Keana Redfearn

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.

​

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.

​

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.

​

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.

​

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.