Archive for category: Student Spotlight

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Robert Castillo! Robert is a third-year Mechanical Engineering and Education Studies double major looking to get a PhD in Nuclear Engineering to become a professor. He was previously involved in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program, hosted by the Henry Samueli School of Engineering and Applied Science, and the Summer Programs for Undergraduate Research, hosted by the Undergraduate Research Centers. Currently, Robert is a member of UC LEADS and is conducting research on the Solar Methane Pyrolysis Project, specifically designed to manufacture the next generation of graphitic carbon-carbon composites, as part of the Nano Transport Research Group under the direction of Dr. Timothy S. Fisher.

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 a part of the Nano Transport Research Group (NTRG) under the direction of Dr. Timothy S. Fisher and I work alongside my graduate student mentor, Benjamin T. Heronimus, on the lab’s Solar Methane Pyrolysis Project specifically designed to manufacture the next generation of graphitic carbon-carbon composites! Some applications of these types of C-C composites range from providing superior thermal management within aerospace vehicles in addition to serving as a carbon-neutral option for moderating materials in the next generation of nuclear reactors. My specific focus on this project centers on testing the final composites’ mechanical properties through tensile tests and material characterization, with the hope of one day incorporating indigenous Latin American weaving practices and ion-irradiation campaigns into the scope of the work.

I first got involved in my lab during the Winter Quarter of my first year at UCLA where it honestly took a lot of trial and effort to find the right fit, based both on personal circumstances and opportunities available. I had the chance to attend one of Professor Fisher’s office hour sessions early in the quarter to discuss possible research projects, and it was just a matter of filling out the lab interest form and connecting with Ben to get started on some exciting work!

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

I think my research experience here at UCLA has been nothing short of uplifting for not only my professional self, but my personal life too. As I started out at this university, I struggled with immense bouts of imposter syndrome and doubts about whether I could keep up with the rigor that is expected at UCLA; however, as my research has become more ingrained into my daily life as a student and I’ve had the chance to meet more researchers outside of my project or NTRG as a whole, I no longer experience these feelings of inadequacy to the same degree. Not to mention, being at the forefront of graphite research reveals a lot of machines and technology you didn’t even know existed, so my experience has been “world-opening” in that regard.

3. What is your year and major?

I am a third-year Mechanical Engineering and Education Studies double major.

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

My one piece of advice for anyone wanting to get into research is to just apply to that lab or talk to that professor that conducts work you’re interested in no matter what. When I first started out in my lab, I knew absolutely nothing about graphite, composites, or many of the concepts involved in my work. When I applied to NTRG, I had just finished taking Pre-calculus and Introductory Chemistry, with no physics or engineering courses yet on my transcript. Over the course of time in your lab, you will pick up on the flow and procedures even without the contextual classes, so there’s no need to worry!

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

While I have not attended a conference before, I have presented at a physical poster symposium early on in my research journey. I honestly felt that the hardest part about that event was the amount of time needed to really flesh out my poster, both in content and layout, in a way that followed every requirement listed out by the program. There were a lot of weekly meetings about a month and a half before the symposium date to make sure we had work that fit the guidelines. I think this is good though, since you know that when it is time for the actual poster or vocal presentation, you have passed the hardest part of the entire process; your knowledge and confidence about your research will naturally seep through, even if you don’t realize it in the moment

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

Yes, I was recently included as an author on a NTRG paper publication shared with my PI and my graduate student mentor about the mechanical properties of our carbon-carbon composites. Similar to preparing for a vocal or poster presentation, there is so much preparation to be done even before you begin the actual writing part. A substantial literature review of both current and foundational studies within your field not only makes up a lot of the introductory content, but also how you guide and present your writing later on in the paper. There were a lot of meetings between Professor Fisher, Ben, and myself to establish the narrative and messages we wanted to send through this research. Writing a paper grants you the unique opportunity to combine traditional writing with the world of scientific diagrams and figures to tell your research story, an aspect to this process that I found especially rewarding. I discovered that getting the initial manuscript ready for submission was only the first hurdle, and the review process can take a lot longer than you might first assume, a couple months after your initial submission, actually. It may seem like a lot of  difficult work, and it is, but there really isn’t a better feeling than seeing your name on a publication just like the ones you read for your literature review.

