2015 statewide undergraduate symposium proceedings &...

2015 Statewide Undergraduate Symposium Proceedings & Profiles

University of California Louis Stokes California Alliance for Minority Participation—CAMP-NSF

is enabled by a Cooperative Agreement with the National Science Foundation, HRD #0603239 NSF LSAMP Senior Alliance 2011-2016

Teach for California, Research for the World

UC Riverside

UC San Diego

UC Los Angeles

UC Santa Barbara

UC Berkeley

UC Davis

UC MercedUC Santa Cruz

UC Irvine

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIALOUIS STOKES ALLIANCE FOR MINORITY PARTICIPATION

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CAMP Statewide Office491 Social Science Tower

University of California, Irvine 92697949-824-2053 • 949-824-3048 (fax)

This publication is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation Human Resources Development under Grant #0603239. Any opinions,

findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed herein are those of the CAMP leadership and participants and do not necessarily reflect the

views of NSF/HRD.www.california-lsamp.uci.edu

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LOUIS STOKES ALLIANCE FOR MINORITY PARTICIPATION

UC CAMPUS SITE DIRECTORY

CALIFORNIA LSAMPUniversity of California, Irvine

Lead Campus and Administrative Center

HOWARD GILLMAN, PH.D., ChancellorPrincipal Investigator

DEREK DUNN-RANKIN, PH.D.Professor

Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringCo-Director

MARJORIE DEMARTINO, M.F.A.Co-Director

Proceedings & Profiles Editor949-824-4813

[email protected] VALBUENA, M.S.

[email protected]

LAURA LEContract/Grants Analyst

[email protected]

VICTORIA STINSON / JASON GANProgram Support

949-824-6806 / [email protected] / [email protected]

MIKE JENKINSTechnical Support

[email protected]

CAMP is one of 42 Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation

funded by The National Science Foundation; A. James Hicks, Ph.D.,

LSAMP Director, Education and Human Resources Division of Human

Resource Development

CAMP-NSF

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UC BERKELEYCARLOS FERNANDEZ-PELLO, PH.D.FACULTY DIRECTORDepartment of Mechanical Engineering

and Associate Dean, Graduate DivisionEmail: [email protected] LIZARRAGA, M.A.CAMP COORDINATORProfessional Development ProgramsPhone: 510-643-8978Fax: 510-642-0199Email: [email protected]

UC DAVISLORI M. LUBIN, PH.D.FACULTY DIRECTORDepartment of PhysicsEmail: [email protected] PICARTCAMP COORDINATORUndergraduate Research CenterPhone: 530-754-9020Fax: 530-754-7115Email: [email protected]

UC IRVINEDEREK DUNN-RANKIN, PH.D.FACULTY DIRECTORDepartment of Mechanical &

Aerospace EngineeringEmail: [email protected] FRIEND, M.A.CAMP COORDINATORRockwell Engineering CenterPhone: 949-824-2363Fax: 949-824-2634Email: [email protected]

UC LOS ANGELESTAMA HASSON, PH.D.FACULTY DIRECTORAdjunct Associate Professor, Integrative

Biology & Physiology DepartmentDirector, Undergraduate Research

Center - SciencesEmail: [email protected] AZURDIA, PH.D.CAMP COORDINATORUndergraduate Research Center - SciencesPhone: 310-206-2660Email: [email protected]

UC SANTA CRUZTHEODORE HOLMAN, PH.D.FACULTY DIRECTORDepartment of Chemistry and

BiochemistryEmail: [email protected] ORTEGACAMP COORDINATORDiversity Science ProgramsPhone: 831-459-3761Fax: 831-459-2884Email: [email protected]

UC RIVERSIDERICHARD CARDULLO, PH.D.FACULTY DIRECTORLife Sciences Divisional DeanProfessor of BiologyEmail: [email protected] FRANCO-AGUILAR, M.A.CAMP COORDINATORGraduate DivisionDirector, Academic Preparation

and OutreachPhone: 951-827-3680Fax: 951-827-2238Email: [email protected]

UC SAN DIEGODAVID M. ARTIS, PH.D.PROGRAM DIRECTORAcademic Enrichment ProgramsStudent Center Bldg. BEmail: [email protected] AZIZE-BREWER, PH.D.CAMP COORDINATORPhone: 858-534-8839Fax: 858-534-8895Email: [email protected]

UC SANTA BARBARAGLENN E. BELTZ, PH.D.FACULTY DIRECTORAssociate Dean for Academic Affairs,

College of EngineeringEmail: [email protected] PAK, PH.D.CAMP CO-COORDINATORMaterial Research LaboratoryPhone: 805-893-5314Fax: 805-893-5027Email: [email protected] STANDISH, PH.D.CAMP CO-COORDINATORMaterial Research LaboratoryPhone: 805-893-5314Fax: 805-893-5027Email: [email protected]

UC MERCEDGERARDO C. DIAZ, PH.D.FACULTY DIRECTORAssociate Professor, School of

EngineeringEmail: [email protected] CISNEROS, M.S.CAMP COORDINATOROffice of Undergraduate EducationPhone: 209-228-4248Email: [email protected] ARROYO, M.A.CAMP CO-COORDINATORUndergraduate Research

Opportunities CenterPhone: 209-228-4245Email: [email protected]

CAMP 2015 Proceedings and Profiles 3

2015 STATEWIDE SYMPOSIUM PROCEEDINGS & PROFILESDear Colleagues and Students: We are pleased to present the publication of highlights from our annual UC Statewide Symposium. The undergraduate work presented was simply outstanding. By participating in this event, the premier systemwide CAMP activity, students test their understanding and move forward in subject mastery. The symposium affords students the occasion to share their scholarly work and grow in confidence in their own abilities to communicate effectively with faculty and peers. For first time presenters, the event is a gateway to other venues of scientific discourse. Student scholarly work is reflected in the award winning abstracts appearing in this publication, and demonstrates a level of achievement that is a model for California and the nation. We also present exciting profiles of students on UC partner campuses. Special thanks to the UCI Chancellor Howard Gillman for his warm and enthusiastic remarks. His vision for student success through research and words of encouragement and congratulations set the tone for our entire weekend. Sincere thanks and appreciation to all the faculty who dedicated time to judge the posters and provide feedback to presenters. Our faculty are instrumental in guiding, inspiring and encouraging students. Working together we are advancing STEM retention and degree completion as well as success in graduate school, particularly for the Ph.D.

Marjorie DeMartino, M.F.A., Symposium Chair, California LSAMP Co-Director

Derek Dunn-Rankin, Ph.D., Professor and Chair, Mechanical & Aerospace Engineering, California LSAMP Co-Director

Contents 4 General Information

About CAMP-NSF

6 2015 Symposium Awardees and Presenters

10 Award Winning Research

18 Symposium Judges

20 Keynote Speakers

22 UCLA Bridge to the Doctorate Cohort (2014-16)

26 UC Student Profiles

CAMP SYMPOSIUM AIMS TO: Support undergraduate

research with a faculty member;

Encourage first-time presenters with constructive feedback;

Develop student written and oral communication skills;

Provide a UC systemwide forum for faculty and students to meet and network;

Foster preparation for and access to graduate education;

Set national standards for undergraduate research.

Louis StokesCalifornia Alliance for Minority Participation

University of CaliforniaBERKELEY • DAVIS • IRVINE • LOS ANGELES • MERCED •

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University of California

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University of California

The symposium provides a forum for expanding networks, establishing new relationships, and enabling action plans.

UC Campuses Going Forward with

National Science Foundation

LSAMP Partnership

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Senior Alliance Best Practices Support STEM Degree Success Summer Bridge programs for

entering freshmen

Orientation and smooth transition for Community College transfers

Welcoming campus environment and shared sense of purpose

Development of written and oral communication skills

Persistence in STEM majors through academic, social and professional activities

Support for engaging in laboratory research

Opportunities for summer internships and research

Professional development through leadership in campus activities, workshops and panels, and in student chapters of science and engineering organizations

Faculty mentoring in academic, social, and professional settings

Peer counseling / Peer tutorials and study sessions

Preparation of a scientific poster or oral presentation based on lab research and co-authorship of paper or abstract

Graduate school preparation, GRE, personal statement, interview skills

UC Systemwide undergraduate and graduate networking

Statewide research symposium, encouraging first-time presenters and providing faculty feedback

CAMP PROGRAM FEATURES

Documentation of program through data, publications and newsletters

Student tracking through the B.S. degree and graduate school

Bridge to the Doctorate rotating among UC partners


FACULTY COMMENTS ON STUDENT PRESENTATIONS

Student is well versed, clearly able to describe project and his contribution.

