Research Opportunity: BreatheWell Study

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Apply now to be a Research Assistant for the BreatheWell Study. Read below for details.

Position Title: Undergraduate Student Research Assistant

Position Type: Part-time, Paid Compensation: $17.30/hr

Location: UCLA School of Nursing

Position Overview:
We are seeking a motivated undergraduate student researcher to join our research team for the BreatheWell Study at the UCLA School of Nursing. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on research experience while developing leadership, project management, and communication skills. The selected candidate will be integral to participant interaction and contributing to data collection and analysis. They will receive training on study protocols and various research procedures, including participant visits and the use of specialized equipment.

About the BreatheWell Study

Key Responsibilities:
● Protocol Familiarization: Learn essential study background, procedures, and participant documentation. Learn physiology protocols and procedures.
○ Co-lead physiology data collection sessions alongside staff and/or trained volunteers.
● Volunteer Training & Support: Assist in onboarding and training new volunteers on study procedures and protocols.
● Participant Communication: Assist with maintaining communication with study participants by responding to emails, and managing participant inquiries or scheduling requests.
● Study Administration: Support study operations through administrative tasks related to data management, participant engagement, and communication.

Eligibility Requirements:
● Must be an undergraduate currently enrolled at UCLA.
● Previous experience as a volunteer in a research lab is preferred, but not required.
● Strong organizational and leadership skills.
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
● Ability to manage multiple tasks and coordinate with team members efficiently.
● Interest in research and understanding study protocols and procedures.
● Must be able to commit to a set weekly schedule with consistent hours.

Time Commitment:
The student researcher is expected to commit 5-10 hours per week. Hours may vary based on the study schedule and needs, but we will work with the RA to establish a consistent weekly schedule. Occasional flexibility is accepted.

How to Apply:
Interested students should submit a resume and a brief cover letter explaining their interest in the position and relevant experience to jarchilaponce@sonnet.ucla.edu. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

Dr. Monica Gonzalez Ramirez

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FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

Dr. Monica Gonzalez Ramirez is the newest Assistant Director at the Undergraduate Research Center – Sciences and plays a vital role in running many of our department’s programs, including PEERS, TREP, and more. We had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Gonzalez Ramirez to ask about her experiences with undergraduate research at UCLA and how she supports students through their various career trajectories in science, among many other topics. Read Dr. Gonzalez Ramirez’s full interview below.

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

Being a part of the Undergraduate Research Center – Sciences has provided me with the opportunity to interact with and mentor several students during my time at UCLA. Each experience is unique, as the students come from diverse backgrounds, possess varying levels of exposure to research, and have distinct career aspirations. My aim is to understand their overarching life goals so that I can effectively support them in overcoming both academic and personal challenges. Having a research background myself enhances these conversations, allowing me to share insights about the research experience and how to navigate the obstacles that often accompany it. These interactions are incredibly rewarding, as I witness the growth of undergraduate students in their academic capabilities, the confidence they gain in pursuing research opportunities, and their success in reaching their objectives.

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

I believe that the most effective strategies for promoting undergraduate research success are transparency, networking, and support. It is essential for students to understand what it takes to become a researcher. This includes selecting a laboratory with a supportive research mentor, fostering a healthy work culture, being aware of the competitive nature of the field, and recognizing the significant amount of troubleshooting involved in obtaining data. Collaborating on laboratory projects or other initiatives with peers is an excellent way to advance both science and society. One of the rewarding aspects of engaging in research is the multitude of opportunities to connect with other researchers within your field and beyond. Just like in any profession, there will be days when things don’t go as planned, and it is during these times that researchers need a robust support system. The encouragement of mentors, peers, friends, and family can help make challenges, setbacks, and failures more manageable. This support reminds you of your strengths, acknowledges the limitations beyond your control, and offers fresh perspectives to navigate these obstacles.

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

As undergraduates begin to envision their research journey, it is essential to consider their capacity to confront adversity. While pursuing a research career can be incredibly fulfilling, it is not without its challenges. In addition to possessing the academic intelligence to grasp complex topics, researchers must demonstrate exceptional problem-solving skills and creativity to develop innovative tools. Equally important is the resilience needed to navigate rejections and failures. Not every email sent in the hopes of joining a research lab will receive a response, and those that do may not yield a positive outcome. Once in the laboratory, it is important to recognize that not every experiment will succeed or provide conclusive evidence to support a hypothesis. Similarly, journals may not accept your manuscript on the first attempt, and securing grant funding can be a challenging process. In these instances, researchers must persevere, remain focused, and acknowledge that the research process is inherently time-consuming. Throughout this journey, we cultivate resilience and adaptability, which ultimately equip us for success despite the myriad challenges we may encounter.

