BME + Harp Performance · Northwestern '30 · Inventor · Educator

Kayleen Cho

Northwestern University dual-degree student pursuing Biomedical Engineering and Harp Performance — with published patents and a passion for music, engineering, and education.

BME @ Northwestern Harp Performance 2× Patent Inventor Piano Instructor Academic Tutor
Kayleen Cho

Kayleen Cho

Northwestern University · Class of 2030

For questions, text 952-688-8212 or email kayleencho2029@u.northwestern.edu
B.S. Biomedical Engineering
McCormick School of Engineering
B.M. Harp Performance
Bienen School of Music · Dual-Degree
2 Patent Applications
AI + music-based health systems
Research & Patents

Biotech & Biomedical Innovation

Two patent applications in AI-driven health systems, plus active engineering research at Northwestern.

Music

Harp & Piano Performance

International competition winner, GTCYS principal harpist, and four-time MMTA piano contest winner.

Education

Tutoring & College Mentorship

AP coursework, ACT prep, college essays, and musical & research portfolio building.

Research, Patents & Experience

Work &
Innovation

From patent-pending AI systems to hands-on engineering projects, here's a snapshot of my academic and professional work.

Education

Northwestern University
Evanston, IL · Expected June 2030 · Dual-Degree Program
B.S. Biomedical Engineering McCormick School of Engineering
B.M. Harp Performance Bienen School of Music

Patent Applications

Patent · App. No. 63/696,822

Method and System for Detecting and Reducing Driver Cognitive Interference

Filing Date: September 19, 2024

An AI-driven detection system identifying cognitive interference in drivers to enhance road safety. Integrates real-time monitoring with adaptive music-based interventions to regulate driver focus and reduce distraction.

Patent · App. No. 18/653,889

Method and Apparatus for Evaluating and Reducing Neurodevelopmental Disorder Symptoms

Filing Date: May 2, 2024

A technological apparatus assessing and mitigating symptoms of neurodevelopmental disorders, integrating music-based therapeutic interventions to support cognitive and behavioral regulation.

Projects

Northwestern University · Jan 2026 – Present

Biotech Research Initiative

Collaborating with a multidisciplinary team to identify systemic problems in the biotech industry, formulate technical solutions through rigorous data analysis, and develop a comprehensive paper and market analysis evaluating commercial scalability.

Northwestern University · Jan 2026 – Present

Adaptive Art Tools for Students with Disabilities

Collaborating with project stakeholders and a 4-person team to design custom art tools improving accessibility for children with limited motor function — analyzing user needs and technical constraints for safety and durability in pediatric use.

Experience

Self-Employed · Sep 2021 – Present

Tutor

Providing 1-on-1 academic support in STEM subjects and music, emphasizing analytical reasoning, problem-solving, and study strategies.

Navo Lab · Minneapolis, MN · Dec 2025 – Jan 2026

UGC Social Media Marketing Specialist

Created user-generated content for companies to increase brand engagement and audience reach across social media platforms.

Technical Skills

MATLAB
JavaScript
Microsoft Excel
SharePoint
Google Docs/Sheets
Data Analysis
Social Media / UGC
English · Korean · Spanish

Music Heals the World

Founder, President, and Event Coordinator of a student-run nonprofit using live music performances to promote community healing. Directing 25+ student musicians across healthcare and public settings since September 2021.

LinkedIn
25+
Student
Musicians

Musical Accomplishments

Performance &
Achievements

From international competition stages to principal orchestra chairs — a record of dedication to musical excellence across harp and piano.

Harp

2023

Minnesota Chapter — American Harp Society

Intermediate II Scholarship Winner, recognizing outstanding harp performance and musical achievement.

Scholarship Award
2022

III Concorso Internazionale D'arpa Online

First Prize in Category E — "Crescere Con La Musica" International Online Harp Competition.

1st Prize · International
2025 – Present

Northwestern University Symphonic Band & Chamber Orchestra

Principal Harpist for both the Northwestern Symphonic Band and Chamber Orchestra, performing at the collegiate level at Bienen School of Music.

Principal Chair · Northwestern
2026

Northwestern Chamber Orchestra — La Rondine

Solo Harpist in Northwestern University's production of Puccini's opera La Rondine, performing the principal harp part in a fully staged opera production.

Solo Harpist · Opera
2022 – 2025

Greater Twin Cities Youth Symphonies — Symphony Orchestra

Principal Harpist of the GTCYS Symphony Orchestra — the ensemble's flagship chair — performing major symphonic works across the Twin Cities, including the 2024 international tour through Southern France and Barcelona.

Principal Chair · 3 Seasons
Summer 2024

Southern France & Barcelona International Tour

Principal Harpist for GTCYS Symphony Orchestra's international performance tour through Southern France and Barcelona, Spain.

International Tour
2021 – 2022

GTCYS Philharmonic Orchestra

Principal Harpist, advancing to the Symphony Orchestra principal chair the following season.

Principal Chair

Piano

2019 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022

Minnesota Music Teachers Association Piano Contest

Four consecutive years as a contest winner — a statewide competition recognizing exceptional piano performance across all age and skill levels.

4× Winner · Statewide
Book Piano Lessons LinkedIn

Private Piano Instruction

Piano
Lessons

Learn piano from an award-winning performer

With over a decade of performance experience, four MMTA contest wins, and currently pursuing a music degree at Northwestern's Bienen School of Music, I bring technical depth and genuine artistic passion to students of every level.

