Archive for category: Featured Stories

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.

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.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Ashlyn Sloane! Ashlyn is a senior majoring in neuroscience and is looking to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience or Human Genetics. She is involved in UCLA’s Amgen Scholars Program, a national program aimed to increase learning and networking opportunities for students committed to pursuing a career in science or engineering. Her current research project explores mTOR signaling defects and the potential rescue of cellular phenotypes by rapamycin of Jordan’s syndrome patient cell lines. When asked about one piece of advice Ashlyn would have for students just getting into research she says, “Don’t be afraid to do research in a field outside of your comfort zone! You might feel like you have to do research in a field that reflects exactly what you want to study for your career, but your undergraduate experience is a perfect time to explore.”

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

I chose to major in Neuroscience because I am passionate about researching neurodevelopmental disorders, particularly autism. I reached out to Dr. Wells during my sophomore year because I was drawn to his interdisciplinary approach to research and his use of novel techniques, and I feel so lucky that I am a part of such a caring, dedicated team! My current research project explores mTOR signaling defects and the potential rescue of cellular phenotypes by rapamycin of Jordan’s syndrome patient cell lines. Jordan’s syndrome is characterized by autism and macrocephaly, and it has been gratifying to research this disorder. My research aligns closely with the field I want to pursue for my career, which is very motivating!

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

My research experience at UCLA has been incredibly rewarding and inspiring! I have grown as an undergraduate researcher far more than I could have imagined when I first started college. But more importantly, in both of my undergraduate research experiences, I have found a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about mentorship and pursuing answers to complex questions. They have helped me grow as a person and have shown me that the research environment can be uplifting and collaborative.

3. What is your year and major?

Senior; Neuroscience

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

Don’t be afraid to do research in a field outside of your comfort zone! You might feel like you have to do research in a field that reflects exactly what you want to study for your career, but your undergraduate experience is a perfect time to explore. You have an incredible opportunity to learn and grow in a research lab as an undergraduate, so take advantage of this! If you have your heart set on cancer research, but you hear of a cool lab that studies cardiovascular disease, don’t be afraid to pursue that path. Your interests will evolve as you gain more experience, and sometimes, it’s just as important to figure out what you don’t like as it is to figure out what you do like.

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 with the Amgen Scholars Program about my summer project at the Undergraduate Research Showcase for SPUR Programs! It was a fantastic experience to prepare for an oral presentation. You have to be able to communicate the bigger picture “why” of the research that you’re conducting to people who might not know that much about it. For example, I’m researching a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that affects only a small subset of people worldwide. I didn’t know about the disorder before I started doing research in my lab, so it’s extremely important to convince people to care about what you’re working on when you share an oral presentation.

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

My first graduate student mentor, Ileana Callejas from the lab of Dr. Jennifer Jay, submitted a paper and it’s currently in review! We researched the impacts of antibiotic resistance genes in the LA River Watershed. I will be listed as one of the contributing authors. It was an amazing experience to learn from Ileana during her last year of graduate school, and I was very proud to contribute to such an important and relevant topic.

7. What are your future career goals?

One of my future career goals is to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience or Human Genetics and ultimately study the genetic and molecular origins of neurodevelopmental disorders. I also want to find ways to incorporate more science education and awareness into my research so that people who have personal connections to these neurodevelopmental disorders, but may not have a scientific background, can learn more!

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

I have also been extraordinarily lucky to expand my research experience at UCLA through the Amgen Scholars Program! This program has been a rewarding and valuable experience that has taught me how to communicate about science, how to stay motivated despite setbacks, and how to navigate the next steps after graduation. It has been very fulfilling to work on my individual project in a focused environment and to dedicate all of my time to troubleshooting, asking scientific questions, and growing my confidence.

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

Undergraduate research has shown me the path I want to take for my career path, and it has shown me that research can be exciting, frustrating, motivating, and challenging. Research is not a linear path, but when you reach your end goal, reflecting upon that twisting, up-and-down path makes the successes that much more rewarding!

10. What are your pronouns?

she/her

LATINX HERITAGE MONTH

Meet Helen Benitez! Helen is a third-year Physiological Science major with a minor in Global Health. She is aspiring to obtain a medical career to expand the services available to minority groups in low-income areas and diversify the field to enhance the level of understanding between patients and the care team to improve the overall quality of care. Read more about what she’s currently researching, a bit about her background, and advice she has for other Latinx students!

1. What are your pronouns?

She/Her

2. What is your year and major?

I’m currently a junior (Class of 2026) majoring in Physiological Science with a minor in Global Health.

3. In one sentence, what are you currently researching?

I’m currently involved in cardiovascular research in Dr. Tzung Hsiai’s lab, specifically the development of cardiac atrioventricular valves!

4. What research experience did you have before joining a lab at UCLA?

None! As a first-generation college student, I had no idea what research was until coming to UCLA. I was first introduced to research through the UCLA Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the Sciences (PEERS) during my first year.

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

During my first year, I heard about an opportunity to conduct cardiology-related work in Dr. Tzung Hsiai’s cardiovascular bioengineering lab through a recent graduate in my club (Spanish in Healthcare). I was drawn by the lab’s focus on cardiology since it was a field within medicine that I was most interested in pursuing in the future. Upon speaking with graduate students, touring the lab, and discussing the current lab projects, I initially joined the lab as a student volunteer to work on a zebrafish project involving chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity associated with Doxorubicin (Dox). I recently transitioned my focus to work on our cardiac valve development project earlier this year.