Excellent and beautiful poster, wonderful presentation.

I really appreciate the importance of your project.

Strong personal contribution.

The best sophomore presentation I have seen today.

Very promising project, but I had to pull out of student what was her work.

Creative approach for fabricating the next generation of glucose sensor.

One point that could be addressed is why the project is important.

Think hard about Pharmacology and grad school, you will do well!

Very interesting project; keep up the good work.

Outstanding poster and knowledge of research area.

Include a background section to put problem into perspective.

Pictures are worth a thousand words! Include a visual representation of the model to make interpretation of equation easier.

Interesting study that incorporates biology, environmental science, and earth science.

Arguably the most knowledgeable presenter today.

I really liked the simplicity of poster: data-rich and not a lot of words.

Student was sincerely interested in the work and was familiar with the background studies.

The project is interesting, and student very articulate.

Warm and welcoming to questions. Also elicited feedback from audience.

Just a totally super job – national level for sure.

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2015 Symposium Presenters and Awardees

Poster PresentersRafael AguayoOlivia AnumuduAdam ArceSalvador Badillo-RiosJoel BahenaJennifer BatallaMichonne BehinGiovanni BirruetaVictor CamberosAnabel CastilloJoshua CazaresBernardo CejaJeannesse CochranCarmen ConroyAbraham CorralesDaniel CruzHeather DavidJoshua De OliveiraIvanna EscalaNancy EstradaLyns EtienneAbel FernandezKelly FlorimonLala ForrestMarissa FosterNatasha FowlerIsis Frausto-VicencioMarissa Gionet-GonzalesCody GonzalezBrianna Grado-WhiteRobert GutierrezMikael Habtezion Tara HallmanKrishna HammondDana HernandezLaura HernandezHannah HintonChristian Hissom Robert IxtaCarina JetteAlberto Juarez From the top: UC Berkeley, UC Davis

UC SYSTEMWIDE PARTICIPANTS


Marisa LopezSandra LopezRocio LozanoAngela Macedo AndradeJulio MartinezJessy MartinezMonique McClainEman MekyCrystal MenaJim Mendez LopezRosa MenjivarBlake MilesEli MizrachiNancy Morones Felipe Neira BarretoKate NewcomerRogelio Nunez FloresAthena PapasoderoGuadalupe Pena GomezIsis PerezAlejandra PreciadoRafael QuevedoPresley RamirezLuis RangelLara RoachDiana RodriguezJavier RodriguezKeith RodriguezMarco Antonio RodriguezMichael RodriguezBrian Rojas-LerenaNancy Ronquillo Keith SaechaoJocelynda SalvadorLuis SilvaJennyfer TenaLeticia TorresElizabeth VargasLauren VelasquezCesar VillaGeorge VillatoroGretel Von SonImari WalkerAigbe WoghirenRuth Zuniga

Works In Progress Kristina CalderonSami ChenJennifer MaradiagaJoshua Woods

From the top: UC Irvine, UC Los Angeles, UC Merced

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From the top: UC Riverside, UC San Diego, UC Santa Barbara

CAMP-NSF

is dedicated to UC

undergraduate

achievement

in STEM.

Faculty mentored

research experience

is the cornerstone,

providing the

preparation and

impetus for

graduate studies.

UC faculty

assert that

creative research

is one of

the best ways

to prepare students

for persistence

toward the

B.S. degree

and success in

graduate school.


Special MeritPHYSICAL SCIENCES/ENGINEERINGIvanna Escala, UC San DiegoChristian Etienne, UC Santa CruzBrianna Grado-White, UC BerkeleyMarisa Lopez, UC IrvineEli Mizrachi, UC BerkeleyRuth Zuniga, UC Santa Cruz

BIOLOGICAL AND LIFE SCIENCESGiovanni Birrueta, UC San DiegoMikael Habtezion, UC DavisMarissa Foster, UC Los AngelesAngela Macedo Andrade, UC MercedJessy Martinez, UC Los AngelesAigbe Woghiren, UC Santa Cruz

Honorable MentionBIOLOGICAL/LIFE SCIENCESOlivia Anumudu, UC IrvineJennifer Batalla, UC RiversideVictor Camberos, UC RiversideLala Forrest, UC San DiegoTara Hallman, UC Los AngelesEman Meky, UC DavisGuadalupe Pena Gomez, UC DavisLuis Rangel, UC BerkeleyKeith Rodriguez, UC Santa BarbaraMichael Rodriguez, UC DavisGeorge Villatoro, UC Santa BarbaraImari Walker Karega, UC Berkeley

PHYSICAL SCIENCES/ENGINEERINGJoel Bahena, UC San DiegoAbel Fernandez, UC Santa BarbaraMarissa Gionet-Gonzalez, UC

RiversideCody Gonzalez, UC RiversideHannah Hinton, UC Los AngelesCarina Jette, UC Santa BarbaraMonique McClain, UC San DiegoCrystal Mena, UC IrvineKate Newcomer, UC San DiegoRafael Quevedo, UC RiversideJennyfer Tena, UC Santa CruzLeticia Torres, UC Santa Barbara

UC Santa Cruz

HONORABLE MENTION AWARDEES:

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2015 SPECIAL MERIT IN RESEARCH ABSTRACTS

Biological and Life Sciences

EPAC REGULATION OF EXCITATION-CONTRACTION COUPLING IN ATRIAL CARDIOMYOCYTESMikael Habtezion, Senior, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Major

Professor Donald Bers, Ph.D., Department of Pharmacology, Laetitia Pereira, Ph.D., University of California, Davis

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is the world’s most prevalent clinical arrhythmic disorder leading to mortality and morbidity, notably by stroke and worsening of

heart failure. Beside our current knowledge, actual therapies remain insufficient. Recent findings suggest that abnormal Ca2+ handling, together with structural and electrical remodeling of cellular structures, could be a key player in AF. Indeed, the spontaneous release of intracellular Ca2+ from the cellular Ca2+ storage, known as Ca2+ spark, is dramatically increased at rest during AF and seems to be regulated by Ca2+/Calmodulin-dependent protein Kinase II (CaMKII). In ventricular cells, this mechanism is attributed to a recently discovered protein, Epac, but its role in atria remains unknown. Here, we investigate the role of Epac in the regulation of atrial Ca2+ handling. Intracellular Ca2+ release was measured in isolated atrial cardiomyocytes loaded with a Ca2+ sensitive fluorescent dye, Fluo-4 AM, by confocal microscopy. In atrial heart cells, Epac activation by 8-CPT significantly increased Ca2+ spark frequency and reduced the content of cellular Ca2+storage. In addition, 8-CPT induces arrhythmic events measured during field stimulation (1 Hz). Finally, both the 8-CPT-induced arrhythmic events and the increase in Ca2+spark frequency were fully abolished under CaMKII inhibition with KN93. In conclusion, our results show that Epac induces irregular beats associated with an increase of CaMKIIdependent Ca2+ release at rest, suggesting that Epac is an upstream effector of CaMKII in AF.

