Beckman Scholars

Nicholas is majoring in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology with a minor in Biomedical Research. He enjoys studying the complex relationship and the artistic interchange between the many components of developmental pathways. At UCLA, he conducts research in developmental biology at the Lyons Lab, where he studies the progression of osteoarthritis, including both the molecular and behavioral components of the disease. Nicholas is focusing on exploring the relationship between the transforming growth factor beta (TGFb), and bone morphogenic protein (BMP) pathway as it relates to the phenotypes associated with osteoarthritis. After his undergraduate studies at UCLA, he plans to pursue an MD degree and continue research, as it is the foundation for developing treatments in medicine. He is a youth competitive swim coach for the UCLA Bruin Swim Club, and in his free time, swims with UCLA Masters Swim. His additional interests include art, in particular drawing and sewing.

Keya is a Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics major and Classical Civilizations minor at UCLA. Keya has been interested in biology from a young age and developed an interest in research and problem-solving throughout high school. She is now exploring microbiology research at the Hill Lab at UCLA, where she studies the deadly parasite Trypanosoma brucei. For her Beckman Scholars project, Keya will be studying the motility and function of this parasite. She will focus on identifying the interdependencies between proteins within the microtubules of the T. brucei flagellum, as well as characterizing these proteins. Keya hopes to gain a lifelong scientific community through Beckman Scholars to help her build a career in research. She plans to continue on to a PhD in Microbiology or Genetics after her time at UCLA. In her free time, Keya enjoys knitting, reading Greek mythology, and swimming.

Sasha is a transfer student from Schoolcraft Community College. While at Schoolcraft, she gained experience researching metal-organic frameworks at the University of Michigan – Ann Arbor. Here she immediately fell in love with the challenging, yet rewarding, work that research demands. Now working in the Tolbert Lab at UCLA, Sasha’s research focuses on tuning superparamagnetic nanocrystals for use in multiferroic composite materials where magnetism can be fully switched on and off using an applied electric bias. Sasha has always had a deep appreciation for the sciences and strives to share this passion by pursuing a career in academia. She hopes to expand the boundaries of human knowledge and lead research that will contribute to the fight against climate change.

Hieu Nguyen is a Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology student with a minor in Biomedical Research. Hieu is working in Dr. Torres’ lab, where his research focuses on identifying novel compounds that will guide senescent cells away from their current state in order to prevent the formation of tumorigenic environments. Outside of his laboratory work, Hieu also competes for UCLA’s archery team, works as a CPR instructor, and volunteers both for UCLA’s Mattel Childrens’ Hospital and at a student shelter. He intends to pursue a career in pediatric oncology which is rooted both in research and clinical practice.

Jasmine Esparza is a fourth-year Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology student with a minor in Biomedical Research. Jasmine is working in Dr. William Lowry’s lab, where she studies the role of G-protein coupled receptor/cAMP response element-binding protein (GPCR/CREB) cellular signaling in hair follicle stem cell homeostasis and the hair cycle. Besides research, Jasmine is the Internal Affairs Chair for the Society for the Advancement of Chicanos/Native Americans in Science (SACNAS) chapter at UCLA, the Adult Education Director for Project Literacy and Logistics Committee Co-Chair for the Mobile Clinic Project. Jasmine is planning to go to graduate school to get a Ph.D.

Emi Nakahara is a fourth year Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics student at UCLA. Emi is in the Kent Hill Lab, where she studies the eukaryotic protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei, and how it utilizes its flagellum to engage in sensing and signaling of its environment. Besides research, she is also a science and health reporter in the student newspaper Daily Bruin, as well as a writing tutor at UCLA’s undergraduate writing center.