Pace student applies machine learning to medical imaging

Zender Aurelien-Nikolai, a computer science major and biology minor at Pace University, is applying machine learning methods to medical imaging in an effort to improve diagnostic tools. The class of 2028 student currently works as a student research assistant under Professor Juan Shan, PhD, focusing on the intersection of computational technology and biomedical care.

Aurelien-Nikolai presented this research at the 2026 IEEE International Conference on E-health Networking, Application & Services, commonly known as Healthcom. The conference took place recently, allowing the student to connect with other researchers working at the nexus of computer science and healthcare. He also shared his findings at Pace’s Spring 2026 Undergraduate Research Day.

Before joining Professor Shan’s team, Aurelien-Nikolai worked as a data analyst intern at a startup named Fun Meets. He held that position from the summer of 2025 until February 2026. He is also a member of the Student Advisory Committee, a group that pitches ideas to improve student retention rates at the university.

On the New York City Campus, Aurelien-Nikolai serves as the founding president of Pace’s ColorStack chapter. The organization supports Black and Hispanic/Latinx computer science students in their academic and career development. He started the chapter after noticing a lack of students who shared his background in his classes.

In Spring 2026, the ColorStack group organized a tour of Microsoft’s Times Square office. The event was coordinated by Ángel Bahamon ’28, the chapter’s secretary for that semester. Fifteen students participated in the visit, where they networked with Microsoft employees and discussed the company’s job application and interview processes. The students left the event with new professional connections and potential mentors.

Aurelien-Nikolai plans to pursue a master’s degree in biomedical informatics. His long-term goal is to build machine learning tools that enhance patient care and diagnosis. He stated that his interest in combining these fields began after earning an EMT certification in high school, an experience that confirmed his desire to use technology to assist in medical settings.

His academic path has been supported by faculty members including Professor Rachel Schwartz, PhD, who first connected with him during a high school prep session. Aurelien-Nikolai credits Schwartz and other professors for helping him bridge the gap between his coding skills and his interest in medicine. He aims to continue this work after graduating from Pace University.