Kyla Letko

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Kyla Letko! Kyla is a third-year Physics major with a minor in Anthropology. She is currently part of the Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (URFP), a two-quarter program that supports UCLA students who are conducting a life science, physical science, or engineering research project with UCLA faculty. Kyla’s current project under Dr. David Leibrandt consists of miniaturizing atomic clock setups with the goal of ultimately sending ultra precise measurement and timekeeping devices to space. In the future, Kyla plans on pursuing a PhD in physics and working in research and development in industry or conducting research at a national lab. Read Kyla’s full interview below.

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.
As a freshman, I knew I wanted to get involved in research, but I had no idea what subfield of physics I was interested in. I kept tabs on the types of research my professors were doing, and I tried to attend as many physics colloquiums, professor talks, and lab tours as possible to continue learning about the various disciplines of physics and what working on those projects looks like. Last year, I became interested in atomic, molecular, and optical (AMO) physics because of the size, scale, and applicability of AMO research. Professor Leibrandt had taught me in a class freshman year, and I reached out to him because I was interested in his AMO lab working on trapped ion precision measurement devices. Fast forward to today, and I have a project at his lab miniaturizing atomic clock setups with the goal of ultimately sending ultra precise measurement and timekeeping devices to space.

2. How would you describe your research experience at UCLA?
I am extremely grateful for all of the opportunities the physics department presents to undergraduates, both through direct research openings and other opportunities to interact with professors, graduate students, and their projects. I was happy to be able to join a research lab when I was just a freshman with little experience, and to continue to learn about almost every other discipline of research, both within and outside of my major. Without the help of UCLA’s physics department and URC-Sciences’ resources, I would be incredibly lost about my interests as a student and as a researcher.

3. What is your year and major?
I am a third year majoring in physics with a minor in anthropology.

4. What is one piece of advice you have for other students thinking about getting involved in research?
Embrace the learning curve! As an undergraduate, research labs are filled with people who have years of experience in a very niche field, and learning what is going on and how you fit in can be very challenging. Remember that most of them have been in your position before, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Trust that finally getting a hang of your project is one of the most rewarding experiences of being an undergraduate in research.

5. Have you attended a conference before? If so, can you describe your experience on preparation, presenting, etc.?
I have not attended a conference before, but I have presented my research in previous labs to academic and international audiences. I always have a lot of fun wrapping all of my work together in a presentation and sharing how I’ve helped to advance the research and its greater global impact.

6. Have you had your work published? Can you talk about what that process was like?
I have had my work published in a paper and a couple of conference proceedings for a previous lab I worked with. It’s very satisfying to see your work read, used, and cited in the real world!

7. What are your future career goals?
I plan on pursuing a PhD in physics and working in research and development in industry or conducting research at a national lab.

8. Please list any URC/departmental programs you are/were involved in.
This quarter, I am in the URFP program. The program has boosted my confidence in communicating about my research to both general and a specialized audiences. I have also really enjoyed hearing about the labs my peers are involved with in other fields, from cellular biology to computer science. It has been great to continue to build a supportive network of researchers at such a large school.

9. What was the impact of undergraduate research on your career path?
Undergraduate research has helped me decide which subfield of physics research I am most interested in, and it’s made me confident in my abilities to participate in research in the real world. The mentorship I have received from graduate students and PIs throughout my undergraduate research journey has been invaluable towards helping me get a better idea of my career path, and it’s made me feel more connected to my professors and UCLA as a whole.

Mrinalini Mishra

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Mrinalini Mishra! Mrinalini is a fourth-year Neuroscience major who plans to become a physician, as well as continue her research focusing on neuroscience-related public health issues and associated health disparities. Mrinalini is a URFP scholar, and is currently conducting research around analyzing imaging data from acute stroke patients to see if early imaging can reveal the risk of developing post-stroke epilepsy as part of the Mazumder Lab. One piece of advice Mrinalini has for students thinking about getting involved in research is “…it never hurts to try emailing a potential research mentor if you truly are interested in their research!” Read Mrinalini’s full interview below.