REGULATION OF CARDIAC HYPERTROPHY BY PHLPP1 AND PHLPP2 IN VITROGiovanni Birrueta, Senior, Physiology and Neuroscience Major

Professor Nicole H. Purcell, Ph.D., Division of Biological Sciences and Department of Pharmacology, University of California, San Diego

In the heart the phosphorylation state of proteins leads to crucial cellular decisions such as apoptosis, cell proliferation, and cell growth. Recently a newly

discovered serine/threonine phosphatase, PHLPP (PH domain leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase) has been shown to directly dephosphorylate several members of the AGC family of kinases, in particular Akt, PKC and S6 kinase. Little is known regarding the biological function of PHLPP or its isoforms in cardiomyocytes or their role in regulating physiological and pathophysiological stress in the heart. Using the hypertrophic agonist phenylephrine we will examine the effect of removal or overexpression of PHLPP1 or PHLPP2 on modulating signaling pathways in cardiomyocytes and in particular the Akt signaling pathway as well as other AGC kinases. Our lab has found evidence for an interaction of PHLPP1 and PHLPP2 with histone deacetylase 5 (HDAC5). The regulation of HDAC5 by phosphorylation and de-phosphorylation events is fundamentally crucial to cardiac hypertrophy at the cellular level. GRK5, an AGC kinase, phosphorylates HDAC5 and regulates its activity. Using cytosolic and nuclear fractions from cardiomyocytes with or without PHLPP expression we will investigate whether PHLPPs directly or indirectly and regulate HDAC5 or GRK5 translocation and phosphorylation.


PEER REVIEW ACTIVITY: WHAT ONE THING DID YOU LEARN FROM THE PRESENTER?

I learned about the invasive species of beetle that attacks avocado trees.

Eye problems come from poor vasculature.

Membrane bioreactors clean wastewater two times more efficiently than current processes.

Oxygen disrupts the growth of retinal vasculature.

I learned copper-mini channel collectors can use the power from the sun to produce hot or warm water.

That rats are able to learn spatial recognition and that they’re more attracted to faces.

I learned about allylic alkelation of allylic alcohols by copper.

COMPARISON STUDY OF ZFN, TALEN AND CRISPR/CAS9 ENDONUCLEASE TO INCREASE γ-GLOBIN EXPRESSION FOR SICKLE CELL DISEASEMarissa J. Foster, Senior, Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics Major

Dr. Donald B. Kohn, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, Carmen Bjurstrom, University of California, Los Angeles

Sickle-cell disease is the most common heredity blood disorder in the U.S and affects millions every year worldwide. Abnormal hemoglobin polymerizes

and causes the aggregation of red blood cells (RBCs), preventing proper oxygen delivery throughout the body. The approach is to reverse the sickling process of RBCs through gene knockout of Bc11a gene, a transcriptional inhibitor of fetal hemoglobin (HbF). HbF expression appears to inhibit sickling of RBCs by preventing the polymerization of the mutated sickle hemoglobin. Gene knockout will be conducted by using new site-specific endonuclease technology. A comparison study of Zinc Finger Nucleases (ZFNs), Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palendromic Repeats (CRISPR), and Transcription Activator-Like Effector Nucleases (TALENs) is currently underway. Initially, plasmid DNA was transfected into K562 cells and analyzed for on-target and off-target cleavage events. Our results indicate that TALENS and CRISPRs are comparable to one another in cell lines, but ZFNs have higher cleavage efficiencies than TALENS in peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs). TAL-1 (33.5%) and TAL-2 (18.7%) exhibited both the highest and lowest cleavage efficiencies. CR93 (33.4%) was comparable to TAL-1, however, CR95 (27%), CR89 (27.5%) and CR83 (24.7%) were consistently much lower. ZFN and TALEN mRNA were transfected into PBSCs and cleavage the results showed ZFN to have a greater cleavage efficiency (31.1%) than TALENs (15.6%). ZFNs and TALENs showed no offtarget cleavage events, while the lowest rated CRISPR (CR83) one off-target cleavage event. These results are preliminary and further analysis will be required to determine which endonuclease has higher efficiency and precision activity.

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SILICON-COATED CNFS FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY APPLICATIONSMacedo Andrade, Angela, Junior, Biological Sciences Major

Jennifer Lu, Ph.D., and Jasper Zeng, School of Engineering, University of California, Merced

Carbon nanofiber (CNF) based materials have been widely explored as conduits for transporting electrons in energy storage (batteries and

supercapacitors), energy conversion (photoelectrochemical solar cells, fuel cells) and bio-sensing. In addition to their high electrical conductivity, CNFs can be used as scaffolds to host functional Si-containing polymers, which are hypothesized to render CNFs with electrocatalytic and electrochemical activities. Systematic studies indicate that polymers can be electropolymerized conformly on CNFs. In this work, CNFs are directly grown on stainless steel substrates (SS) by catalyst-assisted chemical vapor deposition (CVD). We have shown that mildly acid treated CNFs can achieve good storage capacity and exhibit oxygen reduction capability. This investigation focuses on establishing a process to fabricate silicon-containing polymers on CNFs and pyrolysis via examination of energy storage and conversion properties. This hybrid has shown larger capacitance and enhanced ORR capabilities, making it a promising new material in renewable energy applications.

VOCALIZATION DEVELOPMENT AND EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING DEFICITS IN A MOUSE MODEL OF KLINEFELTER SYNDROMEJessy Martinez, 5th Year Senior, Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology Major

Shayna Williams-Burris, Haley Hrncir, Ryan Mackie, Shawn Aarde, J. David Jentsch, Ph.D., Stephanie A. White, Ph.D., Arthur P. Arnold, Ph.D., Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology and Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology of the Brain Research Institute, University of California, Los Angeles

Klinefelter syndrome (KS) is a genetic disorder caused by the karyotype XXY. Men with KS experience low testosterone levels, gynecomastia, infertility, abnormal speech development, social isolation and problems with executive functioning. The cognitive defects found in men with KS have been studied using the XY* mouse model. The XY* model has a variant of the Y chromosome that produces mice with unusual complements of sex chromosomes including XXY*, which is genetically similar to XXY. Previous work using the XY* mouse model shows that XXY* mice had similar social and cognitive phenotypes as men with KS such as increased social isolation and different partner preferences. Using the XY* model, we investigated delayed speech and language development and deficits in executive functioning. As an approach to understanding these phenomena, two behavioral phenotypes were measured: mouse pup vocalization development and adult reversal learning ability. Here the hypothesis was that XXY* mice will have abnormalities in vocalizations during infancy and have impaired reversal learning ability as adults compared to XY* mice. Ultrasonic pup retrieval call recordings were used to measure vocalization development and an operant behavioral task for impaired inhibition was used for assessing reversal learning ability. If the XXY* mice demonstrate abnormal or less complex vocalizations and impaired reversal learning ability compared to XY* mice, it can be concluded that the XXY* mice produce additional similar cognitive phenotypes found in KS men.


MICROBIOTA PROBING AND IDENTIFICATION IN DAPHNIA MAGNA ADULTSAigbe Woghiren, Senior, Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology Major

Dr. Marilou Sison-Mangus, Ocean Sciences, University of California, Santa Cruz

Daphnia species are commonly used as model systems in environmental genomics, host-parasite interactions and ecotoxicology studies. A recent

study reported that microbiota or the community of bacteria associating with Daphnia greatly influences the host’s fitness and reproductive success. Understanding the contribution of each microbiota members to the evolutionary and ecological adaptations of the daphnid host is therefore essential and needs to be assessed. To address these questions, we isolated and cultured different bacteria from the Daphnia hosts and did a pilot test of probing bacteria by Fluorescent In situ hybridization (FISH) using oligonucleotide probes. Bacteria isolates were obtained from six adult Daphnia animals and cultured on Luria broth agar. Six bacterial clones were isolated and genotyped by DNA extraction using modified hotshot method, amplification and sequencing of the bacterial 16s rDNA gene marker. Sequences were identified by Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST) and have homologous sequences to Pseudomonas anguilliseptica, Pseudomonas peli, and Pseudomonas gessardii. Furthermore, FISH probing using EUB555 (a universal bacterial probe) and BET647 (Betaproteobacteria probe), were tested on a Pseudomonas (Gammaproteobacteria) isolate. The EUB555 oligonucleotide probe successfully binds to Pseudomonas while BET647 did not bind to the bacterial DNA, suggesting that the FISH method can be effectively used to distinguish the locations of different microbiota in Daphnia animals. The FISH method will greatly facilitate studies that address questions on the transmission of microbiota in Daphnia. Bacterial isolates will be used in experimentally manipulating Daphnia- bacteria association to answer ecological and evolutionary questions in this crustacean model.

