STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Victoria Gong! Victoria is a third-year Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology major with a minor in Biomedical Research and Global Health. She is currently part of the Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (URFP), and will be participating in the URC – Sciences Summer Program this summer. Victoria’s independent research project focuses specifically on imaging lung cancer and immune cell interactions using immunofluorescence techniques. She credits undergraduate research in fundamentally shaping her career goals and reaffirmed her passion for pursuing a research-focused career. Read below for Victoria’s full interview.

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 Dr. Aaron Meyer’s lab during the winter of my freshman year through cold emailing! At the time, the project I’m still working on—a collaboration with Merck—was just beginning, and it immediately aligned with my interest in biopharma-related immune research. I started by learning from graduate mentors how to perform antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) and phagocytosis assays using lung cancer cells and Merck antibodies. My current independent project stems from this larger collaboration, focusing specifically on imaging lung cancer and immune cell interactions using immunofluorescence techniques.

2. How would you describe your research experience at UCLA?
I feel incredibly fortunate to have joined Dr. Meyer’s lab early in my undergraduate career. As I learned both hands-on and through coursework, my understanding of immune and cell-based concepts deepened. Dr. Meyer, my graduate mentor Meera Trisal, and my fellow lab members have been incredibly supportive, encouraging me to pursue more independent research directions. Participating in URC-Sciences’ URFP program came at a perfect time, helping me transition from an undergraduate volunteer to a more independent scientific researcher.

3. What is your year and major?
I am a third-year Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) major, with minors in Biomedical Research and Global Health.

4. What is one piece of advice you have for other students thinking about getting involved in research?

Don’t be afraid to try everything! Cold email labs even if you’re unsure about your chances – persistence is key. Once you’re in a lab, take initiative to get more involved, and put genuine effort into learning and contributing. It never hurts to ask!!!

5. Have you attended a conference before? If so, can you describe your experience on preparation, presenting, etc.?
Not yet, but I will be presenting at Undergraduate Research Week this spring and am excited to participate in conferences over the summer!

6. Have you had your work published? Can you talk about what that process was like?
Not yet, but I have been involved in my lab’s peer review and manuscript preparation processes. I’ve learned that getting results published is a meticulous and sometimes tiring, but ultimately very rewarding, experience.

7. What are your future career goals?
I hope to pursue a Ph.D. in bioengineering, continuing to explore immune cell and cell-based therapies. After completing my Ph.D., I aspire to work in the biopharmaceutical industry to help advance and expand immune-based treatments.

8. Please list any URC/departmental programs you are/were involved in.
I am currently part of the URFP program, which has really boosted my confidence in presenting my research to both general and specialized audiences. I’ve also loved hearing about the diverse research projects my peers are working on, from cellular biology to computer science, and building a network of passionate researchers at UCLA. This summer, I’ll be participating in the URC-Sciences summer program, and I’m looking forward to continuing to grow within this community.

9. What was the impact of undergraduate research on your career path?
Undergraduate research has fundamentally shaped my career goals. It has taught me to think independently, question assumptions I once took for granted, and reaffirmed my passion for pursuing a research-focused career. Conversations with peers in URFP and research-related clubs have made me realize how unique and valuable it is to have this level of access and support for undergraduate research at UCLA. It’s been inspiring to be part of a community that pushes each other to think critically and grow as scientists.