 

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 work in the Mazumder Lab, which is a clinical research lab focused on epilepsy and global health. I got involved in my specific research project at the start of this school year, though I have been a research assistant for my lab since my 2nd year here. My project centers around analyzing imaging data from acute stroke patients to see if early imaging can reveal the risk of developing post-stroke epilepsy.

 

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

My research experience at UCLA has been positive overall! During my first year, it was definitely challenging trying to figure out how to contact researchers at school. However, through a chance encounter after a neurology interest event, I was able to find my PI and have been with my lab ever since! I am glad I am part of the Mazumder Lab, especially because of the kind people who I get to work with, from my PI to my fellow research assistants. I enjoy going into the lab and getting to spend time with them!

 

3. What is your year and major?

4th year, neuroscience!

 

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

I would say that it never hurts to try emailing a potential research mentor if you truly are interested in their research! If they don’t respond to you or tell you they don’t need research assistants, it’s ok. I would much rather live with a no than think about what could have been had I been brave enough to email them.

 

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

I have not attended a conference before, but I will be presenting my research at the neuroscience capstone poster day and the undergraduate research week symposium!

 

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

As of yet, I have not had my work published. However, I might be able to begin work on a manuscript about my project once the school year ends!

 

7. What are your future career goals?

My future goal is to become a physician, but I do not want to give up research! My goal is to continue research in some capacity in the future, focusing on neuroscience-related public health issues and associated health disparities.

 

8. Please list any URC/departmental programs you are/were involved in.

I am not part of any other URC programs besides the URFP. I really value the URFP and my experience has been really impactful. On the first day of the research practicum class all URFP scholars must take, I got to hear about my peers’ research projects and I was amazed at how intelligent and hardworking they all are! Being surrounded by such incredible researchers has pushed me to put more work into my own research. I am also very grateful for Dr. Avila, who encourages all of us and makes himself available for all of our questions.

 

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

Research has solidified my desire to pursue medicine as a career. I want to be able to explore new ideas that can help patients and then actually be able to apply them in clinical practice as well. I also am interested in pursuing an MPH as well to learn more about public health as a whole.

Dr. William Lowry

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Lowry is a professor in the Department of Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology. His research investigates whether stem cells found in different tissues utilize similar mechanisms to undergo self-renewal and differentiation. We had the opportunity to ask Dr. Lowry about his experience mentoring undergraduate students. Read Dr. Lowry’s full interview below:

1. How would you describe your experiences with undergraduate research at UCLA?

Undergrad research has been among the most satisfying aspects of my career at UCLA. The breadth of excellence amongst undergraduates at UCLA is fantastic, and the fact that so many want to take part in lab research is highly gratifying. We have had dozens of student researchers in the lab over the last 18 years, and every one of them has performed important work, and the vast majority have ended up contributing to published papers. I have always appreciated the effort, but also the spirit the undergrads bring to the lab. They not only contribute intellectually, but also in terms of atmosphere.

2. What are your most effective approaches to promote undergraduate research success?

My approach has always been to first determine what the student is keenly interested in, and then point them towards a project that scratches that itch.

3. What resources at UCLA have been the most beneficial to including undergraduates in your research?

The biomedical minor program run by Ira Clark (MCDB), and the CIRM Bridges Program, run by Cindy Malone (CSUN). These programs have guided fantastic students based primarily on their interest to my lab. Both of these programs are fantastic resources, and have been indispensable for the success of my lab.

4. What should undergraduates consider before they begin their research journey?

To start with, undergrads should be willing to take on any kind of project to get their foot in the door. Then, when reaching out to labs, it is important that they do some homework on what the lab is studying. With the number of undergrads that want to get into research labs, it is vital to have a specific interest in the lab, informed by looking into the research in the lab.

5.How do you support students as they navigate different career trajectories in science?