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TOTAL ISYNTHESIS OF THE CYCLIC DEPSIPEPTIDE NATURAL PRODUCT ASPERGILLICIN A, AND INVESTIGATION OF ITS CELL PERMEABILITY, PHARMA-COKINETIC PROPERTU AND BIOACTIVITYChristian Etienne, Senior, Chemistry Major

Josh Schwochert, Dr. Scott Lokey, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz

Cyclic peptides are an important class of natural products that display a wide range of biological activities and are of interest in drug discovery. Many

of these naturally derived compounds exhibit better than expected pharmacokinetic properties, and our goal is to understand why. In the Lokey Research group, we are interested specifically in understanding how cyclic peptides can achieve cell permeability, an important property of potential therapeutics. In addition to synthetic compounds, we also use naturally derived compounds as models systems. The Aspergillicins are natural product cyclic depsipeptides originally isolated from the marine fungus Aspergillus Carneus. The goal was to perform the first total synthesis of Aspergillicin A, and use further analogs as model systems to study the pharmacokinetic properties of cyclic peptides. Using Solid Phase Peptide Synthesis (SPPS), two different synthetic approaches were tried with the objective to compare the gathered data on our synthetic materials, which included HPLC and LCMS analysis as well as NMR results; to the literature. The final goal of this project is to run the compounds on a cytological profiling assay and assay and test for bioactivity; and use them as a test case for the study of cell permeability. Testing for cell permeability will be achieved by running the compounds through parallel artificial membrane permeability assay (PAMPA). In addition, we hope to develop new synthetic methods for the syntheses of cyclic depsipeptides, which may be of use in the future synthesis of other natural products or drug-like compounds.

2015 SPECIAL MERIT IN RESEARCH ABSTRACTS

Physical Sciences and Engineering

DETERMINING THE PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF A SET OF UNUSUALLY MAGNETICALLY ACTIVE BROWN DWARFSIvanna Escala, Senior, Physics Major

Professor Adam Burgasser, Ph.D., Department of Physics and Center for Astrophysics and Space Sciences, University of California, San Diego

The physical parameters of a set of L- and T-type ultracool brown dwarfs that exhibit unusual magnetic activity are determined in order to provide

insight into potential sources of such activity or the influence of the activity on the properties of the objects. Based on previous work by Burgasser et al., the effective temperatures and surface gravities of the dwarfs are inferred from their low-resolution near-infrared spectra. H2O-J and K-H spectral indices, which vary according the effective temperature and surface gravity, are calculated from atmospheric models and calibrated to the benchmark brown dwarfs Gliese 570D (T7.5) and HN Peg B (T2.5). These indices are then compared to the empirical indices derived from the spectra to provide estimated ranges for the physical properties. The method is advanced by integrating a probabilistic interpretation of the measured indices and statistical analysis to quantify the quality of the parameter determinations. For objects with spectral types similar to that of the calibration object, reasonable estimates of the effective temperature and surface gravity are provided, but for dwarfs with spectral types that differ appreciably from that of the calibrator, the yielded parameters are of limited significance. Future work involves using the derived effective temperatures and surface gravities to determine other parameters, such as radius, mass, and age, for the set of radioactive dwarfs by using evolutionary models in addition to analytic methods. Comparing the physical characteristics of the unusually magnetically active dwarfs to those of their quiescent counterparts will ascertain whether a pattern in the characteristics of the set of objects exists.


PMT PROPERTIES IN THE MINICLEAN DARK MATTER DETECTORBrianna Grado-White, 5th year senior, Physics, Mathematics and Astrophysics Major

Gabriel Orebi Gann, Ph.D., Department of Physics, University of California, Berkeley

Measurements of large astronomical objects like galaxies reveal a “missing mass” in our universe – mass that is not visible and does not interact

with light or other electromagnetic radiation, but can be surmised based on its gravitational influence. Deemed dark matter, this mass accounts for approximately 27% of the energy content of the universe, yet is not contained in our current Standard Model. One candidate for this missing mass comes in the form of Weakly-Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPS), which are very massive particles that only interact through the weak force and gravity. The MiniCLEAN experiment attempts to detect these WIMPs by using a large sphere of liquid argon as a scintillator. When WIMPs interact with the nucleus of the liquid argon, light is given off, which is then detected by a surrounding array of photo-multiplier tubes (PMTs). However, PMTs with atypical properties like high single-photoelectron peak or excessive dark noise can potentially negatively affect the bias and resolution of reconstructions like this. In order to prevent inaccuracies in the reconstruction, preliminary detector data was analyzed, and properties and responses of the PMTs were checked and monitored. This information was then used to determine which of the 92 PMTs in the detector needed to be replaced.

PEER REVIEW ACTIVITY: WHAT ONE THING DID YOU LEARN FROM THE PRESENTER?

I learned that there is a correlation between diabetes and bone strength.

How silicon is pulverized within lithium in battery films!

I didn’t know that sleep spindles played a role in memory formation let alone false memory formation.

Hormone levels may be affecting DNA methylation proteins.

Huntington’s disease affects circadian cardiovascular functions before motor chorea symptoms.

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DEGRADATION OF MG-SR ALLOYS AND THEIR CYTOCOMPATIBILITY WITH BMSCS FOR ORTHOPEDIC IMPLANT APPLICATIONSMarisa Lopez, Senior, Biomedical Engineering Major

Huinan Liu, Aaron F. Cipriano, Amy Sallee, Department of Bioengineering, University of California Irvine, University of California, Riverside

Magnesium (Mg) can be absorbed into the human body as it degrades and possesses a high strength-to-weight ratio; these properties

make Mg an ideal candidate for orthopedic implant applications. However, in order to employ Mg as an effective biodegradable implant, the rate of corrosion must be controlled. One solution is to develop Mg alloys that enhance the degradation resistance while also improving mechanical performance and biocompatibility. The objective of this study was to evaluate the degradation resistance and cytocompatibility of binary Mg-Strontium (Sr) alloys in direct culture with bone marrow derived mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSC) during a 24-hour incubation period. The alloying elements were chosen because Sr is found naturally in the human body, salts of this element are therapeutic agents to treat osteoporosis, and it improves the mechanical properties of Mg alloys. The compositions of the alloys investigated were Mg-xSr (x = 0.2, 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 wt. %). The degradation of the alloys was quantified by measuring the pH and Mg2+ ion concentration of the cell culture media after incubation. Cell viability was evaluated by counting adhered DAPI-stained nuclei on the sample surface and on the culture plate surrounding each sample after incubation. Cellular Factin was stained with Alexa Fluor 488® and used to qualitatively assess cell morphology. The cellalloy interface was evaluated using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy. Although the degradation rate of the Mg-xSr alloys was faster than that of the Mg control, the cell viability was higher for the alloys than for the Mg. The SEM images of the cell-alloy interface provided characterization information of surface degradation and suggest that the relative surface integrity of the biomaterials may play a role in the BMSC adhesion and viability.


PURSUIT OF SELECTIVITY AND SENSITIVITY FOR SACCHARIDE RECOGNITION BY A TWO-COMPONENT BORONIC ACID-BASED FLUORESCENT SYSTEMRuth Zuniga, Senior, Chemistry Major

Angel Resendez, Dr. Bakthan Singaram, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of California, Santa Cruz

The application of boronic acids as synthetic receptors for sugar recognition has been previously demonstrated to be a successful method. Boronic

acid groups are effective synthetic receptors due to their ability to reversibly bind 1,2- and 1,3- cis-diols. Based on the properties of boronic acids, a two-component saccharide sensing system was previously developed, comprised of a bipyridyl (viologen) unit substituted with boronic acid groups that acts dually as a quencher and receptor, and a fluorescent pyranine dye (HPTS) as the reporter unit. The fluorescence sensing mechanism is dependent on the formation of a ground state charge-transfer complex between the HPTS dye and the viologen quencher. This two-component system allows identification of mono, disaccharides, and sugar alcohols in aqueous solution at physiological conditions. Three quenchers, mono or bis-boronic appended viologens (o-monoalkyl, o-MBV, and o-BBV) were synthesized to test the selectivity and sensitivity of achieving a fluorescence signal. The quenched fluorescence for the three quenchers was measured at a concentration of 400μM to 4μM HPTS, yielding 43.9%, 87.9%, and 94.4% fluorescence decrease, respectively. Stern-Volmer (S-V) plots were generated to examine the quenching properties of mono or bis-boronic substituted viologens. Results demonstrate that the bis-substituted viologen receptor has a greater fluorescence recovery than the mono-substituted viologen.

