Anson Ting

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Anson Ting! Anson is a second year Computational and Systems Biology major, currently volunteering in the Fogel Lab and researching rare neurodegenerative conditions such as Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA). He hopes to pursue a PhD in neuroscience, computational biology, or bioengineering, and work in the field of multiomics research for various neurodegenerative diseases. Through undergraduate research at UCLA, Anson has gained critical thinking skills, good research practices, and learned to appreciate the possibilities of research.

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 volunteer in the Fogel Lab which studies rare neurodegenerative conditions such as Spinocerebellar Ataxia (SCA), a group of slow progressing disorders leading to a loss of coordination, gait abnormalities, and other symptoms. Clinical trials for SCA are limited by current severity assessment methods which are all physician evaluations on a point scale primarily driven by a patient’s ability to stand and walk. Over short time frames, a patients’ severity scores often show minimal change, requiring trials to have very large cohorts to have sufficient statistical power. The project I work on in the lab seeks to find an alternative to physician scores by identifying biomarkers(quantifiable molecules correlated with disease) that can differentiate between SCA subtypes. Our specific molecule of interest is exosomal microRNAs, tiny pieces of RNA that regulate protein translation located in small vesicles released by cells, and through RNA sequencing we can capture the relative abundance of different miRNAs and their correlations with disease condition. My specific role was in the implementation of an analysis workflow to process and analyze the resultant sequencing data.

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

Overall my experience with research at UCLA has been extremely insightful and educational. I was fortunate enough where my current lab has given me the responsibility of a single project, letting me implement the whole data analysis pipeline from top to bottom. This experience allowed me to holistically experience the research process, from troubleshooting analysis tools to contextualizing concepts in terms of a research question. The confidence I’ve gained from problem solving and seeing tasks to completion for my project has also translated into how I approach my roles in clubs and other responsibilities beyond the lab.

3. What is your year and major?

I am a second year majoring in Computational and Systems Biology.

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

The main advice I would give to others trying to get involved in research is to make sure you’ve familiarized yourself with the research questions of and techniques used by any lab you’re interested in. This process could look like reading through a few of their papers and making sure you understand what their findings are and how they got there. Back when I was looking for a lab, I found that this preparation helped me have insightful discussions in interviews and explore my interests further even if I didn’t end up getting a position.

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

I have previously presented at this summer’s SPUR Showcase. Leading up to the symposium, the prospect of having to present was definitely extremely daunting especially since we changed the topic of my presentation after some negative results. Thankfully, the mentors and people in my lab were always willing to help provide feedback and support through multiple rounds of practice, allowing me to build up my confidence. Ultimately, the clarity and conciseness I developed after preparing for and presenting my project has been extremely valuable, both for advancing my research in the lab and for sharing my work with others in my life.

6. What are your future career goals?

In the future I hope to pursue a PhD in neuroscience, computational biology, or bioengineering and work in the field of multiomics research for various neurodegenerative diseases.

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

This past summer I was a part of the URC Sciences Summer Program. Overall, I found it to be a valuable opportunity to continue working on my project over the summer while also meeting other peers who also have a passion for research. Additionally, the weekly workshops on possible career options, strategies for communicating science, and the skills necessary to conduct good research have provided me with valuable skills to grow as an aspiring scientist.

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

Undergraduate research has allowed me to confirm my interest in science by giving me the opportunity to get hands-on experience on an actual project. Through this experience I’ve learned critical thinking skills, good research practices, and learned to appreciate the possibilities of research. Having enjoyed the process of scientific discovery and tinkering, my experience has motivated me to pursue research as part of my career.

Lucine Ksajikian

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Lucine Ksajikian! Lucine is a fourth year Psychobiology major who is looking to become a physician specializing  in radiation oncology. She was previously involved in the URC – Sciences Summer Program, 10-week opportunity for UCLA undergraduates to undertake research with a UCLA faculty and receive professional development through workshops and seminars. Lucine is currently an undergraduate researcher in the Laboratory for Image-Guided Immunotherapy, led by Dr. Oluwatayo Ikotun.

