Karina Gao joined the OBSL in the spring of 2026. Her research centers on the synthesis of fluorescence nanodots with tunable emission spectra and controlled bandwidths, specifically for integration into a Concanavalin A–mannose-based FRET glucose-sensing platform. By optimizing the optical properties and surface compatibility of these nanodots, her work aims to maximize FRET efficiency and significantly enhance the sensitivity of glucose detection for diagnostic applications.