# Arya Salem

name: Arya Salem
education: High-school senior
interests: biology, chemistry, neuroscience, software
focus: science, software, and music

## Summary

Arya Salem builds software to understand questions better, including coral bleaching trackers and ecosystem dynamics.

## Research

- **Texas A&M University — CUREs Research Volunteer, Lillvis Research Group (2026 — present):** Traces and segments neurons in WEBKNOSSOS through 3D expansion-microscopy stacks to support neural-circuit reconstruction.
- **The University of Texas at Austin — Student Researcher, Matz Lab (Apr 2026 — present):** Built a reproducible geospatial machine-learning pipeline ranking relative habitat suitability across 10 Pacific coral species and 2,420 reef cells; uses 74 predictors, 4,970 model rows, and 131 model trials.
- **ASA South Florida Student Data Challenge — Co-Researcher, Two-Person Team, NHANES 2024 (2026):** With Jacci Zhang, compared gradient-boosting and random-forest models for HDL cholesterol using 5-fold cross-validation; received the Excellence Award. [Project repository](https://github.com/aryasalem09/2026-ASA-South-Florida-Data-Challenge---Prediction).

## Selected projects

- [Coral Bleaching Tracker](https://aryasalem09.github.io/coral-bleaching-tracker/) — Interactive map combining reef surveys, NOAA heat stress, and a four-week bleaching forecast. [Repository](https://github.com/aryasalem09/coral-bleaching-tracker)
- [BrassTune](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/brasstune/id6795688588) — Developed a free iPhone and iPad brass practice app with live tuning, transposition-aware feedback, practice tools, and local session history. Through Oct 17, 2026: 171 downloads in 21 countries. Music educators at 15+ universities and conservatories engaged with the app; Nashville Symphony's Accelerando program and Orchestre National de Lille shared it with students and musicians.
- [SLHS TSA Site](https://www.slhstsa.org) — Website for Seven Lakes TSA with events, competition resources, photos, and chapter updates. [Repository](https://github.com/aryasalem09/slhs-tsa-website)

## Community

- **MECC Labs — Co-Founder & Lead Manager (May 2025 — present):** Hands-on programming, electronics, and engineering programs for students ages 8–14; $20k+ raised and 100+ students reached.
- **Technology Student Association — Secretary (2026 — 2027):** Supports chapter records and communications for 200+ competitors; previously Treasurer (2025–2026) and managed a $10k+ annual budget.
- **Competitive Math & School Tutoring — Volunteer Tutor (Summer 2023 — present):** Tutors Algebra I through Calculus AB and competitive math; 200+ volunteer hours.

## Public links

- GitHub: [@aryasalem09](https://github.com/aryasalem09)
- LinkedIn: [Arya Salem](https://www.linkedin.com/in/arya-salem-5929a637a/)
- Resume: [Arya Salem resume](/Arya-Salem-Resume.pdf)
- Discord: [@arya](https://discord.com/users/923779227856285757)
- Email: [aryasalem@icloud.com](mailto:aryasalem@icloud.com)