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 am an undergraduate researcher in Dr. Ikotun’s lab, the Laboratory for Image-Guided Immunotherapy, where we focus on developing diagnostic imaging tools to enable in vivo visualization of the cancer immunity cycle and investigating the validity of a single-agent targeted radioimmunotherapy approach to overcome challenges in the effectiveness of current cancer immunotherapies. I first became involved in research through the introductory course of the Biomedical Research Minor, where I participated in Dr. Ikotun’s seminar and developed a strong interest in the fi eld of cancer immunology and radiotheranostics. My current projects specifically focus on integrin-targeted therapies for non-small cell lung cancer, including investigating αvβ6 radioligand therapy for chemotherapy-resistant tumors and evaluating the antibody-drug conjugate sigvotatug vedotin (SGN-B6A), with an emphasis on how these approaches directly eliminate tumor cells, modulate the tumor immune microenvironment, and enhance responsiveness to immunotherapy.

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

My research experience at UCLA has simply been transformative. Under Dr. Ikotun’s mentorship, I have had the rare opportunity as an undergraduate to engage directly with various advanced assays and develop genuine independence at the bench. Working at the forefront of translational cancer research has allowed me not only to recognize critical gaps in current therapies but also to work in projects that actively work to bridge those gaps: from concept to execution. With that, I am deeply grateful for the privilege of contributing to this eff ort within an institution like UCLA, where unparalleled facilities and resources continually expand the scope and impact of our research.

3. What is your year and major?

I am a 4th year Psychobiology major.

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

The foundation of research is passion. Pursue opportunities in areas that genuinely spark your curiosity and align with what you hope to contribute, because it is your enthusiasm and commitment that will ultimately drive both your learning and your success as a researcher.

5. What are your future career goals?

My future goal is to become a physician specializing in radiation oncology. Throughout medical school, residency, and my career as a physician, I plan to remain actively engaged in research, with a particular focus on immunology, oncology, and radiotheranostics.

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

In Summer 2025, I participated in the URC-Summer Science Program, where I received a stipend to pursue my independent research project under the guidance of my faculty mentor. The program was transformative for my growth as a researcher, supporting my project directly while also providing weekly seminars and workshops led by Dr. Jorge Avila and distinguished researchers from in and out of UCLA. Through these experiences, I not only gained valuable skills in becoming a better scientist but it also deepened my passion for research and broadened my vision of the possibilities for continuing my work beyond undergrad.

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

My work in translational research has shaped how I view my future career, not as a physician who does research on the side, but as someone whose medical practice and scientific inquiry are inseparably linked. Experiencing firsthand how our research can impact patient outcomes has reinforced my commitment to continue pursuing research throughout my medical journey, contributing meaningfully to both the advancement of science and the delivery of patient care.

Student Spotlight: Sasha Gladkikh

Alexa Garcia

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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Alexa Garcia! Alexa is a fourth-year Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology major who wishes to pursue an MD degree and continue research in medical school and beyond. She is currently involved in the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP), a three-quarter scholarship program that supports students who are conducting a life science, physical science, or engineering research project with a UCLA faculty member. Alexa is currently conducting research in the Lipshutz Lab, where the primary research focus includes finding genetic therapies for metabolic disorders in the brain and liver in children.

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 (if possible)!

During my Freshman and Sophomore years, I had been involved in PEERS, the Program for Excellence in Education and Research in the Sciences. The PEERS program introduced me to BISEP (Biomedical Sciences Enrichment Program), which was met to teach and introduce us into basic laboratory skills as well as how to analyze papers. At the end of our program, we had the opportunity to interview with multiple labs in a mini interview format. I interviewed with Dr. Gerald Lipshutz and was very intrigued by the work his lab did, and so I contacted him and soon joined the lab!

In the Lipshutz Lab, the primary research focus includes finding genetic therapies for metabolic disorders in the brain and liver in children. I currently am researching an AAV gene therapy for SLC6A8 transporter protein deficiency in murine models. In the past, I have done research pertaining to a gene therapy for CPS1 deficiency, a hepatic enzyme. We primarily conduct wet lab assays such as Western blots, PCR, RT-qPCR, creatine assays, and immunohistochemistry staining.

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

My research experience at UCLA has been an extremely educational and valuable experience. I remember entering UCLA and knowing I wanted to get involved in research, but was never sure about the path I needed to take. Research has given me opportunities to apply the abstract concepts and experiments that I have learned about to real, scientific hypotheses. UCLA had also provided an environment that supports research at every avenue and truly gave me an opportunity to learn it from the very beginning. I began with learning PCR and assisting around the lab, before I received all of the required trainings. I then was able to learn and conduct assays of my own and assist with the SLC6A8 project.

