People

Rachel Reyes Ph.D

Rachel received her Ph.D in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics from USC where she explored the role of the gut microbiome on voluntary alcohol consumption and subsequent neuroinflammation within a mouse model of behavior. Before joining our lab, she worked at CHLA and investigated rare genetic mutations related to chromatin dysregulation and syndromic neurodevelopmental disorders/intellectual disability. In her free time, Rachel enjoys reading, watching cheesy TV sitcoms, and playing video games.

Aleks Bogoniewski

Mimi Lu

Hello! My name is Mimi and I graduated from UCLA with a BS in Physiological Science. I am from San Francisco and in my free time I enjoy painting and hiking.

Grace Wu

My name is Grace, and I recently graduated from UCLA with a major in Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics, and a minor in Food Studies. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, and exploring good food with my friends.

Nathan Wang

Hi, my name is Nathan and I recently graduated from Berkeley with a double major in bioengineering and neurobiology. I’m interested in developing gene and stem cell-based therapies for neurological and neuro-oncological diseases. In my free time, I enjoy baking new recipes, playing piano, and finding new bingsoo places.

Stuti Bakshi

Hi! My name is Stuti and I recently graduated from UCLA with a major in Psychobiology major and minor in Applied Developmental Psychology. I’m from Portland, OR and enjoy calligraphy and playing the guitar in my free time.

Wesley Zhou

I graduated from UCLA with bachelor’s degrees in Molecular Biology (MCDB) and History. My research interests lie in understanding different urea cycle disorders and applying appropriate and sustainable gene therapies for them. In my spare time, I enjoy watching/playing sports and plane spotting.

Diya Arora

I am a third-year Neuroscience major here at UCLA. In my free time, I enjoy playing badminton, reading, and playing the piano.

Alexa Garcia

Hello! My name is Alexa and I am a current fourth year at UCLA majoring in Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology. In my free time, I love to go on runs and listen to all kinds of music!

Lily Kiaei

I am a fourth-year Physiological Sciences major from Westchester, New York. In my free time, I enjoy workout classes such as Yoga and Pilates, going to the beach, and trying new coffee spots!

Gloria Tang

I am a second-year molecular, cellular and developmental biology major from Singapore and Hong Kong, with an interest in gene therapy research. In my free time, I enjoy painting, playing the guitar and going on jogs.

Susanna Rivera

I am a fourth-year Neuroscience major from Fresno, California, and am a participant in UCLA’s COMPASS Program through CIRM. I have an interest in studying neuropathology and regenerative medicine. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new music, stargazing, and spending time with my family and friends.

Melissa Gonzalez Vides

My name is Melissa, and I am in my last year at CSUN as a Biology major. I hold associate degrees in STEM, Behavioral Sciences, and Biology. I am currently part of the CIRM Bridges program, where I work full-time as a research student. In my free time, I enjoy painting murals and drawing, I have a passion for traveling and discovering new places.

Celeste Cortez

I am a third-year undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience with an interest in understanding the neurological impact of liver metabolic disorders. In my free time, I enjoy writing, playing video games, and going on walks.

Lina Tran

Hello! My name is Lina and I’m a second year majoring in Neuroscience on the pre-med track. In my free time I enjoy going to cafes, baking, and watching rom coms (my favorite is How to Lose a Guy in Ten Days)!