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.
Jenny Cheng

Master of Science in Physiological Science (2022) - University of California, Los Angeles

Bachelor of Science in Physiological Science (2020) - University of California, Los Angeles
Thesis Research:

I am interested in integrating multi-tissue multiomics data to dissect genetic and molecular perturbations in cardiovascular diseases via a systems biology approach. I am also interested in employing cutting-edge single cell techniques to further elucidate disease mechanisms at the cell level.
Mingjia Cheng

Master of Stomatology in Orthodontics (2018) - School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, China

Bachelor of Dental Surgery (2015) - West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University in Chengdu, China
Thesis Research:

I am interested in exploring mechanisms of aging, healthspan, and longevity.
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.
Jade Fachin

Master of Science in Physiological Science (2022) - University of California, Los Angeles

Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences (2018) - University of California, Merced
Thesis Research:

I am interested in pathological factors leading to degenerative extracellular matrices in muscular diseases. I am also interested in the biochemistry of misfolded proteins and general pathways leading to various neurodegenerative diseases.
Daniel Helzer

Master of Science in Kinesiology- Exercise Physiology (2021) - California State Polytechnic University, Pomona

Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology- Exercise Science (2019) - California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Thesis Research:

My research interests primarily encompass mitochondrial function, skeletal muscle physiology, and more generally biophysics in a variety of states, including in the healthy, diseased, and aging individual. I am interested in investigating these factors ranging from the molecular level to a translational perspective.
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.
Melika Madani
Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience (2021) - University of California, Los Angeles
Thesis Research:

Studying how environmental- and experience-driven changes to neural networks contribute to production of complex behaviors in animals.
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.
Micah Ralston
Bachelor of Science in Physiological Science (2021) - University of California, Los Angeles
Thesis Research:

Mechanisms of musculoskeletal injuries and neurodegenerative diseases, and exploration of potential therapeutic interventions.
Martha Rimniceanu
Bachelor of Science in Psychology & Biology (2017) - Tufts University
Thesis Research:

Neural control systems and circuits for visuo-motor integration.
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.
Celine Son
Bachelor of Science in Life Science and Biotechnology (2021) - Yonsei University, Republic of Korea
Thesis Research:

My research interest lies in investigating the circuit mechanisms of ASD behaviors and discovering circuit-based therapeutics.
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.
Christina Tripsas, MD

Doctor of Medicine (2018) - University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Master of Arts in Clinical Investigation (2011) - Boston University

Bachelor of Science in Biology (2007) - University of San Francisco
Thesis Research:

Investigating the immunologic implications of mechanical cellular stress and deformability.
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.
Zoe Zhao
Bachelor of Science in Physiological Science (2021) - University of California, Los Angeles
Thesis Research:

My research interests are sex differences in complex diseases and the study of cardiometabolic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular diseases with integrative methods.