About
Keana Redfearn is a passionate biochemist currently finishing her studies at the University of
California Los Angeles, where she discovered her love for science and medical research. From a
young age, she displayed a natural curiosity for experimentation, which was often expressed
through cooking and baking. Likewise, the kitchen became Keana’s first laboratory, where she
discovered the fascinating similarities between culinary expression and chemistry. The precise
measurements, careful timing, and transformation of ingredients in cooking mirrored the
processes she would inevitably study and grow to love in the lab. This early connection fostered
a deep passion for understanding the science behind the world’s building blocks and biological
systems.
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With a deep commitment to scientific research, she began research in the diverse fields of
epidemiology, biochemistry, and molecular biology to evaluate the intricate mechanisms of
disease, cellular processes, and molecular interactions. This interdisciplinary approach has
fueled her commitment to advancing knowledge in the biomedical field while kickstarting her
journey to obtain a doctoral degree. Beginning in 2025, she aspires to further research enzyme
inhibition, metabolic pathways, and drug development throughout her pursuit of a Ph.D in
biochemical systems.
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Driven by curiosity and her background as a first-generation student, she aspires to maintain an
active engagement in the scientific community through collaborations, presentations, and
mentorship roles. As a result, she has dedicated her years as an undergraduate to assist in
providing education and outreach to underrepresented groups. As a chemistry tutor and
learning assistant, she has provided personalized guidance to students, helping them navigate
challenging concepts and develop a deeper understanding of the subject. In addition, Keana has
interned as a STEM instructor for young learners ranging from 5-15 years old teaching programs
including coding with Python, intro to Chemistry, and Lego robotics. Through creative teaching
methods and hands-on experiments, she has worked effortlessly to make science accessible,
inspiring, and exciting for the next generation.
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While balancing her interests in academia and teaching, Keana also participated in field
research across the globe at Maastricht University. Through her study abroad program, she
engaged in biomedical engineering through an array of research topics spanning from 3D organ
printing to chemical identification. From this experience, she gained valuable skills in tandem
mass spectrometry, in-silico modeling, and proteomics.
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As Keana continues working towards her goals of providing significant contributions to science
and accessible education, she strongly supports the mission of Research Girl, and proudly
endorses its resources provided for ambitious students.