3. What is your year and major?

I am entering my fourth year and my major is Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology.

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

I advise others who are interested in research to look at department faculty websites and search for faculty that conduct research you may be interested in! It is always valuable to reach out and provide your information as they may be accepting undergraduate students in their lab. Even if you are not sure, reaching out and inquiring about their lab is a great step as it puts you out there and allows you to have discussions with labs.

5. What are your future career goals?

In the future, I wish to pursue an MD degree as well as continue research in medical school and beyond. I hope to practice in pediatrics and pursue research avenues catered towards clinical therapies for cerebral metabolic disorders.

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

I was first involved with the PEERS, Program for Excellence in Education and Research, during my Freshman and Sophomore years. Through this program, I received the CARE Fellows scholarship. I also was in the URSP, Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, during my Junior year and will also be in URSP for my Senior year.

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

My undergraduate research experience at UCLA has greatly influenced my career path. Research has taught me how to critically think and also understand different methods for achieving a specific hypotheses. It has given me valuable skills in conducting experiments and assays that are the basis for understanding clinical applications. While I do not do clinical research, it is fulfilling to know that someday these genetic treatments can be applied clinically. This has become a great source of inspiration when beginning research.

Many scientific and medical studies at UCLA face an uncertain future amid federal cuts. Pictured is UCLA Medical Center. (Mel Bouzad / Getty Images North America )

Potential stroke and dementia therapies, along with oral health discoveries, put on hold at UCLA

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In an LAist report, researchers describe how suspended funding endangers critical advances and risks a ‘brain drain’ from science

Click to read Newsroom article here

Click to read LAist article by Jacob Margolis

“The UCLA neuroscience program and UCLA Undergraduate Research Center had a tremendous impact on my early career development as a scientist. Along with learning from directly from the exceptional faculty, through these funding sources I was able to work for several years in the Istvan Mody laboratory and build foundational research skills. The financial support provided by UCLA enabled me to pursue graduate education in neuroscience and continue to my current role in neuroscience drug discovery. These funding cuts will have an impact on the similar path for neuroscience research trainees. Please consider supporting UCLA neuroscience students at this time. Reach out Tama Hasson or Gina R. Poe for ways to provide support.” – Matt Kelley

An illustration of a pencil, scissors, a DNA molecule, a fish, a bird, a penguin, medical supplies, a heart, a brain, leaves, a light bulb, a microscope, laboratory testing tubes, three screens depicting people in a virtual meeting, a thermometer, planet Earth and a recycling sign in front of a blue and yellow background.

The Next 100 Years

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Did our wise forebears have any idea just how much incredible progress would occur in the first century of the UCLA College? Their highest hopes would be borne out by the world-changing research, education and service spearheaded by the Bruins who came after. As we find ourselves at the beginning of the UCLA College’s second century, we asked a selection of our leaders those same true-blue-and-gold questions: What’s next? And how will the UCLA College lead the way?

Read full UCLA Magazine article here. (August 2025)

“We hope that the next 100 years of undergraduate research at UCLA will bring more: more research opportunities, more mentorship, more scholarships for our students, more research, more knowledge, more discovery! Every day the Undergraduate Research Centers work to make undergraduate research more accessible at UCLA, and we hope that in 100 years (or even better, much sooner), every undergraduate at UCLA who wants to do research will have the opportunity to do so!”

—Jacquelyn Ardam, director, URC – Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
—Tama Hasson, assistant dean for undergraduate research and director, URC – Sciences

Banner for 'Finding confidence through research' Newsroom article

Finding Confidence Through Research

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By Kayla McCormack

May 22, 2025

This article originally appeared on the UCLA Newsroom. 

 

Ananya Ravikumar moved from Bangalore, India, to Los Angeles, to start her journey at UCLA, she was stepping into the unknown. New place, new school, new independence — it was a lot to take in.

“I came in feeling very overwhelmed,” she said. “Now, standing on the other side, I feel more secure and know that I can handle change a lot better than I would have before.”

Ravikumar is graduating this June with a bachelor’s degree in molecular, cell and developmental biology with a minor in biomedical research. She sees her time in college as a journey toward self-confidence — in the lab, classroom and life.

Academically, she found clarity early on. Her high school interest in biology evolved into a passion for understanding disease at the molecular level.