7. What are your future career goals?

My future career goals involve getting a Ph.D. in Nuclear Engineering to become a professor in order to intersect my passion for engineering and education. I would love to continue my research interests in nuclear moderating materials to investigate ways to make our current and future fleets of reactors safer for all communities that they reside in.

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

I was previously involved in both the SURP and SPUR programs, and I am currently a member of the UC LEADS program that has led to my future involvement in UC Berkeley’s CalNERDS summer research experience. My work in the past two summers with the SURP and SPUR programs were instrumental for honing my skills as a researcher and becoming more connected to my project; learning presentation, poster-making, and experimental design skills are key components to my resume and overall skillset as a student. UC LEADS has provided me access to a plethora of resources surrounding how to become more resilient in the lab, research ethics, and best practices to promote minority success within STEM graduate programs. As I progress through UC LEADS, I know it will be instrumental to helping me apply to graduate school and remaining funded throughout my Ph.D. journey, in addition to the continuing the wonderful connections I have made with my cohort!

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

My experience within undergraduate research has not only molded my intentions to become a professor one day, but also has nailed down my specific interests within the broad field of nuclear energy. Without my time in NTRG and the Solar Methane Pyrolysis project, I do not think I would have as strong of an interest in graphite and carbon-carbon composites as I do now. Through research, I found the perfect way to combine my enthusiasm for engineering and education.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Amit Rand! Amit is a fourth-year Mathematics of Computation major currently conducting research in the Cardiovascular Imaging Research Lab (CVIRL). In addition, Amit was recently accepted into 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. After completing his PhD, Amit hopes to work at a foundational research lab (industry or academia) focused on cutting-edge mechanistic machine learning, and eventually pursue entrepreneurship. Learn more about Amit and his UCLA research experience 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 (if possible)!

I joined the Cardiovascular Imaging Research Lab (CVIRL) under Prof. Kim-Lien Nguyen and Prof. J. Paul Finn at the David Geffen School of Medicine shortly after transferring to UCLA, and I’ve been in the lab since July 2024. I’m fortunate to be mentored by Dr. Kim-Lien Nguyen and her post-doctoral fellows, Dr. Thomas Coudert and Dr. Mostafa Mahmoudi, and to work with her collaborator,  Prof. Dan Ruan, as part of a broader effort to accelerate MRI using machine learning.

A core challenge in MRI is that scans can be time-consuming, which often requires patients to hold their breath to reduce motion and improve image quality. Our long-term goal is to enable free-breathing MRI that improves the patient experience without sacrificing diagnostic fidelity. My work focuses on using generative modeling methods to reconstruct images from faster, more limited measurements. I initially joined the lab through a different project and later transitioned into this direction. Along the way, working closely with postdoctoral scholars and project scientists has been especially formative.

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

My research experience at UCLA has been incredibly positive and impactful. Through the Student Research Program (SRP), I have been able to dedicate structured, accredited time to research while staying on track academically. In addition to participating in SRP throughout the past year, this quarter I have been able to conduct full-time research through a 12-unit SRP enrollment, which has been especially aligned with my goal of pursuing a PhD. I have also felt strongly supported by mentors across the lab, including faculty, postdocs, and graduate researchers, who consistently make time to teach, give feedback, and help students grow.

Working in a clinical research environment has been uniquely motivating because I can see the real-world importance of the problems we’re solving and how they connect to patient care. I’ve also benefited a lot from URC resources and research-focused seminars, especially sessions that demystify topics like getting started in research and preparing for graduate school.

