Mirian Krystel De Siqueira

Master of Science in Genetics and Molecular Biology (2019) - State University of Campinas, Brazil & National Institutes of Health

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science (2016) - University Tuiuti of Paraná, Brazil & Rowan University
Thesis Research:

The adipocyte life cycle involves a complex and highly orchestrated program of gene expression. However, in vivo, detailed mechanisms underlying the molecular regulation are incompletely misunderstood.  My major research interest relies on studying novel nutrient-sensing genes and whether they have an impact on adipose tissue heterogeneity.

Jessica Ding

Master of Science in Physiological Science (2020) - University of California, Los Angeles

Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience (2017) - University of California, Los Angeles
Thesis Research:

Systems biology of neurodegenerative diseases.

Madza Y Farias-Virgens

Master of Arts in Anthropology (2015) - University of California, Berkeley
Master of Science in Genetics and Molecular Biology (2010) - Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil

Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science (2008) - State University of Santa Cruz, Brazil
Thesis Research:

Conducting a collaborative project between the Okanoya lab at RIKEN, the Huerta-Sanchez lab at Brown U and the White lab and the Xiao Lab IBP-UCLA. The goal is to investigate the genetic correlates of the evolutionary forces and neurogenetic mechanisms underlying changes in vocal behavior between Bengalese finches and their ancestral species, white backed munias.

Pranav Kannan

Master of Science in Physiological Science (2021) - University of California, Los Angeles

Bachelor of Science in Human Biology (2018) - Michigan State University
Thesis Research:

Immune cell-matrix interactions in mouse models of muscular dystrophy

Sabeen Kazmi
Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry (2012) - University of California, Los Angeles
Thesis Research:

Uncovering the role of the microbiome in neurodegenerative diseases.

Gaoyan Li
Bachelor of Science in Biological Science (2018) - Nanjing University, China
Thesis Research:

Single-cell transcriptome analysis reveals sexual dimorphism in the hypothalamus.

Lesly Palacios Castillo

Master of Science in Biological Science (2019)- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Bachelor of Science in Biology and Zoology (2017)- California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Thesis Research:

Olfactory and aminergic neuromodulation of visual circuits and behavior.

Martha Rimniceanu
Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Biology (2017) - Tufts University
Thesis Research:

Neural control systems and circuits for visuo-motor integration.

Shantée Ayala Rosario
Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology (Minor in Chemistry, 2020) - Inter American University of Puerto Rico, Bayamón
Thesis Research:

Understanding how traumatic memories are embedded in the brain and impact sleep. Specifically how this occurs through norepinephrine influence in cortical brain regions to produce maladaptive stress responses.

Norma Sandoval
Bachelor of Science in Physiological Science (2015) - University of California, Los Angeles
Thesis Research:

Elucidating the effects of hypothalamic estrogen signaling on thermoregulation and metabolic health.

Rachel Scott
Bachelor of Science in Physiological Sciences (2020) - University of California, Los Angeles; Bachelor of Arts in Ethnomusicology (2020) - University of California, Los Angeles
Thesis Research:

Studying sex differences in feeding behavior. Specifically, interested in how sex steroids, namely estrogens, and body composition act on the hypothalamus to modulate food intake.

Ashley Stein-Merlob, MD

Doctor of Medicine (2015) - Harvard Medical School

Bachelor of Science in Engineering in Bioengineering (2009) - University of Pennsylvania
Thesis Research:

Studying the use of computational modeling of cardiac mechanics to better understand the development and progression of heart failure in humans.

Paul Vander
Bachelor of Science in Biology (2016) - University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
Thesis Research:

Studying neural control of torpor in mice. Specifically interested in how circulating hormones, particularly estrogens, interact with torpor-regulating neurons in the brain to modulate this process.

David Wong
Bachelor of Science in Molecular Biology (2020) - University of Washington
Thesis Research:

Investigating the role of pericytes and epicardium-derived secreted factors in the cardiac remodeling process following ischemic injury in the adult heart.

Sicheng Zhang

Master of Science in Biochemistry (2018) - Tulane University

Bachelor of Science in Biological Science (2016) - Shandong Agricultural University, China
Thesis Research:

Nutrient sensing and physiology between adipocyte tissue and liver.