Sarah Sun

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Sarah Sun! Sarah is a fourth-year Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics major, currently conducting research in the Pernas Lab investigating host-pathogen interactions between host mitochondria and the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Sarah was previously involved in the URC – Sciences Summer Program, which provided her an opportunity to conduct full-time summer research as an undergraduate student, as well as provided her weekly workshops and meetings to learn more about scientific communications, graduate school applications, and more. She hopes to one day pursue a career in academia and start her own lab.

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 a transfer student, so I began cold emailing labs as soon as I received my admission offer. After a zoom interview with the PI and my mentor, I got the position at the Pernas Lab and started my time as undergraduate research in last September. Our lab mainly investigates host-pathogen interactions between host mitochondria and the parasite Toxoplasma gondii. My project focuses on a newly discovered structure called Structures Positive for Outer Mitochondria Membrane (SPOTs), including their formation and interaction with other host organelles such as lysosomes.

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

I’ve really enjoyed my research experience at UCLA! Everyone in the lab is very supportive, and we have a collaborative and encouraging environment in the lab. There are a lot of opportunities at UCLA, such as the summer programs and departmental honor, allowing me to dedicate more time on my research project. Also, it isn’t a huge burden on my class schedule as my lab work contributes directly to my degree requirements.

3. What is your year and major?

I am a fourth year Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics major.

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

I would say get started early and don’t be afraid to reach out to the faculty members. It can feel intimidating to email professors and promote yourself, but showing your passion and enthusiasm always helps you stand out.

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

Not yet, but I’m attending my first conference this November! I’m currently preparing the poster, and I find the resources on poster making from the URC is very helpful, especially the templates.

6. Have you had your work published? Can you talk about what that process was like?

Not yet, but I believe there’s a manuscript in progress and I’m looking forward to getting involved in the process.

7. What are your future career goals?

I’m very into research so I’m pursuing a career in academia. My long-term goal is to become a faculty in a college and start up my own lab and investigate things that I have passion with.

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

I participated in the URC-sciences summer program and it’s very helpful. It provided a great opportunity to conduct full-time summer research as an undergraduate student. I also liked that we had weekly workshops and meetings to learn more about scientific communication, grad school application, and so on. I’m applying to grad school this year, so the grad school application workshops were extremely useful in helping me navigating this path.

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

My current research experience shaped my research interest in host-pathogen interaction. In addition, this experience definitely made me a more competitive applicant in grad school application, I believe I’ll also be more prepared when I get into grad school due to early exposure to skills such as critical thinking.

Mia Santiago

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Mia Santiago! Mia is a third-year Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology major, currently conducting research in the Scafoglio Lab studying lung cancer. Mia’s research experience as UCLA thus far has been described as transformative. She states, “I can say that I have fallen in love with research and carrying out experiments that contribute to larger scientific questions. As someone who is more on the introverted side, I love the solace that I have found in carrying out independent work.” Mia is looking to pursue her PhD after graduating from UCLA, and eventually establish scholarship programs to aid students interested in the biological sciences and art.

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 first got involved in research my freshman year of college through the PEERS program. Coming to college, I did not know what research was which intrigued my interest in joining PEERS in the first place. Thanks to PEERS I was connected with the Scafoglio Lab and since the summer of 2024 I have been an undergraduate researcher here where we study lung cancer, in specific lung adenocarcinoma. I have been assisting on my mentor, Martín Alcaraz Jr’s, project, investigating the sex-dependent effects of alpha-ketoglutarate on lung adenocarcinoma!

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

I would describe my research experience as transformative. As I have mentioned prior, I did not know about research before coming to college. But now, I can say that I have fallen in love with research and carrying out experiments that contribute to larger scientific questions. As someone who is more on the introverted side, I love the solace that I have found in carrying out independent work. In the future, I look forward to applying to PhD programs and continue to pursue my passion to contribute to the larger scientific community.

3. What is your year and major?

I am a Junior and MCDB major!

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

One piece of advice that I would give to potential scientists out there is to be curious and kind. Science can be complicated to understand! But by asking questions to peers and to your PI, you gain a better understanding of the cause that you are contributing to. Questions can only help you grow as a scientist. In addition to this, I think it is important to recognize the privilege of being a part of someone’s passion project. PI’s are passionate about their work so approach it with respect, kindness, and genuine effort to learn from those around you.

5. Have you had your work published? Can you talk about what that process was like?

I have not had my work published but have witnessed the behind the scenes process. One of the most eye-opening parts of this process that I have learned is how much storytelling lies in publications. How do you want to present your work and findings? Additionally, it’s lots and lots of time spent drafting and revising that the final work often looks completely different from the very first draft. Ultimately the goal is to focus on every single detail to make the paper as perfect as possible for readers to capture and appreciate the work that you put so much effort into.

6. What are your future career goals?

My future career goal is to pursue a PhD. I do not know exactly what I would like to focus on and ultimately decide to conduct research on as I have a variety of interests ranging from the immune system, epigenetics, diet, pathology, gerontology, and the gut microbiome. But this is why I love science as there are so many areas to explore which has only solidified my decision to continue learning and growing as a researcher. Apart from research, I would like to establish scholarship programs where I can help aid students interested in the biological sciences and art as I have a deep connection to drawing and painting. I would not be where I am today without my mentors and supporters who believed in me and I want to pass along that same support to other students.

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

This summer of 2025, I was a part of the URC Sciences Summer Program cohort, supported through CAMP. This program introduced me to the PhD application process and helped me gain an understanding of what I should expect when I apply to PhD programs. Additionally, this program allowed me to present my research for the first time at the URC Summer Symposium which helped me gain confidence in presenting. Most importantly, I got to meet other undergraduate researchers. As part of a group project, I worked with two students, Samantha Lynch and Sasha Gladkikh on a research dissemination project focusing on the link between gut health and atherosclerosis.

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

Undergraduate research has opened my eyes to new career opportunities that I never knew about. It has given me a purpose and has only fueled my interest in science even more. Undergraduate research has played an essential role in shaping my decision to pursue a PhD.