“I was interested in immunology because it connects to public health,” she said. “But I’ve always wanted to know why things happen in the body. Studying molecular biology helped me understand cellular processes, the basis of disease and where therapies can make a difference.”

Her experiences in the lab deepened her interest, and programs like the Beckman Scholars Program, which allowed her to devote entire summers to research, were especially valuable.

“Summers in the lab taught me what it’s like to be a Ph.D. student,” she said. “During the school year, it can sometimes be stressful to balance classwork and other engagements with experiments in the lab. The full-time experience helped me effectively deepen my skills.”

Outside the lab, Ravikumar joined student organizations that helped her find community and purpose. One of the most impactful was Swipe Out Hunger, a club focused on addressing food insecurity on campus and in Los Angeles.

“Being part of that club helps me give back to the community in a meaningful way,” she said. “We work to support students and the larger Los Angeles population suffering from food insecurity. The people I met at Swipe Out Hunger became close friends.”

That sense of support, she said, is critical in every space, especially in research environments.

“You want a lab that’s collaborative,” she said. “An encouraging lab will help you find the strength to navigate the ups and downs of research. Choosing the right environment matters.”

Her experience in the Lowry Lab, where she uses stem cell cultures to model and study intellectual and developmental disorders, reinforced to her that research was the right path forward. This fall, she’ll begin her Ph.D. program in gene therapy at the University of Pennsylvania.

“I’m excited to further build my research and critical thinking skills,” she said. “I’m so thankful for the opportunity to do this.”

Two undergraduate research students in a lab.

Undergraduate Research Week showcases student innovation and creativity

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This article originally appeared in the UCLA Newsroom.
See how two undergraduate researchers spend their days — in the lab and in the community

From lab breakthroughs to community-based inquiries, UCLA students are tackling some of today’s most pressing questions and Undergraduate Research Week offers a front-row seat to their work. 

The weeklong event, kicking off Monday, May 19, features more than 1,700 students presenting original research and creative work across various disciplines. Among this year’s participants are Satema Lopez and Wilson Zheng, two students whose work highlights the diverse and impactful undergraduate research at UCLA.

Exploring cancer at the cellular level

Wilson Zheng

For Zheng, research means digging deep into the cellular mechanisms that fuel cancer. A fourth-year student studying molecular, cell and developmental biology, with a minor in biomedical research, Zheng works in the Lowry Lab, under William Lowry, associate director of education and technology transfer at the UCLA Broad Stem Cell Research Center and a professor of molecular, cell and developmental biology.

Zheng’s project focuses on targeting metabolic pathways with pharmacological inhibitors to try and prevent the development and progression of squamous cell carcinomas. These increasingly common skin cancers, often linked to UV exposure and aging, carry the risk of metastasis and serious health consequences.

Spend a day in the lab with Zheng:

Advancing health equity through culturally competent care

Satema Lopez

Lopez is a fourth-year student majoring in education and social transformation, with a minor in American Indian studies. Her research sits at the intersection of public health, social justice and advocacy for Indigenous communities. 

Lopez began her research journey with the UCLA School of Dentistry, where she worked in Dr. Yvonne Hernandez-Kapila’s lab studying the relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and periodontal disease. She has since expanded her focus to explore broader questions of health equity for Indigenous communities.

Her current research project, “Restoring Trust: Experiential approaches to culturally competent health care for American Indians in Los Angeles,” involves surveying Native patients in L.A. County to better understand their experiences within the health care system. In addition, she is interviewing Native physicians to illuminate their paths through pre-med and medical training, stories that speak to both systemic barriers and resilience.

See a day in Lopez’s life as a researcher: 

Undergraduate Research Week is one of UCLA’s largest celebrations of student discovery. From STEM to the arts and humanities, these projects reflect the passion, purpose and potential of UCLA’s undergraduate scholars.

Learn more about Undergraduate Research Week here.

Sohan Talluri, Class of '25; We wanted every student to feel like they belonged. Click here for full article.

‘We wanted every student to feel like they belonged’

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By Kayla McCormack | May 15, 2025

This article originally appeared in the UCLA Newsroom. 

For Sohan Talluri, science has always been personal. The San Jose, California, native’s academic path was shaped as much by what happened in doctors’ offices as in classrooms and labs.