TESTING LORENTZ SYMMETRY USING ROTATING CRYSTAL OSCILLATORSEli Mizrachi, Senior, Physics Major

Holger Mueller, Ph.D., Anthony Lo, Philipp Haslinger, Physics Department, University of California, Berkeley

One of the pillars of special relativity is that the laws of physics are exactly isotropic in any frame of reference. This tenet has been consistently

verified since the late 1800’s, starting with the light interferometry experiments performed by Michelson and Morley. However, proposed additions to the Standard Model (described by the Standard Model Extension, or SME) describe slight violations of Lorentz invariance which would result in anisotropies of the inertial masses of particles, among other consequences. While some of the parameters have highly constrained upper bounds, others are more difficult to determine due to experimental demands and restrictions. This experiment measures one of such correction parameters dictated by the SME with a relatively simple setup consisting of two, mutually orthogonal, rotating quartz crystal oscillators. Any putative violation of Lorentz invariance will produce a measurable frequency modulation in the oscillators that would be tied to their rotation speed. After taking approximately 120 hours of data, we established a new upper limit on the neutron-sector c-coefficient GeV. This improvement is times better than the previous laboratory limit of ~ GeV, and approximately 10 times more precise than the GeV limit established by astrophysical data. In the future, experiments with cryogenic oscillators promise additional improvements in accuracy, opening up the potential for improved tests of Lorentz symmetry in the neutron, proton, electron and photon sector.

18

2015 Symposium Judges

LEAD JUDGE:Derek Dunn-Rankin, Ph.D., Professor, Mechanical &

Aerospace Engineering, UC Irvine

JUDGING FACILITATOR: Jose Romero-Mariona, Ph.D., CAMP Statewide Advisory

Board; Scientist, SPAWAR

BIOLOGICAL/LIFE SCIENCESKurt Anderson, Ph.D., Biology/Applied Ecology, UC

RiversideBrandon Brown, Ph.D., Health Sciences, UC IrvineRichard Cardullo, Ph.D., Biology, UC RiversideTama Hasson, Ph.D., Biochemistry & Molecular Biology,

UC Los AngelesCarole Hom, Ph.D., Evolution and Ecology, UC DavisBrad Hyman, Ph.D., Biology, UC RiversideSusan Keen, Ph.D., Evolution and Ecology, UC DavisGeoff Lewis, Ph.D., Neuroscience Research Institute, UC

Santa BarbaraGregory Pane, Ph.D., Biological Chemistry, UC Los

Angeles Stuart Sandin, Ph.D., Marine Science, Scripps Institution

of OceanographySuzanne Sindi, Ph.D., Natural Sciences, UC Merced

PHYSICAL SCIENCE / ENGINEERINGAdam Burgasser, Ph.D., Physics, UC San DiegoCarlos Coimbra, Ph.D., Mechanical & Aerospace

Engineering, UC San DiegoOscar Dubon, Ph.D., Material Science & Engineering, UC

BerkeleyCarlos Fernandez-Pello, Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering,

UC BerkeleyJason Hein, Ph.D., Chemistry & Chemical Biology, UC

MercedTed Holman, Ph.D., Chemistry, UC Santa CruzSolmaz Kia, Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering/Robotics, UC

IrvineLori Lubin, Ph.D., Physics, UC DavisRoummel Marcia, Ph.D., Mathematics, UC MercedErik Menke, Ph.D., Chemistry, UC MercedKenneth Millett, Ph.D., Mathematics, UC Santa Barbara Kalyanasundaram Seshadri, Ph.D., Mechanical and

Aerospace Engineering, UC San DiegoAndre Schirotzek, Chemistry, UC IrvineVasan Venugopalan, Chemical Engineering, UC Irvine

THANK YOU FACULTY FOR GIVING GENEROUSLY OF YOUR TIME


JUDGING CRITERIA

Research Content: Significance and quality of the project topic and execution

Research Contribution: Student’s articulated contribution to the work

Poster Visual Quality: Layout and content, use of graphics and images, appropriate references

Student Presenter: Demeanor, enthusiasm, engagement, response to questions

20

2015 Symposium Keynote Speakers

UC SCIENTISTS SHARE THEIR PASSION FOR RESEARCH

OLIVIA A. GRAEVE, PH.D.Associate Professor, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, UC San Diego

Olivia A. Graeve received her Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of California, Davis, in 2001 and her bachelor’s in

Structural Engineering from UC San Diego in 1995. She was an assistant professor at the University of Nevada, Reno, and an associate professor at Alfred University (New York) prior to her appointment at UC San Diego. Professor Graeve has received several prestigious awards including the National Science Foundation CAREER award in 2007, the American Ceramic Society’s 2010 Karl Schwartzwalder Professional Achievement in Ceramic Engineering Award, and the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers 2011 Jaime Oaxaca Award for her outstanding work towards the recruitment and retention of Hispanics into graduate programs and the professoriate. She has also been nationally recognized as 2006 Hispanic Educator of the Year by the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers. Professor Olivia A. Graeve has gained international recognition in the area of nanomaterials manufacturing. Her research expertise connects fundamental principles of materials processing with specific engineering needs, with special emphasis on electromagnetic multifunctional materials for sensors and energy applications. Projects her group has worked on include: fundamental studies of microemulsions for the preparation of ceramic and metallic nanoparticles of unique morphologies; the effect of crystallite size and particle size on the sintering behavior of nanopowders: and the processing of carbide powders and fibers for high-temperature sensor and aerospace applications. Her work is supported by the National Science Foundation, the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the

National Aeronautics and Space Administration, and a variety of industrial partners. Dr. Graeve is past president of the National Institute of Ceramic Engineers and Chair of SHPE’s graduate programs. She has published over 60 papers and book chapters, which include contributions to research, pedagogy and curriculum development. Her work has been published in Chemistry of Materials, the Journal of the American Ceramic Society, Biomaterials, and Journal of Materials Research, Nanotechnology, the Journal of Applied Physics, and Optical Materials, among others.

Dr. Olivia A. Graeve

“Be aware of the first rule of research: think on your feet! ... I am an admirer of Eleanor Roosevelt. She was part of the gilded society, but she became

a compassionate person. I love that about her. I urge you to be compassionate and pay it forward. Students, you are young. Work hard. Be compassionate.

I’m a big believer in Sí, se puede — you can do it!”— Olivia A. Graeve, Ph.D.


ANTHONY A. JAMES, PH.D.Distinguished Professor of Microbiology & Molecular Genetics (School of Medicine) and Molecular Biology & Biochemistry (School of Biological Sciences), UC Irvine

Dr. James received his B.S. and PhD degrees at UCI. He did postdoctoral work at Harvard Medical School and Brandeis University, and joined the

faculty at the Harvard School of Public Health in 1985. He returned to his alma mater in 1989, where he is today. Dr. James is working on vector-parasite interactions, mosquito molecular biology, and other problems in insect developmental biology. His research emphasizes the use of genetic and molecular-genetic tools to develop synthetic approaches to interrupting pathogen transmission by mosquitoes. He is the principal investigator on multiple grants from the National Institutes of Health (USA) and, in 2005, received an award from the Grand Challenges in Global Health initiative to develop genetic strategies for control of dengue virus transmission. In addition to being elected to the National Academy of Sciences (USA) in 2006, Dr. James received numerous other awards including the Nan-Yao Su (2009) Award for Innovation and Creativity in Entomology from the Entomological Society of America, was a co-recipient of the Premio de Investgación Médica Dr. Jorge Rosenkranz (2008), a recipient of the Burroughs-Wellcome New Initiatives in Malaria Award (2000) and the Burroughs-Wellcome Scholar Award in Molecular Parasitology (1994). He was named a Fellow of the Royal Entomological Society of London (1992), Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (1994), Fellow of the Society, Entomological Dr. Anthony A. James

Society of America (2011) and Fellow of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (2012). In 2009, he was awarded the UCI Medal. He has published over 170 papers, reviews and policy documents and has provided guidance to 34 graduate students and postdoctoral fellows. He was a founding editor of the journal Insect Molecular Biology, and has served on the editorial boards of PLoS Neglected Tropical Diseases, Experimental Parasitology and Entomological Research. He is a member of the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, American Committee on Vector Entomology, American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Society of Parasitology, Royal Entomological Society, Entomological Society of America, Genetics Society of America and Society of Vector Ecology.

