Henley Roy
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Meet Henley Roy! Henley is a fourth-year Biochemistry and Business Economics major and has been involved in the URC – Sciences Summer Program and the Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (URFP). She is currently conducting research in the Petrovic Lab and works on examining nuclear import mechanisms of Yes-associated protein. In the future, Henley hopes to attend graduate school and obtain a research position in industry or academia.
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 joined the Petrovic Lab in Fall of 2024 when the lab was just starting up! Currently the project I work on examines nuclear import mechanisms of Yes-associated protein (YAP1), which is a transcriptional coactivator that is dysregulated in triple negative breast cancer. This protein is too large to enter the nucleus through passive diffusion, but also lacks a canonical nuclear localization signal (NLS) typically required for active transport by importin proteins, making its import mechanisms unclear. To study this pathway, I have expressed and purified protein constructs of YAP1 and candidate importin protein interactors, and I am testing binding interactions between these proteins.
2. How would you describe your research experience at UCLA?
My research experiences at UCLA have been an amazing learning experience. My graduate student mentors and PI’s have taught me many fundamental technical wet lab skills, but also how to practice scientific communication and proposal writing which are important for a wide variety of future career trajectories.
3. What is your year and major?
4th year, Biochemistry and Business Economics major
4. What is one piece of advice you have for other students thinking about getting involved in research?
If you are thinking about getting involved in research do it! The only way you can know if you like it or not is if you try it.
5. What are your future career goals?
I hope to attend graduate school and conduct research in Protein Biochemistry/Structural Biology, and eventually obtain a research position in industry or academia.
6. Please list any URC/departmental programs you are/were involved in. How has your experience been in these programs?
I was involved in the URC Summer Sciences program as well as the URFP program. These programs have provided me invaluable guidance and mentorship, as well as financial support which allows me to focus more time on my research.
7. What was the impact of undergraduate research on your career path?
My experiences in undergraduate research set me on the trajectory of applying to PhD programs in Biochemistry, which is something I never thought I would do coming into college. They helped me realize how much I love working in a lab and working with other scientists!