Additionally, I have felt supported more broadly within UCLA’s academic environment as I have pursued research. I have been fortunate to take multiple graduate-level courses through instructors’ consideration and encouragement, and those experiences have strengthened my technical foundation and clarified the research directions I want to pursue going forward.

3. What is your year and major?

Senior (Class of 2026) and Mathematics of Computation

4. What is one piece of advice you have for other students thinking about getting involved in research? As a transfer student yourself, do you have advice specific to other transfer students?

If you’re even considering research, try it. There’s no “perfect time” to start, and it’s often the best way to discover what you enjoy. Many faculty and labs are genuinely excited to mentor motivated undergraduates, especially when you reach out with a clear interest, willingness to learn, and commitment.

For transfer students specifically, leverage UCLA’s structured programs, especially URC Sciences, early, because they can accelerate your integration into the research community. And if it’s hard to get traction at first, don’t be discouraged. Reach out to postdocs and graduate students, too. They can often offer a smaller, well-scoped project that helps you build confidence, skills, and momentum toward a deeper research role. However, be mindful of postdocs’ and graduate students’ time, and always reach out to the Principal Investigator before starting any project.

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

I recently attended my first conference, The Thirty-Ninth Annual Conference on Neural Information Processing Systems (NeurIPS), where I presented a workshop paper. It was an amazing experience to be surrounded by experts in the field and to have so many conversations across a wide range of topics.

In preparation, I created my first poster, applied for grants to help cover the cost of attendance and travel, and made sure I could clearly explain my work. For presenting, it helps to have a strong two to five minute overview ready, then be prepared to answer questions and engage in deeper discussion. Most interactions move quickly, but the best conversations are with people working on closely related problems. I was fortunate to speak with teams from Microsoft Research, professors from Cambridge and Emory, and researchers at Toyota Research Institute about parallel ideas and directions.

One piece of advice I would carry forward is to attend the full conference if you can. Being there for the entire week makes a big difference for learning and networking.

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

I have published a peer-reviewed workshop paper at NeurIPS as a co-first author, based on independent research with a peer.

The review process was a valuable first-time experience. I learned how to interpret reviewer feedback, respond thoughtfully to critiques, and iterate on the work to strengthen the final submission. Because NeurIPS workshops are peer reviewed, I was also assigned a few papers to review, which gave me experience seeing the process from the reviewer’s perspective and helped me better understand what makes a submission clear, rigorous, and compelling.

7. What are your future career goals?

After completing my PhD, I hope to work at a foundational research lab (industry or academia) focused on cutting-edge mechanistic machine learning, and eventually pursue entrepreneurship. I believe we are at the start of a major transition, and I want to help build the systems that will shape our world by making them safer, more reliable, while being grounded in the real-world. Longer term, I would also love to return to academia in a teaching-focused role at the university level.

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

This year (2025–2026), I have been part of the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program (URSP) Sciences, and I also took the RES PRC 194B graduate school application seminar.

URSP is a scholarship program and provides a strong support system. It supplies resources that make it easier to navigate research and build a clearer path forward to ultimately achieve your goals. One of the most memorable parts was access to the research practices courses (RES PRC).

The graduate school applications seminar with Dr. Hasson was especially helpful. The course is designed to help you build every component of a graduate application end-to-end, then refine it through structured feedback from peers and professors who have either gone through the process or are going through it alongside you.

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

Undergraduate research has been the main reason I am now committed to pursuing a PhD and building a long-term career in research. As a transfer student, my path into research was not straightforward, and community college made it clear how challenging it can be to access both research and industry opportunities. Over the past few years, I completed about five industry internships and three research experiences, which gave me a meaningful basis to compare the two.

