Archive for category: Student Spotlight

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.

LATINX HERITAGE MONTH

Meet Emily Silva! Emily is a third year Neuroscience major with a minor in Musicology. She is currently conducting research in the Massaly Lab at UCLA that aims to understand pain-induced neuronal alterations and how they affect motivation-reward systems within the brain, paving the way for improvements in pain pharmacology. Read more about Emily’s research experience at UCLA, how her cultural background has influenced her academic and career journey, and advice she had for other Latinx student researchers.

1. What are your pronouns?

I use she/her/hers pronouns.

2. What is your year and major?

I am a third year Neuroscience major with a minor in Musicology.

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

As an undergraduate SRP student in Massaly Lab at UCLA, I aid the team in research that aims to understand pain-induced neuronal alterations and how they affect motivation-reward systems within the brain, paving the way for improvements in pain pharmacology.

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

Before joining Massaly Lab, I took a two year AP Capstone course administered by the College Board in high school. This course required me to design an independent project. I investigated the effects of organic and non-GMO corn on the nutritional value of soil. After measuring pH, ammonia, potassium, and nitrogen over four weeks, I compiled a research paper that explained how GMOs are part of a solution to mass producing food when faced with climate change and soil erosion.

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

I first became involved in my research project after discussing with my mentors what I can do to help with a larger project that explores whether or not inhibiting a specific set of neurons causes effects in motivation. I communicated that my interests lie in aseptic surgery techniques and data analysis which led me to better understand the motivation-reward systems in the brain.

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

My research experience at UCLA is full of learning opportunities and is an overall challenge to remain proactive. My mentors provide me with much needed guidance in the wet lab environment and teach me the basic procedures I’d need to know as a student researcher from using proper protective equipment to operating a cryostat. My neuroscience courses reinforce my knowledge of the brain and shed light on the implications of scientific research in society, offering increasingly better alternatives to invasive procedures done on a number of health conditions.

7. What are your future career goals?

My goal is to continue developing my skills in research by learning how to expertly operate equipment, conduct experiments, and write out research papers. I’ll eventually apply these skills to graduate school after I complete my undergraduate years at UCLA.

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?

I am an East LA native with a strong history of Hispanic culture and lived experiences supporting my development. As a first generation college student, I’ve learned how valuable it is to receive an education when many people who make up the pillars of my life rarely had the opportunity to think about pursuing a higher education. Instead, they thought about where to work or when the rent was due. Those before me worked under the sun so I can work with an air conditioner in the room. Neuroscience research as a career allows me to prioritize my interests and contribute to something larger than myself. With the aid of the scientific community, mentors, and peers, I am continually excited to help solve problems that impact people’s lives and represent my community in a field where Hispanics are largely underrepresented.

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

My advice to Hispanic students thinking about pursuing careers in STEM or exploring the sciences during their college career is to follow wherever your curiosity leads you with reasonable goals in mind. As a young student in college, you have little career experience and must learn, fail, and try again at any skills you’d like to develop inside or outside of research. Use this season of learning to your advantage. By consistently developing those skills, no matter how disconnected they may seem from the main goal, they will become more valuable to you in the future when you slowly see the life you worked for come into light.

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

I am a former Care Extender volunteer and am currently involved in the PEERS, AAP, and LEAF programs at UCLA

Meet Priscilla Yang! Priscilla is a recent UCLA graduate who received her B.S. in Bioengineering with a minor in Geography/Environmental Studies. She was involved in the Undergraduate Research Fellows Program (URFP) during the 2022-2023 academic year, a two-quarter program that supports UCLA students who are conducting a life science, physical science, or engineering research project with a UCLA faculty. Additionally, Priscilla was a 2023-2024 Internet Research Initiative Scholar (IRI), a program that supports research that addresses aspects of technology development, social trends or problems, ethics, and/or justice relating to the Internet. One piece of advice Priscilla has for undergraduate students thinking about getting involved in research is to “…prioritize good mentors — look for labs and professors who build uplifting learning environments and have a teaching style that works well for you! (I.e. Are you hoping to work 1-on-1 with a graduate student who is very hands-on? How often do you hope to talk with your professor about your research?).”

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

I first got involved with my environmental engineering research after learning about my TA’s PhD research during class. I was excited about the impacts of such research, so I reached out, set up a meeting, and slowly got trained in the lab over the next couple of months!

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

I’ve had a very transformative and exploratory research experience at UCLA! I had the opportunity to join a variety of research projects: environmental engineering research at a formal UCLA lab regarding microbial technology for contaminant cleanup and wastewater treatment systems; co-leading a student-run research group as part of the Biomedical Engineering Society’s Research Team surrounding hydrogels for insulin delivery; and an individual creative research project through the Internet Research Initiative exploring music as a communication medium in healthcare. Through all of these, I found the fun in hands-on learning through experiments, critical thinking in experimental design and data analysis, and an overall passion for maneuvering between various scientific fields by using fundamental principles. Research at UCLA was also a key driver in my graduate school pursuits!

3. What is your year and major?

I just graduated in Spring 2024 with a B.S. in Bioengineering and a minor in Geography/Environmental Studies.

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

My biggest piece of advice for students thinking about getting involved in research is to prioritize good mentors — look for labs and professors who build uplifting learning environments and have a teaching style that works well for you! (I.e. Are you hoping to work 1-on-1 with a graduate student who is very hands-on? How often do you hope to talk with your professor about your research?)

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

I had the opportunity to attend the BMES (Biomedical Engineering Society) Annual Meeting 2023 in Seattle during the fall! It was an enriching experience overall- my main reason for attendance was to present a poster about my research project within the Internet Research Initiative. Leading up to the conference, I worked to finalize my poster design, as well as draft, edit, and practice my pitch talk over and over. During the actual presentation, it was a lively atmosphere of students ranging from undergraduate to postdoctoral levels. Typically, the flow of events occurred with passerbys being interested in my poster title, me presenting my pitch talk, and them interacting and asking questions afterward. I even got to network on LinkedIn with fellow students as well!

Beyond presenting my poster, an unexpected yet useful experience I had at the conference was interacting with graduate school representatives at their booths. Since this was around the time where graduate school applications were being submitted, I was able to talk to current students at the programs I was looking at, along with admissions officers who provided application tips. Even better, a few schools offered application fee waivers just for your attendance! Beyond academic work, I was a volunteer for both the national BMES organization and the UCLA department of Bioengineering. Thus, I got to meet a variety of like-minded bioengineering students; moderate and learn about cutting-edge research panels; and share my personal experiences at UCLA bioengineering with prospective students! Overall, it was a worthwhile experience, and I’d encourage interested students to look into funding resources (Undergraduate Research Center fund, Academic Affairs Commission Travel Fund, etc) to help mitigate costs and make travel more accessible.

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

I have not had my work published.

7. What are your future career goals?

I will be pursuing a master’s in Biomedical Engineering and a graduate minor in Entrepreneurship at Northwestern University this fall! Beyond that, I aspire to gain industry experience in the biotechnology space and potentially pursue a PhD and MBA in the future.

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

Undergraduate Research Fellowship Program (URFP) – 2022-2023

Internet Research Initiative Scholar – 2023-2024

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

Undergraduate research at UCLA played a pivotal role in my pursuit for graduate school in my career path. The creativity, critical thinking, collaborative, and communication skills that I developed through research have been instrumental in my career path, carrying me beyond the lab bench and into industry roles!