“I entered the lab as a sophomore and I thought it was the most spectacular thing. I’m essentially a geneticist, and I had the opportunity

to take my basic research on fruit flies interest and apply it to a global problem. There is no vaccine for malaria; there is nothing you can take

to prevent malaria. My goal is to engineer mosquitoes with a gene to prevent parasite transmission.”

— Anthony A. James, Ph.D.

22

UCLA Bridge to the Doctorate: Meet the Cohort of 12 Students Pursuing the Ph.D.

KELCIE CHIQUILLO graduated from San Francisco State University in 2013 with a B.S. degree in Marine Biology, and a minor in Holistic Health. Kelcie was an undergraduate MARC trainee, conducted research with Dr. Karen Crow, and has published an article in the journal

UCLA proudly welcomed the newest cohort of Bridge to the Doctorate Fellows in Fall 2014. Funded for two years by the National Science Foundation (NSF), the Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) activity provides

graduate fellowships for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) graduate students from underrepresented minority populations. The UCLA cohort will receive guaranteed support for an additional three years through a collaboration with the Graduate Division and the Cota Robles Fellowship. In addition to funding, the BD offers students professional development, opportunities to mentor underrepresented students at UCLA, as well as the opportunity to build a community of peer support. It is the BD’s aim to not only provide students with the tools and resources they need to successfully complete the doctorate, but to foster a desire to help others from similar backgrounds make an impact in STEM fields.

UC LOS ANGELES

Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. Kelcie chose to continue her marine biology studies in the department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA, focusing on marine conservation. She knew she wanted to study marine life after she started scuba diving. After completing her Ph.D., Kelcie would like to start a non-profit organization or become a professor, to benefit both humans and marine life.

IVAN FLORES graduated in 2014 from UCLA with a degree in Physiological Sciences. As an undergraduate, Ivan participated in the Bri-SURP and MARC programs, conducting research in skeletal muscle immunology. Now a graduate student, he is continuing his research in skeletal muscle regeneration under the mentorship of Dr. James Tidball, in the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology department. Physical health has always been important to Ivan, and thus he knew early on that biomedical research would be a great path for him. He hopes to successfully complete his Ph.D. with as many publications as he can achieve.

DANIELLE GUTIERREZ graduated from Cal State, San Bernardino in 2014 with a degree in Mathematics, concentrating in Economics, and a minor in Accounting. As an undergrad, Danielle participated in the LSAMP Math Summer Program and taught an intro course in Mathematical Analysis and Proof. She has always nurtured an affinity for math and biology and is studying Biomathematics at UCLA. She loves that she can “combine these two subjects and apply what I’m good at to what interests me.” She “loves the simplicity in that every problem has an answer.” In the future Danielle would like to work for the United States government.

Kelcie Chiquillo

Ivan Flores


KENNETH GUTIERREZ received his B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from UC Irvine, where he participated in the CAMP program. Kenneth has spent two summers

conducting research at MIT, and has also developed a wireless device that helps users improve their tennis skills. He is studying Mechanical Engineering at UCLA and plans to do robotics research. Kenneth has “always liked building and designing things. It is the greatest feeling when you are building something and it starts working the way you envisioned it.” After completing his PhD, Kenneth would like to become a tenured professor at a prestigious university, teaching and mentoring students while conducting robotics research.

ADAM MARTIN graduated from UC Merced in 2014 with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Adam was a member of CAMP as well as UC LEADS. During his first summer as a CAMP student at UC Merced he realized he was gaining experience in a field he could pursue as a career. Adam conducted research with Dr.

Gerardo Diaz, exploring the potential use of plasmagasification for the conversion of waste to renewable energy. Because mechanical engineering is widely applicable to many different fields, Adam chose to continue his studies at UCLA. After completing his Ph.D., he plans to obtain a post-doctoral position or purse a career in industry.

Danielle Gutierrez

Kenneth Gutierrez

Adam Martin

Marco Messina

MARCO MESSINA graduated from Texas A&M at Corpus Christi in 2014 with a B.S. degree in Chemistry. Marco realized he wanted to purse a scientific career his sophomore year when he began conducting research. “Once I started staying the night in the lab, I figured it meant I enjoyed it and should probably stick with it. I also had great mentors that were extremely passionate.” Marco has conducted research at Texas A&M and MIT, and is a member of the American Chemical Society. As an LSAMP student he presented at SACNAS and ABRCMS. In the

It is the BD’s aim to not only provide students with the tools and resources they need to successfully complete the doctorate, but to foster a desire to help others from similar

backgrounds make an impact in STEM fields.

24

ADVICE TO OTHERS APPLYING TO THE BRIDGE TO THE DOCTORATE?

“Do it! You are given the privilege to form a tight-knit

community dedicated to helping you realize your dreams and

excel in graduate school!”

—Matilde Miranda

future, Marco would like to become a professor at a Research 1 institution.

Matilde Miranda earned her B.S. degree in Cell & Molecular Biology from San Francisco State University in 2014. Matilde was a MARC trainee and conducted research with Dr. Laura Burrus for three years studying

a specific protein in developing chick embryo spinal cords. “I learned to love developmental biology and how cells had the remarkable ability to form distinct structures from a mass of cells. UCLA had the research that captivated my curiosity on uncovering new information about the development of an organism.” Matilde hopes to “make an impact in the stem cell biology field through regenerative medicine” either through a career in academia or industry.

SHAWNTEL OKONKWO attended San Francisco State University, earning her B.S. degree in Biology with a concentration in Physiology. Shawntel was an undergraduate MARC trainee and conducted research with Dr. Daniel Hart at UC San Francisco, Cardiovascular Research Institute at Mission Bay. “It was not until I casually reached for an issue of National Geographic featuring an article on neuronal cells that my thirst for knowledge became specific to science. What stood out was the fact that while the brain was known to carry out significant functions, gaps in knowledge remained.” She felt a desire “to investigate more of the unknown.” Shawntel is pursuing her Ph.D. in the Molecular Biology Interdepartmental program, with a focus on gene regulation.

Ivan Ramirez completed his B.S. degree in Biochemistry at CSU Dominguez Hills in 2012, and is in the graduate program in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He participated in the LSAMP program, and attended ABRCMS in 2012 where he received an award. Ivan’s interest in pursuing a scientific career began after interviewing one of his professors about her experience in pharmaceuticals. “I liked the idea of being able to make drugs that could have a positive effect on human health. I was interested in how drugs work inside your body.” Ivan then

conducted research in this field for two summers at Indiana University-Purdue University with Dr. Keith Dunker. In the future, he would like to become a professor at CSUDH, “where I would have the capacity to do research and teach, allowing me the opportunity to give back.”

ANDREW SIORDIA graduated from UC Merced with a B.S. degree in Materials Science & Engineering in 2014. He was a member of CAMP at UCM and completed the COINS Internship Program at UC Berkeley. After completing the program and beginning to research with a new

Matilde Miranda

Shawntel Okonkwo

Ivan Ramirez


faculty member at UCM, Andrew realized that a “scientific career was a crucial component in [his] life.” Andrew is continuing his studies in Materials Science & Engineering at UCLA, focusing in pseudocapacitive materials because of the demand for global renewable energy. After completing his PhD, Andrew would like to work for an energy research corporation.

