Michelle Xu attends Polytechnic School as part of the class of 2028 and has lived in Arcadia, California all her life. She enjoys being surrounded by learning in all her classes, from biology to Spanish, and is grateful for the opportunities to take part in other interests, like climate work and volleyball. Michelle, who is passionate about the brain, currently volunteers at Teen Line, a mental health crisis hotline, and is excited to study the brain from a research lens. Over the summer, she participated in the Chemistry Research Academy at the University of Pennsylvania, where she was first exposed to wet lab experiences. At the Morstein Lab, she is working towards a literature review about related topics and looks forward to assisting the lab however she can. Additionally, she finds reading and exploring new things, whether places or food, fun and therapeutic.