Lessons are held in-person at a private studio in Chaska, MN. Sessions are 30 minutes or 1 hour — customizable to fit your schedule and goals.

Schedule a Lesson
What I offer
All levels — Beginner through Advanced
Personalized curriculum for each student
Technique, theory & expressive playing
Audition & college music prep
In-person studio · Chaska, MN
30 min ($25) · 60 min ($50)
🎹

Beginner

Note reading, hand position, foundational technique, and simple repertoire. Great for kids and adults starting fresh.

🎵

Intermediate

Scales, sight-reading, classical and contemporary pieces, dynamics, and musical expression.

🏆

Advanced

Advanced repertoire, in-depth interpretation, performance skills, and audition preparation.

📖

Music Theory

Harmony, ear training, composition fundamentals, and AP Music Theory exam preparation.

🎓

College Prep

Audition repertoire, artist statement guidance, and music portfolio building for college applications.

🌟

All Ages Welcome

Young beginners to adult learners — lessons shaped around your schedule, pace, and musical interests.

Pricing

$25
30-Minute Session
Great for younger students or focused work
$50
60-Minute Session
Recommended for deeper learning & repertoire

Rates are flexible and can be discussed based on the student's needs and goals. Contact me for more information.

Start with a free intro session

Your first session is a complimentary 30-minute meeting to discuss your goals, experience, and what you're looking for in lessons — so we can tailor everything to you before committing to a schedule.

Book Your First Session on Calendly

Studio located in Chaska, MN. For questions, text 952-688-8212 or email kayleencho2029@u.northwestern.edu.

Academic Support & College Mentorship

Tutoring &
Mentorship

Academic tutoring from a Northwestern dual-degree student

I've completed 12 AP courses, navigated the college application process into Northwestern's highly competitive dual-degree program, and have been tutoring students since 2021. My support is grounded in real, recent experience.

Whether you need subject help, ACT prep, essay coaching, or portfolio guidance — I offer mentorship that goes beyond surface-level instruction.

Book a Session
Session types & location
1-on-1 AP & core subject tutoring
ACT test preparation (all sections)
Common App & college essay writing
Music portfolio for college applications
Academic & research portfolio building
Zoom · In-home (Chaska, MN) · Library/café
30 min ($30) · 60 min ($60)
$30
30-Minute Session
Focused review, quick questions, check-ins
$60
60-Minute Session
Deep dives, essay drafting, test prep

Rates can be discussed depending on the student's needs. Travel to student's home available depending on distance — travel fees may apply. Sessions also available at libraries or cafés near Chaska, MN.

AP Courses — All 12 personally completed

AP Biology
AP Chemistry
AP Physics 1
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Statistics
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Macroeconomics
AP English Lang & Comp
AP English Literature
AP US Gov & Politics
AP Human Geography
AP Spanish Language & Culture

Core & General Academics

Algebra I & II
Pre-Calculus
Geometry
Biology
Chemistry
Physics
English / Writing
Spanish

Specialty Mentorship

ACT Test Preparation

Targeted prep across all four ACT sections — English, Math, Reading, and Science — with practice strategy, pacing, and content review built around your weak areas.

Common App & College Essays

Brainstorming, drafting, and refining your personal statement and supplementals. I help you tell your authentic story with clarity and impact — drawing on my own successful application experience.

Music Portfolio for College Applications

From my own journey applying to Northwestern's dual-degree program, I guide student musicians in building compelling performance portfolios, audition materials, and artist statements.

Academic & Research Portfolio

Presenting research projects, science fair work, and academic accomplishments in a polished portfolio that strengthens college applications and scholarship submissions.

Book a Tutoring Session

Available online — pick a subject, specialty service, or reach out to discuss a custom plan.

Schedule on Calendly

For questions, text 952-688-8212 or email kayleencho2029@u.northwestern.edu.

Campus Ambassador · Curated Links & Codes

Brand Partnerships
& Student Perks

As a college brand ambassador, I partner with companies I genuinely use and believe in — from clothing and skincare to jewelry and student tools. Shop through my links or use my codes below for exclusive discounts. Thank you for supporting my work.

Google Gemini for Students

AI · Free for Students

Google's most capable AI, free for verified students. Research, study, write, and create faster with a tool I rely on every week.

Get Gemini for Students

Aerie

Apparel · Ambassador

Intimates, activewear, and loungewear I actually wear. Shop my curated picks through my Aerie community ambassador page.

Shop My Aerie Page

American Eagle

Apparel

Denim, everyday staples, and seasonal favorites. Shop American Eagle through my ambassador link to support my partnership.

Shop American Eagle

Bubble Skincare

Skincare

Clean, accessible skincare made for younger skin. Use my code at checkout for a discount on your order.

Code KAYLEEN615I
Shop Bubble

Princess Polly

Apparel · Campus Code

Trend-forward fashion and going-out pieces. Apply my campus ambassador code at checkout for your discount.

Code PPCAMPUSKAYLEENCHO
Shop Princess Polly

Evry Jewels

Jewelry

Everyday and statement jewelry to finish any look. Shop my link or add my code at checkout for a discount.

Code KAYLEENCHO
Shop Evry Jewels

Some links are affiliate or ambassador links, meaning I may earn a small commission or credit when you shop through them — at no extra cost to you. I only partner with brands I personally use and recommend.