Andrew Siordia

Jerrell Tisnado

Jonelle White

JONELLE WHITE completed her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry with a minor in Mathematics from SUNY Albany in 2014. Jonelle participated in the LSAMP program as an undergraduate, and had the opportunity to conduct research with Dr. Carla Theimer. She realized she wanted to pursue a career in the sciences after this research experience, and “aspired to follow in

JERRELL TISNADO graduated from San Diego State University in 2014 and started early rotation at UCLA with the Competitive Edge program. As an undergraduate, Jerrell conducted research in several different labs, and was accepted into the Harvard Stem Cell Internship Program. At SDSU Jerrell was an IMSD Scholar and also participated in the Minority Biomedical Research Support program. After completing courses in the sciences and joining a lab, Jerrell realized he was interested in developing his skills so that one day, “I can translate my work from the bench to the bedside.” Jerrell is pursuing his PhD in the Cell and Developmental Biology department. “I selected the CDB [department] because I’m very interested in stem cells and regenerative medicine.”

the footsteps of [her] PI.” At UCLA, Jonelle is continuing her studies in the Biochemistry department. After completing her PhD, Jonelle would like to “become a research professor and work with diversity programs to increase minority participation in STEM careers. STEM programs helped me get to where I am today and I want to give back and inspire students as I was.”

26

Two graduates in the UC Davis Class of 2015 are looking forward

to careers in research, medicine, and public health. Angela Avitua, transfer student from American River College, and Rafael Ordaz, who transferred from Consumnes River College and had also taken classes at Sacramento City College, Folsom Lake College and San Joaquin Delta College celebrate completion of their bachelor’s degrees in Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior at June Commencement Ceremonies.

During their undergraduate careers, Avitua and Ordaz compiled an impressive portfolio of professional development and research activities, poster presentations, and awards. Their work in the areas of epilepsy and traumatic brain injury has prepared them for exciting futures in research — centered on improving the lives of patients suffering from neurotrauma.

Avitua has accomplished much toward her future goal by conducting research in the Gurkoff Lab at UC Davis School of Medicine, Department of Neurological Surgery. The lab focuses on treating impairments in learning and memory following traumatic brain injury. Avitua was also an Amgen Scholar and undergraduate researcher in the Golshani Lab, Department of Neurology, where her work centered on visual attention. She presented at the 2014 CAMP Statewide Undergraduate Research Symposium and at national conferences, including the National Neurotrauma Society Conference (2014), ABRCMS (2014), and SACNAS (2013). ABRCMS awarded her with a best poster presentation award in the

neuroscience category. She also presented at the UC Neurotrauma Society Conference and the UC Davis Undergraduate Research Conference.

Another area of interest for Avitua is the ACCESS-R Program: Access of Community College Transfer Students to Research. She builds leadership skills by mentoring

UC Davis Transfer Students Well-Prepared for Exciting FuturesAngela Avitua and Rafael Ordaz Complete B.S. Degrees June 2015

UC DAVIS

incoming transfer students during the academic year, and tutors as well as advises students about various opportunities that support transfer success. Avitua has participated in numerous CAMP workshops preparing for graduate admission. She took the “GRE Boot CAMP” and prep workshop for the UC Davis

Angela Avitua

I didn’t fax page 26, but would like to add to the second line of header:

Well-Prepared for Exciting Futures


Summer Symposium, in conjunction with the Biological Undergraduate Science Program. She plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Neuroscience, beginning Fall 2015, and would like to enroll at UCSF or Stanford because they are closer to family. She has applied to interdisciplinary programs, which, she asserts, are “fantastic for translational research.”

Their work in the areas of epilepsy and traumatic brain injury has prepared them for exciting futures in research —

centered on improving the lives of patients suffering from neurotrauma.

Rafael Ordaz exemplifies persistence and grit in his pursuit of the bachelor’s degree, as evidenced by his enrollment at no fewer than four California Community Colleges. The first in his family to attend college, Ordaz had planned on a pre-med focus until he conducted research at the Center for Neuroscience. He attended the Center for Biophotonics

Science and Technology “CC Winter,” a two-week program offering community college students lab skills training during the winter break. Avitua as well attended the two-week immersion in laboratory culture and training, and both went on to become interns at the Neurotrauma Research Lab.

Ordaz won Best Oral Presentation awarded at the Center for Biophoton-ics Science and Technology Under-graduate Summer Program in 2013. He further was awarded a certificate as a research scholar for outstanding academic achievement at the 25th annual Undergraduate Research, Scholarship and Creative Activities Conference in 2014. He is a member of the Society for Neuroscience, SACNAS, and CAMP.

Under the guidance of Professor Gene Gurkoff, Ordaz pursued a project, “Deep Brain Stimulation Restores Cognitive Function in Pilocarpine-Induced Status Epilepticus Rats,” a long-term project begun in 2012. He presented this research at the 2014 SACNAS National Conference. For the 2013 CAMP Undergraduate Research Symposium, he presented, “A novel programmable voice coil allows for accurate modeling of both concussion and blast injury using the fluid percussion device.”

Working together in the lab, Angela Avitua and Rafael Ordaz formed a tight-knit community of mutual support and encouragement. The two were featured in a UC Davis iAMSTEM Hub News in December 2014. The iAM STEM Hub has an interdisciplinary and integrated approach to agriculture, medicine, science, technology, engineering, and math. The Hub promotes “Student success through evidence-based action.” The organization works to improve the experiences of community college transfer students in STEM majors at UC Davis.

Rafael Ordaz

28

UC Berkeley 2015 Graduates on the Ph.D. PathwayMembers of the Class of 2015 Accepted Into Prestigious Graduate Programs

BRIANNA GRADO-WHITETriple Major: B.S. Mathematics, Astrophysics, Physics

Grado-White conducted research under the mentorship

of Gabriel Orebi Gann, Physics Department, dark matter neutrino research (underground cave Canada). Graduate program focus on general relativity. Admitted to doctoral programs at Harvard, UC Berkeley, University of Chicago, MIT, Stanford, CalTech, and others.

“Rarely do I get to be in an room of physicists and have that room be comprised of mostly females. Luckily, Gabriel Orebi Gann’s existence and the group she has put together have made that occurrence much more likely.”

UC BERKELEY

CHAD GERMANYB.S. Physics

Germany conducted research under the mentorship of

Professor Michael Crommie; semiconductor electronics, cryogenics, and laser experience. Graduate program focus on scanning tunnel microscopes – quantum mechanics. Admitted to doctoral programs at UC Irvine, University of Illinois, Urbana Champagne, Ohio state, UC Riverside, UC Santa Cruz.

“Professor Crommie is a brilliant experimenter. Watching him analyze a problem and eventually find a solution has helped me mature as a researcher.”

MONICA JIMENEZDouble Major: B.S. Molecular and Cellular Biology, B.S. Environmental Biology

Jimenez conducted research under Dr. Craig Miller, Molecular and

Cellular Department, and Dr. Lisa Miller, Anatomy and Physiology Department, at the California Regional Primate Research Center, UC Davis. Conducted research in translational veterinary medicine. Admitted to Joint D.V.M./Ph.D. programs at Cornell, Colorado State University, UC Davis, UPenn, North Carolina State University. Jimenez will enroll in a dual degree program at UPenn.

“I would not be where I am today without the Cal NERDS-CAMP Program.”


UC Merced Celebrates Carlos Gomez, Class of 2015Bioengineering and Chemical Sciences Major to Enroll in Ph.D. Program at UC Santa Barbara

CAMP Scholar Carlos Gomez is the first in his family to complete a college degree, which in itself is cause for celebration, but he also plans to be

the first to earn a doctorate. A double major in Bioengineering and Chemical Sciences, Gomez developed an impressive record of academic achievement, leadership and service at UC Merced that will serve him well when he enrolls in graduate education in Fall 2015.

Gomez will pursue a Ph.D. in the Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology program at UC Santa Barbara. His research under faculty mentor Dr. Nestor Oviedo has prepared him well for the exciting challenges ahead. Gomez researches planarians to “gain insights into the fundamental mechanisms of stem cell regulation in cancer and regeneration.” He was selected a U.S. Department of Agriculture/Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) Scholar. His research was made possible by funding from the USDA Research and Mentoring in Agricultural Sciences HSI Scholars Program.

