Personal Bio
Akshada is a senior studying Chemistry with a minor in Sociology. She joined the Xiao lab in Fall 2023 due to her interest in drug detection and the lab’s research applications in forensic science. She is a part of the Chemistry Honors program at NC State and also works part time with University Theater. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, TV shows, baking sweets, cooking delicious food, and doing arts and crafts.
Research Summary
Akshada’s research focuses on developing aptamer based sensors for various small molecule targets. She has previously worked with the colorimetric aptamer based sensor known as the dye displacement assay. She helped discover a new dye to use in the assay and studied the stability of the signal with this dye over time. She also tested various mixing methods when using this assay. Akshada also has assisted other graduate students in characterizing newly isolated aptamers. She is currently learning how to develop electrochemical aptamer based (EAB) sensors. As a senior undergraduate, Akshada helps to guide younger undergrads in the lab and train them. After her graduation in May 2026, she hopes to pursue a PhD in analytical chemistry.