I push students to take every opportunity to present their data possible. From lab meeting, to local and national meetings, I feel it is important to have this experience, even if you don’t plan on having a career in research. These opportunities are unique to research, but the skills gained for taking part are critical to almost any field.

Nirajara Dungwatanawanich

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Nirajara Dungwatanawanich! Nirajara is a fourth-year, double majoring in Computer Science and Physics, and is looking to become a researcher in either industry or academia, in the field of condensed matter physics and/or quantum information science. She is involved in the Clare Boothe Luce (CBL) Scholars Program, which has not only connected her with other undergraduate researchers, but also provided classes on essential research/career knowledge, such as authorship, presenting, conferences, and graduate school. Nirajara advises students thinking about getting involved in research to “Take the time you need to learn all the new information and techniques, and don’t forget to ask questions!” Read Nirajara’s full interview below.

1. How did you first get involved in your research project?

I first reached out through email to Dr. Steven Furlanetto in my third year. After a couple of meetings, I started learning how to use the 21cmFAST code for my research, creating models, and now I am in the process of writing a paper.

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

My research experience at UCLA has been very rewarding. It has taught me a lot about the research process and how research is about incremental progress. I have learned to stay persistent and develop a research workflow, especially when it comes to generating, saving, and making data presentable. Being organized has been a very important part of my research experience.

3. What is your year and major?

I am a fourth year double majoring in Computer Science and Physics.

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

Be patient with yourself. Starting a new research project can be intimidating and can come with a huge influx of new information. Take the time you need to learn all the new information and techniques, and don’t forget to ask questions! Also, make sure to take notes throughout the process. It is very easy to forget what you did 6 months ago.

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

I have yet to attend a conference to present my research! However, I have attended the Clare Boothe Luce Program Women in STEM Conference in Chicago, where I attended workshops and met many accomplished scientists.

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

Not yet, but hopefully soon!

7. What are your future career goals?

I am looking to become a researcher either in industry or academia in the field of condensed matter physics and/or quantum information science.

8. Please list any URC/departmental programs you are/were involved in. How has your experience been as a Clare Boothe Luce Scholar?

I am grateful to be involved in the Clare Boothe Luce (CBL) Scholar program at UCLA. CBL has not only connected me with other undergraduate researchers, but it has also provided classes on essential research/career knowledge, such as authorship, presenting, conferences, and graduate school. Additionally, CBL has given me the opportunity to visit Chicago and meet other CBL scholars from around the nation.

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

Doing research as an undergraduate student has ultimately led to my decision to pursue a research career. I have really enjoyed the novelty and the creative aspect of research, as well as its interdisciplinary nature. I have happily used my programming skills in each of my research projects and I look forward to continuing to do that.

Kimberly Jorge

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Kimberly Jorge! Kimberly is a third-year Human Biology and Society major with a minor in Chicana and Chicano studies. She has been involved with the URC – Sciences Summer Program, a 10-week program designed for undergraduate students to undertake research with a UCLA faculty and receive professional development through workshops and seminars. Through this program, Kimberly is now a California Alliance for Minority Participation (CAMP) scholar, which she credits for helping with her public speaking skills, as well as opening up doors for additional opportunities to present her research. Kimberly is currently preparing to present at the CAMP Scholars Symposium, and plans to become a pediatrician in the future! Read Kimberly’s full interview below.

1. How did you first get involved in your research project?

I got involved with my research project/lab due to the PEERS (Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the Sciences). They held an event where we could meet potential faculty looking for undergrads and that was where I met my mentor, Dr. Hayes.

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

My research experience has been amazing. Admittedly, coming into UCLA I was very nervous to venture out and get involved in research as I had little exposure to what research consisted of. However, due to PEERs and my mentor, research has helped me gain confidence in skills consisting from lab skills to networking, etc. I’ve gained so much knowledge about the lung cancer field that I otherwise would not have been exposed to and am excited to continue learning these next couple of quarters.

