STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 

Meet Alexandra Rebollar! Alexandra is a fourth-year Neuroscience major who is planning on obtaining an MD-PhD degree and starting a career in the forensic field, specifically forensic neuropathology. Alexandra has been a part of the PEERS program, is currently a CAMP (California Alliance for Minority Participation) scholar, and a part of the BURST Fellowship. She is currently preparing to present her research at a symposium and notes that through the creation of her presentation the experience, “has instilled more confidence within [her] and further driven home [her] passion for research.” Read Alexandra’s full interview below.

1. How did you first get involved in your research project?
Upon entering UCLA, I got accepted into the Program for Excellence in Education and Research Program (PEERS). The program assists students during their first two years and promotes research participation. During my second year, PEERS pushed its students to apply for research positions, so I decided to look through Handshake. Through Handshake, I found and applied to the research position I am currently in. I highly recommend others to apply through Handshake as there are PI’s who are actively recruiting more undergraduate student researchers.

2. How would you describe your research experience at UCLA?
Coming into UCLA, I had no experience with research and was afraid to venture out into something I had no idea what was expected of me. I can safely say that my research experience has been the best part of my time at UCLA. My time in the lab has pushed me to find my passion in research. As well, I have the best mentors I could have ever asked for. Through the support of my PI and mentor, I have decided to pursue an MD-PhD; without them, I would have never thought of becoming a physician-scientist.

3. What is your year and major?
I am a 4th year Neuroscience student.

4. What is one piece of advice you have for other students thinking about getting involved in research?
Applying the interview process, cold emailing, etc can be scary and frustrating at the same time. I remember feeling immense anxiety during my interview, but I would do it all over again if it meant I got into the lab I am in today. Moreover, through my research, I met lifelong friends, found the best mentors, participated in a symposium, etc. I also learned how to perform surgeries! Research is an unforgettable experience, so I would heavily encourage students to apply.

5. Have you attended a conference before? If so, can you describe your experience in preparation, presenting, etc.?
I am currently preparing to present my research at a symposium. It has been heavily stressful but also rewarding. Through the creation of my presentation, I was able to fully understand what my research was bringing into the scientific community. My mentor and PI have pushed me to practice presenting in front of my lab. This experience has instilled more confidence within me and further driven home my passion for research. Having someone push me to do my best has let me feel immensely supported and ready for my presentation. As well, I felt super proud of everything that I was able to accomplish and am still accomplishing.

6. Have you had your work published? Can you talk about what that process was like?
I haven’t published anything yet!

7. What are your future career goals?
I plan to get an MD-PhD. I fell in love with research but still wish to go to medical school, so I decided to do an MD-PhD. I plan to go into the forensic field, specifically forensic neuropathology, and contribute to the community with my future research.

8. Please list any URC/departmental programs you are/were involved in. How has your experience been as a CAMP scholar?
I am currently a CAMP scholar and part of the BURST Fellowship. The BURST fellowship has allowed me to stay in my lab for another year while also getting financial support. At the beginning of the fall quarter, I got an award through CAMP and it has heavily assisted me with more opportunities. Moreover, CAMP has allowed me to present my research with other CAMP scholars and prepare for a symposium. It has also allowed me to learn about other research students are conducting while providing a community in which each of us is passionate about what we are researching.

9. What was the impact of undergraduate research on your career path?
My undergraduate research has heavily impacted my career path as I no longer just want to go into medical school, but I now want to pursue an MD-PhD. Moreover, I want to continue having research be part of my life while also pursuing a medical degree.