Rania Khanna is a sophomore at Purdue University majoring in Psychological Sciences and minoring in Human Development and Family Sciences on the pre-dental track. She is particularly interested in working with children and hopes to pursue a career in pediatric dentistry. As her first undergraduate research experience, Rania is excited to be part of the SHINE Lab and to learn more about mental health in child development, family relationships and the factors that support healthy development in children.

Outside of the research lab, Rania works as a dental assistant and sterilization technician, where she has gained experience interacting with pediatric patients and helping create a comfortable environment during dental visits. She has also worked as a dermatology medical assistant and certified nursing assistant and volunteers as a tutor for Ukrainian children, helping them learn about American customs and adjust to life in the United States. In addition, she works on the marketing team of a medical office in her hometown as a social media manager. At Purdue, Rania is involved in the Purdue Pre-Dental Club, Boiler Medical Humanities Review, and Alpha Phi. Through her involvement in SHINE Lab, she hopes to develop research skills while gaining a better understanding of children's mental health, development and family relationships. She is invested in how this knowledge can be applied to patient care since understanding a child's emotional and developmental needs can help healthcare providers build trust and create more positive experiences for children and their families.

In her free time, Rania enjoys wheel-throwing ceramics, painting, swimming, traveling, spending time outdoors, and being with her friends and family. She loves finding new ways to be creative and is excited to contribute to the SHINE Lab while learning how research can make a difference in the lives of children and families.