to contribute to translational medicine through inquiry, collaboration, and a commitment to improving the health outcomes of patients across the globe.
Collegiate Empirical Archive
Examining the Value of Large Language Models (LLMs) in STEM and the Social Sciences in Facilitating Information Access and Comprehension in Secondary Students
College of Arts and Sciences (CLAS)I collaborated with peers to design a structured research study investigating the effectiveness of large language models (LLMs), such as ChatGPT, in enhancing information access and comprehension among secondary students across STEM and humanities disciplines.
Investigating the Effects of Mechanical Stiffness on Cancer Cells Using RNA Sequencing
Within the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at the Herbert Wertheim College of EngineeringWithin the UF Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, I co-led a semester-long research project investigating how substrate stiffness influences gene expression in cancer cells using RNA sequencing. In doing so, I learned about the role of experimental design, sample preparation, and data interpretation in examining the relationship between mechanical cellular environments and oncogenic behavior.
Collegiate Coursework: Aug. 2025–Present
- ▪CHM2045 – General Chemistry I
- ▪CHM2045L – General Chemistry I Laboratory
- ▪PSY2012 – General Psychology
- ▪CBH3003 – Comparative Psychology
- ▪PSB3340 – Behavioral Neuroscience
- ▪STA2023 – Introduction to Statistics I
- ▪MAC2311 – Analytical Geometry and Calculus I
- ▪HUM2930 – Research and Creativity
- ▪EGN4912 – Course-Based Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE) in Biological Engineering
- ▪IDH1700 – Honors Professional Development: Pre-Medicine
- ▪SYG2000 – Introduction to Sociology
- ▪HSC2103 – Personal and Family Health
- ▪ANT2410 – Cultural Anthropology
- ▪IDS2935 – Biotechnology in Medicine and Agriculture
- ▪AMH4130 – American Revolutionary Era: 1760-1789
Intellectual Reflections
From the Petri Dish to the Cradle: Cultural Resistance to In Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
IVF encountered resistance from religious institutions, ethicists, policymakers, and portions of the public—yet its eventual acceptance reveals how pathos, transparency, and time can legitimize transformative medical innovation.
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Competencies
Honors & Awards
Florida Bright Futures — Academic Scholars Award
Floridian merit-based award recognizing academic achievement.
AP Scholar with Distinction
Recognized for high performance across multiple Advanced Placement (AP) examinations across two years.
Premio de Plata
Recognized for excellence in Spanish language proficiency.
WE Award for Service – AP Biology
Recognized for presenting research on invasive wild boar populations and leading a fundraiser supporting wildlife conservation efforts.
International Finalist – Global Entrepreneurship Challenge (GEC)
Developed a sustainable and educational first-aid kit as part of a team; selected as international finalists.
Sobresaliente in Impromptu and Theatrical Performance
Earned the highest distinction at the Florida State Spanish Conference (FSCC) across two years.
Interests
- ▪Neuroinflammation & Neurodegeneration
- ▪Medical Ethics & Bioethics
- ▪Global Health & Health Disparities
- ▪Oncology & Precision Medicine
- ▪Cognitive Neuroscience
- ▪Public Health Policy
- ▪CRISPR & Gene Therapy
- ▪Translational Medicine
- ▪Classical piano
- ▪Long-distance running
- ▪Literary non-fiction
- ▪Travel & cultural immersion
- ▪Photography
- ▪Philosophy of mind
- "The Emperor of All Maladies" — Siddhartha Mukherjee
- "Being Mortal" — Atul Gawande
- "The Brain That Changes Itself" — Norman Doidge
- "Behave" — Robert Sapolsky