STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Sasha Gladkikh! Sasha is a fourth-year Computational and Systems Biology major who plans to attend medical school to pursue a career as a physician-scientist. She is currently in the Undergraduate Research Fellows Program and will be joining the URC – Sciences Summer Program this summer. Sasha’s current research in the Lusis Laboratory investigates the protective role of microbiota-derived metabolites in abdominal aortic aneurysms. One piece of advice Sasha have for students interested in research is to “Start before you feel ready. It is completely normal to feel intimidated when stepping into a lab for the first time…that initial uncertainty is often where the most meaningful learning begins.” Read Sasha’s full interview below.

1. How did you first get involved in your research project? Tell us a bit about the lab you are in and the research you are currently conducting.
I joined the Lusis Laboratory at the David Geffen School of Medicine in my third year to pursue my interests in cardiology and bioinformatics. The Lusis Lab applies a systems genetics framework to investigate complex cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, including atherosclerosis, heart failure, and fatty liver disease, by integrating multi-omics data from both human cohorts and mouse models. Under the mentorship of Dr. Aldons J. Lusis and PhD candidate Jenny Cheng, my current research investigates the protective role of microbiota-derived metabolites in abdominal aortic aneurysms, a degenerative vascular condition that currently ranks as the 15th leading cause of death in the United States.

2. How would you describe your research experience at UCLA?
Transformative. I entered UCLA with no prior research experience and little guidance on how to begin. As the daughter of refugees, I was accustomed to navigating uncertainty independently, but stepping into research introduced a new world, one shaped by rigorous inquiry, collaborative problem-solving, and intellectual humility. Joining the Lusis Lab gave me the structure, mentorship, and environment I needed to grow. I learned to approach scientific questions with both curiosity and precision, to treat setbacks as essential to the learning process, and to recognize persistence as a critical part of progress. This experience sharpened my analytical skills, deepened my appreciation for discovery, and solidified my long-term commitment to research.

3. What is your year and major?
I am a fourth-year majoring in Computational and Systems Biology.

4. What is one piece of advice you have for other students thinking about getting involved in research?
Start before you feel ready. It is completely normal to feel intimidated when stepping into a lab for the first time; I certainly did. However, that initial uncertainty is often where the most meaningful learning begins. You do not need to have all the answers to contribute. What matters most is approaching research with curiosity, accepting feedback, and being willing to grow through trial and error. Ask thoughtful questions, take responsibility for your mistakes, and seek mentors who will challenge your thinking while supporting your development. With the right environment, you will not only strengthen your skills, but also grow into a confident and capable researcher, often in ways you could not have anticipated.

5. Have you attended a conference before? If so, can you describe your experience on preparation, presenting, etc.?
I attended the 2024 UCLA Cardiovascular Theme Symposium, a two-day conference that convenes leading researchers across disciplines to explore advances in cardiovascular metabolism, epigenetics, oncology, and therapeutic development. Although I did not present, attending keynote talks by physician-scientists, early-career investigators, and biomedical engineers deepened my understanding of the pressing questions shaping the field. Observing how researchers framed their findings and engaged their audience helped me think more intentionally about how to communicate science with clarity and purpose. The experience broadened my perspective and provided practical tools I will carry into future presentations of my own work.

6. Have you had your work published? Can you talk about what that process was like?
Yes, I have co-authored two publications:

● The impact of plakophilin-2 deficiency on the atrial myocardium: electrophysiological insights and therapeutic implications, The Journal of Physiology (2025). DOI: 10.1113/JP288315.

● Trimethylamine-N-oxide affects cell type-specific pathways and networks in mouse aorta to promote atherosclerotic plaque vulnerability, bioRxiv (2025). DOI: 10.1101/2025.02.25.640205.

The publishing process gave me a deeper appreciation for the full trajectory of scientific research, from hypothesis generation to public dissemination. I came to understand that impactful science is not only grounded in data, but also in how clearly and rigorously it is communicated. Each stage, from data interpretation to manuscript revision, pushed me to think critically, collaborate across disciplines, and refine the way I present complex ideas. Contributing to these studies strengthened my commitment to research and taught me that discovery becomes meaningful through precision, persistence, and shared purpose.

7. What are your future career goals?
I plan to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician-scientist. My goal is to bridge clinical practice with bioinformatics-driven research, particularly in cardiology, to uncover novel mechanisms of disease. I hope to contribute to the development of more targeted, data-informed therapies that advance both patient outcomes and our broader understanding of human health.

8. Please list any URC/departmental programs you are/were involved in.
I am currently a scholar in the Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (URFP) and will participate in the URC–Sciences Summer Program this summer. URFP has played a pivotal role in shaping my development as a researcher by providing financial support and a thoughtfully structured environment for academic and professional growth. Through the RES PRC 103 seminar, taught by Dr. Jorge Avila, I strengthened my skills in science communication, research proposal writing, and graduate school preparation. One of the most impactful aspects of the program was engaging with a diverse cohort of undergraduate researchers across the life, physical, and engineering sciences. Learning from their perspectives encouraged me to approach my own work more critically and broadened my appreciation for interdisciplinary collaboration. Beyond the skills I gained, URFP gave me a lasting sense of connection to UCLA’s research community and reaffirmed my commitment to a career grounded in discovery and impact.

9. What was the impact of undergraduate research on your career path?
Undergraduate research has been foundational in shaping both my career goals and my sense of purpose. It affirmed my aspiration to become a physician-scientist, someone who not only delivers clinical care but also investigates the molecular mechanisms driving disease. Research taught me that science is not about having immediate answers, but about asking the right questions and approaching uncertainty with patience, creativity, and persistence. It pushed me to think more critically, embrace setbacks as part of the process, and recognize the value of sustained effort. Most importantly, it helped me discover how deeply I care about advancing knowledge in ways that ultimately improve patient lives.