While I initially expected to go directly into industry, my research experiences were more fulfilling on an intellectual and technical level, and they gave me a stronger sense of purpose and curiosity in my work. Ultimately, undergraduate research shaped my career direction by helping me realize that I want to contribute by doing deep, long-term research and mentorship in the field.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Christian Aguirre! Christian is a fourth-year MIMG major, and recently presented at the ABRCMS Conference, hosted by the American Society for Microbiology. As of Fall 2025, Christian was accepted into the Undergraduate Research Fellows 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. Christian hopes to become a physician-scientist in the future and credits undergraduate research for strengthening his desire to pursue this career.

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)! I transferred to UCLA from community college without any research experience. I started cold-emailing faculty to find research opportunities on campus. I eventually interviewed with the Pernas lab after reading about their research focus: host–pathogen interactions and metabolism during infection by the intracellular protozoan parasite Toxoplasma gondii . I joined the lab in October 2024 and started to learn relevant lab skills from the get-go. I conveyed interest in pursuing an independent research project to my mentor. This led me to pursuing MIMG Path 2, the major’s advanced independent research capstone project. My research project focuses on how the protein glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) affects parasite growth. GPX4 is a key protein for protecting our cells from the accumulation of lipid peroxides, a potentially harmful lipid species that can lead to a form of non-apoptotic cell death known as ferroptosis. However, the role of GPX4 in T. gondii growth remains unclear. My work fits into a much larger project under my mentor, which further explores the role of lipids in T. gondii infection.

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

Enriching, fun, and a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! I knew I loved science and being in a non–research lab environment from my lab classes, but I was unsure how I would like research itself. Now, I can say that my research experience at UCLA over the past year has been one of the most rewarding experiences in terms of the supplemental opportunities I have been able to pursue. Our lab is definitely a family environment and very supportive of one another, and I’m beyond grateful to be part of it!

3. What is your year and major?

I am a fourth year microbiology, immunology, and molecular genetics major.

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

Be confident in yourself. It sounds cliché, but, speaking from experience, it’s very easy to feel the effects of imposter syndrome. When starting, you might feel like you need to know everything about the science that your lab is investigating. The truth is that you aren’t expected to. From what I’ve learned, research is an environment of academic growth and personal development, especially during your undergrad. As long as you are confident in your abilities and show interest in your work, you’ll do great!

5. How was your experience presenting at the American Society for Microbiology’s conference? Feel free to walk us through your preparation, day to day at the conference, things you’ve learned, etc.

It was amazing! I’ve attended conferences before, but not as a presenter. This time around, I had the opportunity to present my project in the form of an oral presentation. The ABRCMS conference, hosted by the American Society for Microbiology, was definitely a great step into scientific presentation. The environment was incredibly supportive and developmental for undergraduate students, post-baccalaureate, and graduate students alike – I felt very welcomed during my participation. In preparation for the conference, I practiced my presentation with my lab for their feedback, met with my mentor to polish my slides, and read publications to prepare myself for potential questions. At the conference, you are given a comprehensive itinerary in which you can choose what events to attend (some events overlap, so you are encouraged to network with others to get the most out of the conference!). I attended panel discussions related to post-baccalaureate programs, navigating the current scientific landscape, expert lectures on several biomedical research fields, how to prepare for an MD/PhD, student poster and oral presentations, and a career development and recruitment hall (where you can meet program representatives to ask questions and network with them). Overall, I learned a lot about the options that are available after completing your undergraduate degree, received so much advice from experienced scientists, and made tons of connections!

6. What are your future career goals?

I would like to pursue the journey of becoming a physician-scientist. I enjoy the lab environment and research so much, as well as the direct patient interaction that comes from working in healthcare – I cannot see myself pursuing a career that does not cohesively bridge the realms of scientific research and patient care.

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

In the spring of 2025, I was accepted into the MIMG Path 2 (Advanced Independent Research) program, in which I continued my research project that I had started under an SRP 199 contract. Then, in the fall of 2025, I was accepted into the URC Undergraduate Research Scholars Program. These opportunities have been developmental in terms of my experience in and exposure to the vast world of scientific research. Having the opportunity to continue my research with additional funding and grow my scientific knowledge and communication skills as a researcher has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my academic and professional journey thus far. I believe that both of these programs have prepared me for my next steps forward in science.