3. What is your year and major?

I am a third-year HBS (Human Biology and Society) major with a minor in Chicana and Chicano studies

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

Look at sites such as Handshake or ask around to learn about labs. Put yourself out there as scared as you may be. Most importantly, when interviewing or thinking about potentially joining a lab, ensure you will have a great mentor who can guide you and that the overall lab environment makes you feel comfortable as you will be around this environment a lot.

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

I have not yet presented at a conference and will be doing so soon. I will be attending the CAMP scholars symposium where I will present my current findings on a poster. I have been in the process of gathering materials and thankfully my mentor has been there to guide me along the way. She has helped me feel prepared by giving advice and feedback whenever needed. I have presented in smaller settings such as the URC-Sciences Summer Program where at the end of our 10-week session we presented on what we did during our 10 weeks in the lab. My mentor also has us present in our lab meetings to begin facilitating our public speaking skills.

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

I have not had any work published yet.

7. What are your future career goals?

My future career goals are up in the air. I know I certainly want to become a pediatrician but am constantly going back and forth on if I would like to pursue a PHD/MD or just continue with my original plan of getting an MD.

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

This past summer I was involved with the URC-Sciences Summer Program which was a 10-week full-time program. This program helped me develop the skills I would need for this school year to begin independently working on my experiments/projects. Through this summer program, it is how I became a CAMP scholar. Overall being a CAMP scholar has tremendously helped in my public speaking skills due to the presentations we had during the program and during our research seminar. Not only has it helped my public speaking, but has opened the door to opportunities of presenting my own research which I otherwise probably would not have done. This current school year I am part of the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program where I can continue working in my lab and then present my work/submit a paper, helping me gain more skills in the research field.

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

It has led to me seeing the many different career paths I can take, and really hone in on what exactly I would like to see myself doing in the future. As of now, it’s created some confusion on what path I’d take, but I know this is all part of the process of figuring out what is best for me.

Alexandra Rebollar

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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.

 

Natalie Swerdlow

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Natalie Swerdlow! Natalie is a fourth-year Physiological Science major and Spanish minor, who plans on applying to medical school this upcoming cycle. She had previously co-authored a paper titled “Cell type and sex specific mitochondrial phenotypes in iPSC derived models of Alzheimer’s disease” and a review titled “Mitophagy and the Brain” during her involvement in the Wilkin’s lab at the University of Kansas. Read Natalie’s full interview below.

1. How did you first get involved in your research project?

I had prior experience researching Alzheimer’s disease in a lab in my hometown at the University of Kansas and I knew that I wanted to continue work in the same field when transitioning to a research position as a student at UCLA. While exploring labs both within and outside UCLA, I broadened my search to find a project that truly resonated with me. This led me to the Koronyo Lab at Cedars-Sinai, and I started the summer after Sophomore year. The Koronyo Lab caught my attention because their research focuses on correlating brain pathology with changes in the retina. The therapeutic potential of this connection fascinated me and deepened my interest in joining the lab.

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

While there are many opportunities through UCLA, I’ve come to realize the potential in the surrounding areas as well. I’m especially grateful that I reached out to labs at Cedars-Sinai and ultimately joined the Koronyo Lab, especially since it’s so close to campus! Reflecting on my journey from when I first began research to where I am now, it’s clear how much I’ve grown and learned. It’s incredibly rewarding to work with such an amazing team, contributing to the advancement of our projects while continuously asking new questions to understand more about the field.

3. What is your year and major?

I am a fourth-year majoring in Physiological Science and minoring in Spanish.

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

Research can feel overwhelming, especially in the beginning, with all the new knowledge and techniques to learn. One of the most important aspects of research is to keep asking questions. This can not only drive the advancement of existing projects but can inspire your own project. When conducting an experiment, take the time to understand the purpose behind each technique or procedure. This insight can help you determine what aspects might be replicated if successful or modified to explore alternative hypotheses. Another piece of advice is to be patient with your project and not become discouraged if you need more time to achieve results. Starting out can be difficult, but by asking questions and being patient with yourself, you’ll gradually build the skills and confidence needed to make meaningful contributions.

