Richelle Gao ’27 has been awarded a Picker ISI Scholar award for her research project, “Biomarker-Driven Diagnostic Modeling to Complement Urine Cytology in Urothelial Carcinoma.” Working under the dual mentorship of Bineyam Taye, associate professor of biology and global public and environmental health, and Professor Jian Yu Yao, vice chair of the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine at UCLA Health, Gao will aim to improve the diagnostic sensitivity of high-grade urothelial carcinoma by integrating molecular biomarker analysis with quantitative machine learning models to complement traditional urine cytology techniques. By combining automated chemiluminescence immunoassays with statistical validation and classification modeling, the team will transform biomarker measurements into standardized, clinically actionable diagnostic insights. The goal of this research is to develop a data-driven diagnostic tool that supports clinicians in making rapid, accurate, and personalized therapeutic decisions for patients with urothelial carcinoma.