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

I knew that I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field and had considered the physician-scientist path. Undergraduate research has only strengthened my desire to follow this career and has given me better insight into my research interests and strengths.

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

Meet Mia Santiago! Mia is a third-year Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology major, currently conducting research in the Scafoglio Lab studying lung cancer. Mia’s research experience as UCLA thus far has been described as transformative. She states, “I can say that I have fallen in love with research and carrying out experiments that contribute to larger scientific questions. As someone who is more on the introverted side, I love the solace that I have found in carrying out independent work.” Mia is looking to pursue her PhD after graduating from UCLA, and eventually establish scholarship programs to aid students interested in the biological sciences and art.

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 first got involved in research my freshman year of college through the PEERS program. Coming to college, I did not know what research was which intrigued my interest in joining PEERS in the first place. Thanks to PEERS I was connected with the Scafoglio Lab and since the summer of 2024 I have been an undergraduate researcher here where we study lung cancer, in specific lung adenocarcinoma. I have been assisting on my mentor, Martín Alcaraz Jr’s, project, investigating the sex-dependent effects of alpha-ketoglutarate on lung adenocarcinoma!

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

I would describe my research experience as transformative. As I have mentioned prior, I did not know about research before coming to college. But now, I can say that I have fallen in love with research and carrying out experiments that contribute to larger scientific questions. As someone who is more on the introverted side, I love the solace that I have found in carrying out independent work. In the future, I look forward to applying to PhD programs and continue to pursue my passion to contribute to the larger scientific community.

3. What is your year and major?

I am a Junior and MCDB major!

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

One piece of advice that I would give to potential scientists out there is to be curious and kind. Science can be complicated to understand! But by asking questions to peers and to your PI, you gain a better understanding of the cause that you are contributing to. Questions can only help you grow as a scientist. In addition to this, I think it is important to recognize the privilege of being a part of someone’s passion project. PI’s are passionate about their work so approach it with respect, kindness, and genuine effort to learn from those around you.

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

I have not had my work published but have witnessed the behind the scenes process. One of the most eye-opening parts of this process that I have learned is how much storytelling lies in publications. How do you want to present your work and findings? Additionally, it’s lots and lots of time spent drafting and revising that the final work often looks completely different from the very first draft. Ultimately the goal is to focus on every single detail to make the paper as perfect as possible for readers to capture and appreciate the work that you put so much effort into.

6. What are your future career goals?

My future career goal is to pursue a PhD. I do not know exactly what I would like to focus on and ultimately decide to conduct research on as I have a variety of interests ranging from the immune system, epigenetics, diet, pathology, gerontology, and the gut microbiome. But this is why I love science as there are so many areas to explore which has only solidified my decision to continue learning and growing as a researcher. Apart from research, I would like to establish scholarship programs where I can help aid students interested in the biological sciences and art as I have a deep connection to drawing and painting. I would not be where I am today without my mentors and supporters who believed in me and I want to pass along that same support to other students.

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

This summer of 2025, I was a part of the URC Sciences Summer Program cohort, supported through CAMP. This program introduced me to the PhD application process and helped me gain an understanding of what I should expect when I apply to PhD programs. Additionally, this program allowed me to present my research for the first time at the URC Summer Symposium which helped me gain confidence in presenting. Most importantly, I got to meet other undergraduate researchers. As part of a group project, I worked with two students, Samantha Lynch and Sasha Gladkikh on a research dissemination project focusing on the link between gut health and atherosclerosis.

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

Undergraduate research has opened my eyes to new career opportunities that I never knew about. It has given me a purpose and has only fueled my interest in science even more. Undergraduate research has played an essential role in shaping my decision to pursue a PhD.

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.