3 alumni Nobel laureates recount how UCLA set them on a path to the prize

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Three alumni Nobel laureates speak about the impact of their UCLA research experience in this Newsroom article. Frederick J. Ramsdell, Ardem Patapoutian, and Randy Schekman “highlight the national importance of accessible and well-funded higher education, and how the opportunities and resources they first found in Westwood played a vital role in their scientific journeys”.

Read the full article here: 3 alumni Nobel laureates recount how UCLA set them up on a path to the prize

 

Research Opportunities at ucla

Quantitative Analysis of Cell Cocultures Using HNMR and Microscopy

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UCLA PI Name: Louis Bouchard
Division/Department: Chemistry and Biochemistry
Lab website: https://sites.google.com/view/bouchardlabucla/
Expected Weekly Time Commitment: 10 hours per week

Job Description: The Bouchard Lab focuses on developing novel analytical techniques to study chemical and biological interactions.

We are looking to onboard undergraduate students who will participate in a project analyzing cell samples using H-NMR spectroscopy and microscopy. Experimental results will be used to guide future applications of H-NMR as a novel technique to quantify cell-cell interactions. This listing seeks to recruit individuals who will be involved in the experimental side of the project. Individuals with prior experience in any of the desired skills are preferred, but we will be open to teaching newcomers the necessary skills.

Application Instructions: Please fill out the following Google form, and attach your resume/CV. For inquiries, email dylandang@ucla.edu.

Bouchard Lab F25 Recruitment Form: https://forms.gle/kPxiJNNsUMJsKoWU7

Research Opportunities at ucla

Pathological analysis for prostate cancer research program

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UCLA PI Name: Jianyu Rao
E-Mail: JRao@mednet.ucla.edu
Division/Department: Pathology and Lab Med
Expected Weekly Time Commitment: 10 to 15 hours

Job Description: Engaging in prostate cancer research, help lab staffs to process tissue samples and perform basic lab activities including special stains such as immunohistochemistry, prepare and organize slides, data analysis, etc.

Application Instructions: – Submit CV to Dr. Huang, Rong Rong (rhuang@mednet.ucla.edu), lab manager of Prostate SPORE lab
– Qualified individuals will be invited to in-person interview

Research Opportunities at ucla

Chemoproteomic reagent development

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UCLA PI Name: Keriann Backus
E-Mail: kbackus@mednet.ucla.edu
Division/Department: Biological Chemistry
Lab website (if applicable): backuslab.com
Expected Weekly Time Commitment: 15h/week

Job Description: Looking for an undergraduate researcher with a strong desire to work at the interface of chemistry and biology who is interested in using organic chemistry to develop chemical tools to probe fundamental biology. This position is a unique opportunity for an undergraduate student interested in contributing to research at the interface of technology for drug development.

Desired Majors
• Chemistry
• Biochemistry
• Chemical Engineering

Required Qualifications
• Completed general chemistry coursework (20A/B/L/30AL)
• Background or interest in chemical synthesis and chemical biology

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience with organic chemistry
• Completed or currently enrolled in organic chemistry coursework (30 A/B/C/BL/CL), prior research experience in chemistry
• First- or second-year UCLA undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Expected commitment: part-time during the academic year with potential for expanded summer research. MUST have at least 2-3 blocks of 5 hour time in schedule to devote to research

Application Instructions: Interested students should send:
• A short statement of interest (max 1 page) describing relevant coursework, programming experience, and research interests
• A resume/CV (including GPA and coursework)
• Optional Supplemental Materials (Course presentations or Slide Deck Explaining Previous Experience)

Research Opportunities at ucla

Understanding the molecular mechanisms of vascular calcification and fibrosis

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UCLA PI Name: Xinjiang Cai
E-Mail: xinjiangcai@mednet.ucla.edu
Division/Department: Cardiology/Medicine
Lab website: https://cvbiol.med.ucla.edu/people/xinjiang-cai-md-phd
Expected Weekly Time Commitment: 5-10 hours

Job Description: Our laboratory at the University of California, Los Angeles is a leading research lab dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge in the field of vascular biology. We are seeking a talented and enthusiastic UCLA undergraduate with a primary focus on the molecular biology of vascular calcification. The successful candidate will join our dynamic research team and play an important role in advancing our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying vascular calcification.