Talluri grew up managing severe food allergies, often visiting specialists and hoping for a cure. “I had hopes that whatever they would give me would sort of fix this problem,” he said. “This was not the case.”

While Talluri was diligent about managing his allergies and never experienced a severe reaction, his younger brother landed in the emergency room on several occasions. Seeing his brother suffer through those complications sparked Talluri’s interest in understanding immunology.

“I was looking into labs, and I knew that food allergies and asthma had not only affected me, but my family,” he said. “Getting into research about immunotherapy treatments felt like a natural next step.”

Drawing inspiration from research and the lab environment

He got that opportunity at UCLA, where he took on a major in microbiology, immunology and molecular genetics with a minor in biomedical research. An introductory biology course with professor Yvonne Chen later led to an undergraduate researcher position in Chen’s lab. Talluri spent that first summer in the lab “as much as possible,” learning hands-on research techniques in cancer immunotherapy under the guidance of his graduate student mentors.

“I basically picked up all of my tangible research skills that summer,” Talluri said. “That experience had an undeniable impact on my trajectory.”

After establishing his wet lab skill set, Talluri found purpose in clinical research and public health outreach. Working with Dr. Maria Garcia-Lloret, health sciences clinical professor and director of the allergy/immunology fellowship program in the David Geffen School of Medicine pediatrics department, he contributed to multiple food allergy clinical trials as well as a webinar series that educated over 900 nurses across the Los Angeles Unified School District on food allergies and EpiPen usage.

Then, during the summers of 2023 and 2024, he participated in the National Institutes of Health summer internship program, working in Dr. Naomi Taylor’s lab at the National Cancer Institute to continue his research into cancer immunotherapies.

“These experiences gave me so much perspective — in academia, in clinical research and then the government perspective,” he said. “I heard the NIH described as the Mecca of biomedical research, and walking past some of the top labs in the country — it was incredibly inspiring.”

Creating a community tradition

Mentorship has been a through line in Talluri’s UCLA story — both inside and outside the lab. As a learning assistant and subsequently a teaching assistant for several life sciences core curriculum courses, he helped fellow students navigate classes, research and the broader academic transition to the university.

“It’s about being an ideal guide. Someone who can get the students to see that there are opportunities for success, even if you struggle at first,” he said.

Building community has also been a focus for Talluri. Through the Clinical and Translational Science Institute’s Research Associates Program, he mentored high school students from underserved communities, introducing them to clinical research. He guided them through developing research proposals and later welcomed them to campus as a tour guide for their final culmination day.

“It’s amazing; some of the students have never even heard of clinical research before, and at the end of the program they wrote these incredible proposals,” he said. “That kind of outreach is so important.”

Talluri also found a unique opportunity to build community within the life sciences at UCLA. When he arrived as a first-year student in fall 2021, in-person instruction was just returning after the COVID-19 pandemic. While other divisions held welcome events, the life sciences had none — something he was determined to change.

As internal vice president of the Life Sciences Student Association, he helped organize the division’s first-ever Life Sciences New Student Welcome in fall 2022, and the event has since become an annual tradition.

“We wanted every student to feel like they belonged here,” he said.

For one attendee, a student uncertain about her place in the life sciences, the welcome proved transformative. She later became LSSA president and credited the event with helping her find her closest friends at UCLA.

“You can measure success in numbers,” Talluri said. “But it’s the stories like hers that show the event really worked — and that this community will continue to grow.”

Outside academics, Talluri finds balance through the same curiosity and adventurous spirit that drives his research. A lifelong Eagle Scout, he’s backpacked through Alaska, snorkeled in the coral reefs of the Florida Keys, and explored trails around Southern California.

“I think my experience at UCLA would be a lot dimmer had I not gotten involved in things outside of research,” he said.

His undergraduate years weren’t without challenges. From the Omicron wave his freshman year to a campus-wide teaching assistant strike, protests and nearby wildfires, Talluri’s time at UCLA tested his adaptability and resolve.

“In research, resilience is definitely something I’ll take forward,” he said. “Your cells won’t always grow the way you want, your experiments may not work, but that resilience will carry me through the tough times.”

After his graduation in June, Talluri — who continues to manage his food allergies — plans to return to the National Institutes of Health for a year before attending medical school. Whether it is in the lab, clinic or community, he’s committed to helping others find their path, just as he’s found his.