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

I encourage students to pursue their happiness, trust their intuition, and recognize that as human beings, we are in a constant state of change and evolution. While change can be intimidating, it is ultimately beneficial and essential for our growth. Higher education provides us with the knowledge and tools necessary to make well-informed decisions that align with our skills, talents, and values. Transitioning between career paths within the field of science is not only acceptable but also encouraged. What is essential is having a plan, along with a contingency plan, to navigate any challenges that may arise. I want students to chase their dream careers without the fear of disappointing their mentors, professors, or family. By choosing a path that fosters fulfillment and joy, they will become better resources and role models for those around them. Teaching students that they have the autonomy to shape their life and career choices empowers them to trust themselves and emerge as leaders.

5. What is one of your most memorable or rewarding moments in mentoring undergraduate students?

There isn’t a single moment that stands out above the rest in my experience mentoring students. Each student brings a unique story, set of needs, and challenges, resulting in numerous rewarding experiences for me as their mentor. I take great joy in guiding them through complex situations, witnessing their confidence and resilience grow, watching their frowns transform into smiles, and celebrating their journey toward self-fulfillment and happiness in their life choices. The ultimate reward, however, lies in the trust my students place in me, knowing that I am always here to support them.

 

Research Opportunity: 2025 JIFRESSE Summer Internship Program (JSIP)

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Apply now for a research position under mentors at JPL and UCLA. Applications due April 11, 2025. Read below for details.

Program Duration: June to September, 2025

Program Objective: Provide UCLA undergraduate students an opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research under the guidance of experienced mentors at JPL and UCLA and strengthen the collaborations between JPL and UCLA.

Eligibility:

Be a continuing undergraduate student and eligible for 2025 fall quarter registration at UCLA. Exceptional graduate students may be considered.
Complete three quarters at UCLA
Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.5/4.0
Not under any academic or disciplinary sanction
No past JSIP interns
Not able to sponsor foreign students from designated countries (the restrictions apply to countries in any of the four columns in the list)

Application Procedure:

The application materials include:

A cover letter clearly stating the project of interest
A resume
A statement of research interest related to the project identified
An unofficial transcript
Two letters of recommendation (directly to gu@atmos.ucla.edu)
Please submit applications to Dr. Yu Gu, gu@atmos.ucla.edu, no later than April 11, 2025. Please indicate your top 3 projects of interest. We will work with the mentors for confidential evaluations.

Program Duration:

10-week, from June to September. Selected intern will receive a stipend of $7,100 for the ten-week period ($8,100 for a master student and $9,100 for a doctoral student).

Work Location:

At UCLA or JPL or remotely following UCLA and JPL guidelines for the summer of 2025.

Research Opportunity: Screening for Normal Volunteers for Schizophrenia Study

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Apply now for a research position in the Aftercare Research Program with Dr. Kenneth Subotnik. Read below for details.

Job Description:

The UCLA Aftercare Research Program has been on the UCLA campus for over two decades, and provides free psychiatric treatment for patients with a recent onset of schizophrenia who participate in the research study. Our longitudinal research program examines whether we can accentuate our efforts to get first break patients back to work to prevent the onset of chronic disability. Duties include data entry, scheduling of research subjects, updating of clinician referral database, and administering research measures to research participants.

The student will assist the Aftercare Research Program staff with general research/project tasks including: data file management, data entry and data collection, tracking and triggering research measures, and updating the data entry site. Other tasks can include off-site data storage inventory, and assisting the patient coordinator with file maintenance and errands.

Qualifications:

Students with an interest in schizophrenia and psychopathology research are encouraged to apply. This position is particularly appropriate for undergraduates with a minimum overall GPA of 3.5. Second year students are especially encouraged to apply, but all years will be considered. Must be extremely reliable and dependable (excessive tardiness and absences are NOT acceptable). Must be able to balance competing demands and must be competent in multitasking and adapting to fluctuating priorities. Candidate must be detail-oriented, organized, accurate, and efficient with minimal supervision. Candidate must have excellent oral and written English communications skills. Ability to understand issues of patient confidentiality and safety is required. Proficiency in the use of standard PC office equipment and standard PC software (i.e. MS Office, Word, Excel, Internet searching) is also required. Must have excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrate appropriate interpersonal boundaries with patients and staff and be able to work in a shared workspace with a diverse team of mental health professionals.

Documents to submit: Resume, Cover Letter, Unofficial Transcript, Writing Sample

Applications Accepted Until: Jul 01 2027

Send materials to: ksubotnik@mednet.ucla.edu

Company/Department Website: http://www.semel.ucla.edu/aftercare

Document Submission notes: Please name each file with the following format (in the following example, the applicant’s name is “Jane Doe”, The content is “Resume”, and date (e.g., Jane Doe Resume 3-1-2025). Other documents should use a similar file naming format. Writing sample can be a term paper for college level class, preferably one with a literature review included.

Approximate hours per week: 4-8

Approved for: SRP-99 credit

Location: On-campus

Division/Department: Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences

Desired start date: Apr 01, 2025

 

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.