Per Student Research Program (SRP) program instruction, all student researchers must first receive clearance from the UCLA Health Sciences Volunteer Office.

The responsibilities of this position encompass, but are not confined to, the following:
• Mammalian Cell Culture: cultivation of mammalian cells, including human cells.
• Molecular Techniques: RNA isolation, real-time RT-PCR, SDS-PAGE gels, Western blotting, immunochemistry, histochemistry, ELISA, and enzymatic assays.
After the completion of required animal training, the candidate may contribute to
• Breeding and Injections: Experienced in the setup and maintenance of mouse breeding, injections, and general animal handling.
• Mouse Handling: ear tagging for identification, tail sampling for DNA isolation, weaning of animals, and PCR-based genotyping.
• Sample Handling and Procedures: Competent in mouse euthanasia, tissue harvest (including blood), and histology of animal tissues.

Application Instructions: Please send your application along with a copy of your most up-to-date résumé to Xinjiang Cai, MD PhD via email xinjiangcai@mednet.ucla.edu. We can accommodate 1–2 undergraduate students in the lab, depending on the availability of active projects.

Anson Ting

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Anson Ting! Anson is a second year Computational and Systems Biology major, currently volunteering in the Fogel Lab and researching rare neurodegenerative conditions such as Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA). He hopes to pursue a PhD in neuroscience, computational biology, or bioengineering, and work in the field of multiomics research for various neurodegenerative diseases. Through undergraduate research at UCLA, Anson has gained critical thinking skills, good research practices, and learned to appreciate the possibilities of research.

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 conducting.

I volunteer in the Fogel Lab which studies rare neurodegenerative conditions such as Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA), a group of slow progressing disorders leading to a loss of coordination, gait abnormalities, and other symptoms. Clinical trials for SCA are limited by current severity assessment methods which are all physician evaluations on a point scale primarily driven by a patient’s ability to stand and walk. Over short time frames, a patients’ severity scores often show minimal change, requiring trials to have very large cohorts to have sufficient statistical power. The project I work on in the lab seeks to find an alternative to physician scores by identifying biomarkers(quantifiable molecules correlated with disease) that can differentiate between SCA subtypes. Our specific molecule of interest is exosomal microRNAs, tiny pieces of RNA that regulate protein translation located in small vesicles released by cells, and through RNA sequencing we can capture the relative abundance of different miRNAs and their correlations with disease condition. My specific role was in the implementation of an analysis workflow to process and analyze the resultant sequencing data.

2. How would you describe your research experience at UCLA?

Overall my experience with research at UCLA has been extremely insightful and educational. I was fortunate enough where my current lab has given me the responsibility of a single project, letting me implement the whole data analysis pipeline from top to bottom. This experience allowed me to holistically experience the research process, from troubleshooting analysis tools to contextualizing concepts in terms of a research question. The confidence I’ve gained from problem solving and seeing tasks to completion for my project has also translated into how I approach my roles in clubs and other responsibilities beyond the lab.

3. What is your year and major?

I am a second 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?

The main advice I would give to others trying to get involved in research is to make sure you’ve familiarized yourself with the research questions of and techniques used by any lab you’re interested in. This process could look like reading through a few of their papers and making sure you understand what their findings are and how they got there. Back when I was looking for a lab, I found that this preparation helped me have insightful discussions in interviews and explore my interests further even if I didn’t end up getting a position.

5. Have you attended a conference before? If so, can you describe your experience on preparation, presenting, etc.?

I have previously presented at this summer’s SPUR Showcase. Leading up to the symposium, the prospect of having to present was definitely extremely daunting especially since we changed the topic of my presentation after some negative results. Thankfully, the mentors and people in my lab were always willing to help provide feedback and support through multiple rounds of practice, allowing me to build up my confidence. Ultimately, the clarity and conciseness I developed after preparing for and presenting my project has been extremely valuable, both for advancing my research in the lab and for sharing my work with others in my life.

6. What are your future career goals?

In the future I hope to pursue a PhD in neuroscience, computational biology, or bioengineering and work in the field of multiomics research for various neurodegenerative diseases.