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

I am planning to attend a conference in May for The Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO) to present on an ongoing project on bacterial infection and inflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease!

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

I previously coauthored a paper titled “Cell type and sex specific mitochondrial phenotypes in iPSC derived models of Alzheimer’s disease” and a review titled “Mitophagy and the Brain” during my involvement in the Wilkin’s lab at the University of Kansas. I am currently working on a review about retinal inflammation in Alzheimer’s disease. The process can be long, however, I’m lucky to have worked with amazing lab members and a PI in both labs willing to help the editing process.

7. What are your future career goals?

I plan to apply to medical school this upcoming cycle! I want to stay involved in research throughout my medical career to continuously learn and grow in my field.

8. Please list any URC/departmental programs you are/were involved in.

I have completed Research Practice 99 during the school year as well as Research Practice 195 during the summer.

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

Research has become a motivating factor in my pursuit towards becoming a physician. I’ve learned to ask sophisticated questions to acquire the knowledge needed to work independently on projects as well as communicate my findings. While some constraints in medicine are more obvious than others, research helps drive the advancement of medicine and potential to improve overall health and well-being on a broader scale. This makes me more excited for my career in medicine and commitment to lifelong learning.

 

Giselle Brown

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Giselle Brown! Giselle is a fourth-year Chemistry major and is currently involved in the Clare Boothe Luce Scholars Program. Giselle plans to apply to PhD programs in organic chemistry this Fall and will eventually use her degree to move into the field of drug design and discovery. She has attended a few conferences, with the largest being the American Chemical Society Fall 2023 conference in San Francisco, and is currently working on revisions for a paper submitted for publication. Read Giselle’s full interview below.

1. How did you first get involved in your research project? / How would you describe your research experience at UCLA?

I currently work in the Doyle Lab, an organic chemistry methods lab in the UCLA Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. I joined at the start of my sophomore year, and it’s been an incredible experience working on the development of new reactions. My time in the Doyle Lab has been fundamental to my UCLA experience; I’ve grown so much as a researcher and have benefited greatly from mentorship within the lab.

2. What is your year and major?

I am a fourth-year Chemistry major.

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

My advice for students considering research is to ensure that you enjoy the lab environment and are genuinely interested in the science. This passion will help you get the most out of the experience. Remember, you can always change labs if they aren’t meeting your needs or if you want to explore a different field.

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

I’ve attended a few conferences, with the largest being the American Chemical Society Fall 2023 conference in San Francisco. The most crucial part of preparation is practicing how to talk about your research. This doesn’t necessarily mean rehearsing with your poster; simply discussing your work with others is fantastic practice.

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

I’m currently working on revisions for a paper we submitted for publication. The process is lengthy and often involves waiting for feedback and completing multiple rounds of revisions, but it’s incredibly rewarding to see your work come to fruition.

6. What are your future career goals?

This fall, I am applying to PhD programs in organic chemistry. My goal is to use this degree to move into the field of drug design and discovery.

7. Please list any URC/departmental programs you are/were involved in.

I am part of the Clare Boothe Luce Scholars Program. Through it, I’ve connected with other female-identifying researchers, and our discussions on gender issues in the physical sciences have been very impactful. The faculty leading the scholarship share valuable advice and stories about their experiences in academia, which has helped me feel more prepared to pursue a PhD in a traditionally male-dominated field.

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

Research has been instrumental in building my confidence as a student. It has given me hands-on experience that enhances my understanding of concepts in class. I’ve also found a supportive community of graduate student mentors who show the rewarding, fun side of research, which has inspired me to mentor my own undergraduate students in the future.

Dr. Pearl Quijada

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Quijada is a professor in the Department of Integrative Biology And Physiology. Her research focuses on evaluating novel cellular and paracrine signaling programs that stimulate angiogenesis in cardiac development. We had the opportunity to ask Dr. Quijada about her experience mentoring undergraduate students. Read Dr. Quijada’s full interview here!

