Dr. Mehdi Abouzari and our upcoming intern – Dr. Karen Tawk – mentored a UCI undergraduate student (Hera Kim) and a high schooler (Katelyn Tran) leading a publication in Frontiers for Young Minds.

When we make science approachable, we open doors. We spark questions.

One of the most powerful things we can do as scientists is make our work accessible — not just to other researchers, but to the curious young minds who will become the next generation of doctors, scientists, and problem-solvers. Translating complex science into a language that kids can understand is not just an exercise in simplicity — it is an act of inclusion. This publication is also a shining example of what mentorship can do. One of our co-first authors, Katelyn Tran, was a high schooler who took on this manuscript as her summer project at the ENTelligence Lab. Katelyn, we are so incredibly proud of you and everything you have already accomplished!