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

Challenging, Exciting, Insightful/Invaluable. Getting involved with research at UCLA has provided me with an amazing opportunity for growth as an individual and scientist. Throughout my undergraduate career, I gradually gained confidence in my abilities and sought to become more involved in research: first as a student volunteer as a freshman, to now, working as a MARC trainee in my lab. It challenged me to think critically, embrace flexibility, and give myself grace, not only when learning new concepts or lab techniques, but also when dealing with personal struggles such as imposter syndrome. Previously, my scope of knowledge about STEM careers was limited since I had no family members or relatives who worked in such fields/areas. My research experience served as an avenue for exposure to science careers which greatly helped me consolidate my future career choice. The mentorship I have received from lab members and my PI has been invaluable to my growth as a scholar. The insights they have shared about their academic and personal journeys have broadened my scope of understanding of graduate/professional school and have begun to minimize the disadvantages I experience as a first-generation college student.

7. Can you share a bit about how your experiences growing up and your cultural background has influenced your decisions on your academic and career journey?

Growing up in an immigrant low-income household, I experienced many challenges due to my disadvantaged background and learned to be self-reliant at a young age. As the second oldest of 5, I desired to be a role model for my younger siblings and aspired to pursue higher education – an opportunity my parents never had – to advocate for the needs of my Latino community. Having experienced first-hand many health disparities due to my background, I aspire to obtain a medical career to expand the services available to minority groups in low-income areas and diversify the field to enhance the level of understanding between patients and the care team to improve the overall quality of care. In particular, I am interested in gaining exposure to the field of cardiology as understanding the functionality of the heart is critical in developing effective CVD treatments. Such advancements in medicine are significant since cardiovascular diseases disproportionately affect the Latinx community. As a Latina, I want to get involved in such areas of research to contribute towards discoveries in medicine that will empower Latinos and other people of color by addressing and reducing health illnesses that reduce their quality of life and ability to uplift themselves. The lack of Latinos/Hispanics in professional fields such as medicine and academia/science continues to ignite my passion for empowering my Latino community by being a role model to demonstrate that we can attain success through resilience and hard work.

8. Do you have any advice that you would give to Latinx students who are thinking about pursuing STEM or getting involved in research?

• Don’t let imposter syndrome prevent you from even applying to desirable opportunities! There’s no harm in applying, so go for it!
• Learn to advocate for yourself and build a supportive community that will encourage your research endeavors! I understand that it can be extremely daunting and discouraging to be the only Latino/Hispanic in the room, but remember, you have a seat at the table!
• If you’re struggling with finding a research opportunity, talk to your peers and see how they got involved with their labs!

9. Please list any URC/departmental programs/clubs you are involved in.

• Research related:
  • UCLA Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the Sciences (PEERS)
  • UCLA CARE Fellows
  • Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) U*STAR Program
• Non-research related:
  • PULSE UCLA (Pre-medical Undergraduate Learning through Shadowing Experience)
  • UCLA Spanish in Healthcare

LATINX HERITAGE MONTH

Meet Cristian Ponce, a third-year Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics major, minoring in Biomedical Research. The URC-Sciences was able to learn a bit about Cristian’s current research in Dr. Anthony Covarrubias’ lab and how his cultural background ties into what is he working towards today. Read more about Cristian below:

1. What are your pronouns?

He/him/his

2. What is your year and major?

I am a rising third-year student majoring in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics and minoring in Biomedical Research.

3. In one sentence, what are you currently researching?

My current research aims at identifying genes associated with mitochondrial DNA production and how they can possibly serve as a novel target for treating age-related inflammation and diseases.

4. What research experience did you have before joining a lab at UCLA?

Absolutely none! One of my biggest insecurities when initially applying for lab positions was the fact that I had no understanding of practical research skills. But that’s the great thing about labs here at UCLA: they make sure to create a learning and collaborative environment that allows you to develop as a successful student researcher.

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

At first, it took a lot of reading to understand potential knowledge gaps I could address for my project. But then, after meetings with my mentors, I was guided to my first project, looking at a mitochondrial-bound enzyme necessary for DNA synthesis and how it can be targeted to attenuate markers of sterile inflammation.

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

It has been an amazing experience to participate in research at UCLA, especially in Dr. Anthony Covarrubias’s lab. The environment is welcoming, collaborative, and tight-knit. I’ve learned so much already and am super excited to see where my next two years at the lab will take me.

7. What are your future career goals?

Ultimately, my plan is to pursue a PhD and conduct research in aging and age-related diseases. I think it would be super neat to contribute to such a new and rapidly expanding field and support aging populations in increasing their quality of life.

8. Can you share a bit about how your experiences growing up and your cultural background has influenced your decisions on your academic and career journey?

Growing up in a Mexican household, right from a young age, I learned what it means to put in an honest day’s work and embrace resilience. This past summer was my first time constantly working on my project, and while there were plenty of ups and downs (mostly downs), I was motivated and driven towards my work. These were necessary and valuable experiences that demonstrated the difficulty but also the beauty behind biomedical research. So, going forward, I am even more motivated to conduct research and build a successful career in academia.

9. Do you have any advice that you would give to Latinx students who are thinking about pursing STEM or getting involved in research?

I would highly recommend that everyone reflect on their experiences and determine what fuels them to pursue STEM or become involved in research. Most of the time, research can be tedious, frustrating, and confusing. So, it takes a lot of motivation and resilience to become successful and create a lasting impression. But having that sense of drive, support, and vision can really make a difference.

10. Please list any URC/departmental programs/clubs you are involved in.

This past summer, I was fortunate to participate in the URC-Sciences Summer program under the direction of Dr. Jorge Avila. Going into this fall quarter, I will be participating in the Louis Stokes California Alliance for Minority Participation program funded by the NSF.