 

  1. How would you describe your experiences with undergraduate research at UCLA?

My experience with undergraduate research has been amazing. I started my lab in October 2020 and initially had trouble finding people to join. However, when I taught my first large undergraduate class in the Spring of 2021, I could share my research interests and love of cardiovascular physiology, albeit remotely. After that quarter, I recruited three undergraduate students who immediately started wet lab experiments and established essential protocols with me. These initial experiments have served as the basis of some larger research projects in the lab. I am eternally grateful for these undergraduates.

 

  1. What are your most effective approaches to promote undergraduate research success?

I place a strong emphasis on practicing proper research techniques. I realize that undergraduates just beginning their research journey may have some experience with lab work from their coursework, but working in a research lab can be quite different. Despite having established protocols, things don’t always go as planned, and you need to troubleshoot on the spot. This ability comes with experience and having a supportive environment. When I take on an undergraduate mentee, I consider who they can work with: an experienced research scientist or a graduate student. Sometimes, I pair undergraduates to collaborate on similar projects. I also schedule weekly 15-minute meetings with each undergraduate to discuss their research and personal progress. At the end of each quarter, we have a final data meeting. Since I have regular conversations with each student, I understand their progress and can provide the necessary support for the upcoming year.

 

  1. What resources at UCLA have been the most beneficial to including undergraduates in your research?

I am amazed at how many resources UCLA offers for undergraduate research. I always encourage my students to seek funding opportunities, which also combine training in other research areas or their career goals. This includes programs or internships, such as PEERs, the Biomedical Research Minor, COMPASS, and LAEP Work Study, which may also help train students in presentation and journal article reading but provide them ample time in the lab to immerse themselves. I always tell my students that when they enter the lab, this is now their lab, so hopefully, they feel at home here and confident in contributing to others’ projects and success.

 

  1. What should undergraduates consider before they begin their research journey?

I would consider the area of research and determine if you are inclined toward working in a basic research lab or a clinical setting. A basic research lab may align more with the potential pursuit of graduate school, whereas a clinical research lab may offer different opportunities. I would also actively look for internships or other opportunities to gain more experience working in a lab, aiming for at least 8-12 hours a week. I understand this may require a significant time commitment, but the experience gained with consistent lab practice is extremely important.

 

  1. How do you support students as they navigate different career trajectories in science?

Throughout my career, I have seen undergraduates pursue various careers in medicine, dentistry, veterinary school, graduate school, and biotech/industry. In my conversations with students in my lab, I have advised them that sometimes, figuring out the best application strategy or feeling ready for it may take some time. This could mean taking a gap year or two. Having these one-on-one talks with them has allowed me to understand how I can assist them, whether it’s guiding them in a new direction, providing a recommendation, or even offering them the opportunity to join my lab as a research scientist. As PI, it’s tough to lose such talented individuals, including undergraduates, but I’m always happy to sponsor and advocate for all lab members regardless of the path they choose.

Sofia Mirabal

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Sofia Mirabal! Sofia is a senior majoring in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (MCDB) with a minor in Biomedical Research. She is currently conducting an independent research project that investigates how the availability of the methyl donor, choline, influences the chromatin structure of liver cells. Sofia has been involved in the National Science Foundation-funded Louis Stokes California Alliance for Minority Participation in Research program since June of 2024 and is working toward becoming an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), open a clinic centered on women’s empowerment and comfort, and conduct clinical and translational research for real change in the women’s health sector. She is currently in the process of writing a paper about her independent research project for submission to the Undergraduate Research Journal and will be attending the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists this November to present a poster. One piece of advice Sofia has for students thinking about getting involved in research is to “be curious! Ask questions! Even if you think they are stupid, too simple, or even too complicated…Questions that seem silly will help you understand your work on a deeper level.”

