Welcome to Zoë's world ---!

International Genetically Engineered Machine competition - 2024

Our iGEM team worked on developing a biological approach to detecting and inhibiting the SARS-CoV-2 nsp5 protease, using a FlipGFP-based system to visualize protease activity and test potential inhibitors. While contributing to the lab work and experimental process, I also became heavily involved in communicating and presenting our project. I took our project video from the initial storyboard all the way to filming and final editing, and it became a piece that was especially well received by our team. I also contributed to our interviews, Human Practices, presentations, and website, often working across different parts of the team whenever something needed to be done.

Team wiki

Marine environment, biology, and engineering immersive marine exploration course.

I attended a summer course in Sanya, China, where I worked with a partner to create a documentary exploring how tourism has affected the ocean and local communities. We initially assumed tourism was mainly harmful to Sanya's environment, but after interviewing fishers, researchers, market workers, and tourists, we found a more nuanced perspective. Within 24 hours, we planned, filmed, and edited the entire documentary, which received the Spotlight Award. Throughout the course, I also explored Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, learning how technology and data can be applied to real-world environmental issues.

Full version of documentary

Turning political candidates into elected officials through digital influence

In 2024, I helped build Nouvelle Strategies from the ground up as a young startup team focused on political strategy, digital campaigns, and voter outreach. We worked with 40+ political candidates and elected officials, developing campaigns and digital content while reaching six figures in revenue within our first six months. I led video production and editing while also managing operations, helping coordinate the team and keep campaigns moving. We also built AMARA, an AI-powered platform for voter outreach and digital campaigns. Building the company while we were still students taught me how to take initiative, adapt quickly, and keep a team running without an established playbook.

A national student rocketry and aerospace organization promoting hands-on engineering and innovation in Canada.

We built and launched an M795-powered, Mach 1.1 rocket for Launch Canada 2025 as 1 of 2 Canada's only high school teams competing with college students; I was the airframe head and led oral defence throughout. I started as a member of the airframe team in Grade 9 and launched multiple low-powered rockets over the years.

In Airframe, we constructed the primary structure of the rocket, including the tube, fins and centering rings.

Team website

A deep, professional, hardcore, long-form (2-4 hours) AI tech video podcast

I co-host and produce WhyNot TV, a podcast focused on in-depth discussions of AI and technology, breaking down complex technical concepts and the business logic behind emerging technologies while also exploring broader ideas about personal growth and life philosophy. My work includes creating subtitles, adding technical annotations to make complex topics accessible, and editing short clips from episodes for wider audiences.

YouTube link to podcast channel

Insect specimen, Canada-wide online shop

Founded and independently operated an insect specimen business for four years, managing product design, specimen preparation, photography, branding, social media, customer relations, custom orders, and fulfillment. Completed advanced specimen-making training in Beijing and created a 120 × 90 cm butterfly collage that sold for RMB 1,500 for charity.

Store page