7. Please list any URC/departmental programs you are/were involved in. How has your experience been in these programs?

This past summer I was a part of the URC Sciences Summer Program. Overall, I found it to be a valuable opportunity to continue working on my project over the summer while also meeting other peers who also have a passion for research. Additionally, the weekly workshops on possible career options, strategies for communicating science, and the skills necessary to conduct good research have provided me with valuable skills to grow as an aspiring scientist.

8. What was the impact of undergraduate research on your career path?

Undergraduate research has allowed me to confirm my interest in science by giving me the opportunity to get hands-on experience on an actual project. Through this experience I’ve learned critical thinking skills, good research practices, and learned to appreciate the possibilities of research. Having enjoyed the process of scientific discovery and tinkering, my experience has motivated me to pursue research as part of my career.

Lucine Ksajikian

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Lucine Ksajikian! Lucine is a fourth year Psychobiology major who is looking to become a physician specializing  in radiation oncology. She was previously involved in the URC – Sciences Summer Program, 10-week opportunity for UCLA undergraduates to undertake research with a UCLA faculty and receive professional development through workshops and seminars. Lucine is currently an undergraduate researcher in the Laboratory for Image-Guided Immunotherapy, led by Dr. Oluwatayo Ikotun.

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 conducting.

I am an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Ikotun’s lab, the Laboratory for Image-Guided Immunotherapy, where we focus on developing diagnostic imaging tools to enable in vivo visualization of the cancer immunity cycle and investigating the validity of a single-agent targeted radioimmunotherapy approach to overcome challenges in the effectiveness of current cancer immunotherapies. I first became involved in research through the introductory course of the Biomedical Research Minor, where I participated in Dr. Ikotun’s seminar and developed a strong interest in the fi eld of cancer immunology and radiotheranostics. My current projects specifically focus on integrin-targeted therapies for non-small cell lung cancer, including investigating αvβ6 radioligand therapy for chemotherapy-resistant tumors and evaluating the antibody-drug conjugate sigvotatug vedotin (SGN-B6A), with an emphasis on how these approaches directly eliminate tumor cells, modulate the tumor immune microenvironment, and enhance responsiveness to immunotherapy.

2. How would you describe your research experience at UCLA?

My research experience at UCLA has simply been transformative. Under Dr. Ikotun’s mentorship, I have had the rare opportunity as an undergraduate to engage directly with various advanced assays and develop genuine independence at the bench. Working at the forefront of translational cancer research has allowed me not only to recognize critical gaps in current therapies but also to work in projects that actively work to bridge those gaps: from concept to execution. With that, I am deeply grateful for the privilege of contributing to this eff ort within an institution like UCLA, where unparalleled facilities and resources continually expand the scope and impact of our research.

3. What is your year and major?

I am a 4th year Psychobiology major.

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

The foundation of research is passion. Pursue opportunities in areas that genuinely spark your curiosity and align with what you hope to contribute, because it is your enthusiasm and commitment that will ultimately drive both your learning and your success as a researcher.

5. What are your future career goals?

My future goal is to become a physician specializing in radiation oncology. Throughout medical school, residency, and my career as a physician, I plan to remain actively engaged in research, with a particular focus on immunology, oncology, and radiotheranostics.

6. Please list any URC/departmental programs you are/were involved in. How has your experience been in these programs?

In Summer 2025, I participated in the URC-Summer Science Program, where I received a stipend to pursue my independent research project under the guidance of my faculty mentor. The program was transformative for my growth as a researcher, supporting my project directly while also providing weekly seminars and workshops led by Dr. Jorge Avila and distinguished researchers from in and out of UCLA. Through these experiences, I not only gained valuable skills in becoming a better scientist but it also deepened my passion for research and broadened my vision of the possibilities for continuing my work beyond undergrad.

7. What was the impact of undergraduate research on your career path?

My work in translational research has shaped how I view my future career, not as a physician who does research on the side, but as someone whose medical practice and scientific inquiry are inseparably linked. Experiencing firsthand how our research can impact patient outcomes has reinforced my commitment to continue pursuing research throughout my medical journey, contributing meaningfully to both the advancement of science and the delivery of patient care.