1. How did you first get involved in your research project?

I consider it fate how I reached this point in my undergraduate research journey. Currently, I am conducting an independent research project that investigates how the availability of the methyl donor, choline, influences the chromatin structure of liver cells. Two years ago, Dr. Tara TeSlaa was one of the presenters in my Biomedical Research 5HA course. I thought her techniques of using heavy-labeled isotopes to trace and quantify metabolites in vivo along with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was revolutionary. Before her talk, I was already interested in metabolism and its connection to epigenetics and cell identity. I joined the TeSlaa Lab Liver Project in June of 2023. The project is building a metabolic flux model of healthy mice liver to understand perturbations that occur during metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). I became an expert in the project workflow from mouse handling, to dissection of an array of tissues, to extraction of polar metabolites from tissue and serum samples, and finally interpretation of mass spectrometry data. I expressed to Dr. TeSlaa that the project would benefit from adding an epigenetic aspect. She agreed and connected me with Dr. Debora Sobreira who has been teaching me how to conduct a bulk RNA-seq and assay for transposase-accessible chromatin with Next Generation sequencing (ATAC-seq). Bulk ATAC-seq can show the whole-genome chromatin structure and regulatory element landscape of genes and capture changes related to DNA and histone methylation. My project began this summer of 2024 and involves the induction of MASLD in mice using a choline-deficient diet for a set time and analyzing the harvested livers. Comparisons will be drawn between the mice given the choline-deficient diet and a control diet. The project has conducted a three-week diet and is now proceeding with a twelve-week diet for comparison.

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

I remember how daunting it was reaching out to esteemed professors, just hoping for a response, let alone an interview. The idea of research can seem ambiguous at first. However, once you pass that hill, you find yourself looking into a field of opportunity. Being a researcher does not mean you have to know everything, it is about having rigor and staying curious. Just like science evolves, so do you as a researcher. You start as an excited novice and once you get into the groove of things, you feel confident with your work. Being in research has greatly improved my confidence in science and nurtured my curiosity. I was never afraid to ask questions or inquire about pursuing my ideas. Science is all about opportunities. Science is all about communication whether oral, illustrated, or written. I have greatly improved my presentation skills so that now I genuinely enjoy the chance to present about the work I do. Being in the TeSlaa Lab has been pivotal to my growth as a first-generation Cuban-American in STEM.

3. What is your year and major?

I am a senior — go class of 2025! My major is Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology with a minor in Biomedical Research.

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

One piece of advice I have for students thinking about getting involved in research is to be curious! Ask questions! Even if you think they are stupid, too simple, or even too complicated. I asked my lab technician what phosphate buffered saline (PBS) was because I wanted to know its purpose besides being step 5. Questions that seem silly will help you understand your work on a deeper level. You want to be purposeful with your experiments. If you are adding a reagent, question why you are doing that. If you want to understand the grand purpose of the project, dive into some literature about the real human implications. During a presentation, question the data being presented to you. Ask what the axes mean, the significance of the data, and the groups being studied. Ask why someone chose to use a particular method or interpreted their data a particular way. If you have a new idea, ask your PI if it has been done before and is feasible. It does not hurt to ask, it hurts more to not.

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

I will be attending the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists this November to present a poster for my independent project. The title of my abstract is: Investigating the Influence of Choline on Hepatocyte Chromatin Structure in Relation to MASLD Development.

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

I am in the process of writing a paper about my independent research project for submission to the Undergraduate Research Journal.

7. What are your future career goals?

My career goals are to become an obstetrician-gynecologist (OB-GYN), open a clinic centered on women’s empowerment and comfort, and conduct clinical and translational research for real change in the women’s health sector.

8. Please list any URC/departmental programs you are/were involved in.

I have been involved in the National Science Foundation-funded Louis Stokes California Alliance for Minority Participation in Research program since June of 2024.

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

Research is one of my passions. I want to revolutionize women’s health practices by being a leader in clinical and translational research as an OB-GYN. As an OB-GYN, I could not allow myself to repeat the cycle of neglect and pain that women face in healthcare. I will become a champion for advocating for female bodily empowerment by investing in modernizing practices.