He presented “Regional Differences in Stem Cell Proliferation and the Initiation of Cancer,” at conferences in 2013 and 2014, including the UC Merced Undergraduate Research Symposium and the Merced Research Week Symposium as well as the CAMP Statewide Undergraduate Research Symposium. An Amgen Scholar, Gomez worked under faculty advisor Dr. Martin McMahon, at UC San Francisco. In Summer 2014 he presented at the UCSF Summer Research Training Program Symposium in both oral and poster formats. In Fall 2014 he presented at the SACNAS National Conference. Honors and awards include Dean’s

UC MERCED

List, Honorable Mention at the CAMP Statewide Symposium, conference travel scholarships, and Bobcat Leadership Series completion.

Leadership and service activities include serving as secretary for the UC Merced SACNAS Student

Chapter, and developing the organization’s website as well as giving presentations on gaining entry into research opportunities. He also participates in HEROES: Health Education Representatives for Opportunities to Empower Students. In this capacity, he serves as the Sleep and Stress group leader. Another way that Gomez gives back to the community is by giving talks at local schools through “From Quanta to Quasars,” a program that facilitates undergraduate participation in

local elementary science classrooms. Gomez believes that being involved in extracurricular activities helps to shape a person and contributes to professional and social development.

In addition to academic service activities, he is a long-distance runner, having completed three marathons, multiple half-marathons, and various cross country events. From these experiences, he has “learned about the depths of his determination and perseverance.”

Gomez hails from Hawthorne, CA.

Gomez developed an impressive record of academic achievement, leadership and service at UC Merced that will serve him well.

30

UC Irvine Class of 2002 Alumni Update

UC IRVINE

Detiger Dunams-Morel, ’02, Wins Bio Research Awards

UC Irvine alumna Detiger Dunams-Morel (B.S. Applied

Ecology, 2002) completed an M.S. degree in Biotechnology, specialization in bioinformatics, at the University of Maryland University College (UMUC) in 2010. Dunams-Morel is a microbiologist at the Animal Parasitic Diseases Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Unit in Beltsville, Maryland. The laboratory investigates issues concerning food safety, epidemiology, and systematics, using molecular biology techniques. The lab’s primary research goal, and one that Dunams-Morel daily pursues, is to examine the genetic relationships between populations of parasitic organisms that cause diseases in food animals (such as swine), and humans.

She says, “The lab often hosts visitors and scientists from abroad who have been put in my charge, with respect to helping advance their programs.”

The passion for her career took root as an entering freshman, when she immediately delved into laboratory research. And, in the spirit of giving back some of the mentoring she received at UCI and in her graduate program, she supervises two student interns annually.

Detiger Dunams-Morel was a CAMP Summer Scholar, and received Distinction in Research at the 1999 CAMP Statewide Undergraduate Research Symposium. That same year, she received honorable mention for her poster in the life sciences at the American Association for the Advancement of Science

national conference. In addition to investigating genetic diversity of plant species in the UCI Department of Ecology and Evolutional Biology, Dunams-Morel conducted research at the UC Riverside Department of Plant and Botany Sciences, studying the genetic relationships between different species of Zea mays (corn). Some of the data supported her first co-authored publication in the journal Genetics (2002).

Since then, Dunams-Morel has built a portfolio of laboratory skills and sequencing software proficiencies that have supported a challenging

Detiger Dunams-Morel

career as a biological sciences laboratory technician. Her work has not gone unnoticed.

Dunams-Morel was awarded the Scientific Support Award by the Agricultural research Service and was also named the Beltswille Area Support Scientist of the Year for 2014. She was recognized “For outstanding services to the ARS mission and exemplary efforts at enhancing outreach and mentorship.”

Her name appears on at least 14 peer-reviewed papers in scientific journals, one for which she was principal author.


Jeannesse Cochran

UC Irvine Class of 2015 Applied Mathematics Major Presents Research in Montreal

Jeannesse Cochran, B.S. degree in Mathematics with a concentration

in Earth System Science (June 2015), presented her research at the Joint Assembly, Montreal, Canada, May 2015. Hosted by the American Geophysical Union and Canadian partners, the conference drew more than 2,500 participants, with hundreds of undergraduate and graduate students presenting their research in areas of Earth and space science.

Guided by Professor Francois Primeau, UCI Earth System Science, Cochran investigated an interdisciplinary project, “Modeling the Molecular Weight and Age Distribution of Marine Dissolved Organic Carbon.”

Professor Primeau and colleagues report that oceans are growing less efficient at absorbing vast amounts of carbon dioxide. His research group focuses on “developing computational methods to advance understanding at the interface between large-scale physical oceanography and ocean biogeochemical cycles,” according to his stated research goals.

Cochran experienced her first poster presentation at the 2015 CAMP Statewide Undergraduate Research Symposium, and receiving welcome feedback from her peers and the faculty judges. She especially enjoyed a conversation with Dr. Stuart Sandin, Scripps Institution of Oceanography and CAMP Statewide Advisory Board member interested in broadening undergraduate participation in marine science.

Cochran has enjoyed a long relationship with mathematics,

“Jeannesse’s aptitude and enthusiasm for mathematics nicely complement the lab skills of most researchers interested in dissolved organic carbon. She is well

positioned to make valuable contributions to the field.” —Professor Francois Primeau, Earth System Science, University of California, Irvine

it being her favorite subject ever since second grade. “It began with my loving to do calculations,” she says, “and I remained interested as the concepts grew more and more complex.”

Upon completion of her sophomore year, she became more interested in the environment and climate change, and decided on a special focus in Earth System Science (ESS). She says, “My P.I., Dr. Primeau, introduced me to applying mathematics to research in an ESS project that has made a huge impact on me. It made me realize that I enjoy modeling in interdisciplinary projects.” She adds, “He is very hands-on and supportive.”

Before pursuing graduate education, Cochran plans to work for a while. She is applying for data analyst positions at places such as Harvey Mudd College, Boeing, and Health Management Associates. In the future, she plans on earning a master’s in a branch of Earth System Science, possibly related to her current interest in physical oceanography.

Cochran’s hometown is San Diego. She graduated from Olympian High School in Chula Vista. UCI became her top choice for undergraduate studies when a cousin attended UCI and had many “good things” to say about the campus and its environment.

32

UC Santa Cruz Class of 2015 Grads Look Ahead to PH.D. ProgramsAlex Bardales and Rene Mercado Inspire Others by Giving Back.

UC SANTA CRUZ

Alex Bardales is a non-traditional student, who transferred from

Santa Rosa community college to UC Santa Cruz in 2012. Life experience as a first-generation student and a parent has given Bardales the drive and dedication to pursue higher education. His commitment to education, his family and community have all been essential elements that make Bardales a role model to other students.

He says, “It is my experience as a parent, a person of color, a first-generation college student, and a person who loves to give back to his community, that form the basis of who I am today.” He adds, “This is the driving force behind my desire to contribute to my chosen field and serve educationally

underrepresented segments of society with my degree.”

With an advanced degree, he feels that there would be many more opportunities to make a difference.

Bardales’s involvement with the Multicultural Engineering Program (MEP), SACNAS student chapter, and SHPE on the UC Santa Cruz

“It is my experience as a parent, a person of color, a first-generation college student, and a person who loves to give back

to his community, that form the basis of who I am today.”

Bardales’ commitment to education, his family and community have all been essential elements that make him a role model to other students.

campus comprise key opportunities where he has chosen to give back to his community. As a CAMP student Bardales has participated in research, workshops, and coffee transfer

hour. Additionally, he tutors students in math and physics. His participation in CAMP has been instrumental to progress along the degree pathway.

“Two years ago,” he offers, “I had no idea what a Ph.D. meant! In fact, I had little notion as to what a B.S. in Electrical Engineering meant. My experience in CAMP has proved invaluable. Moreover, participation in programs that bring minorities and people from diverse backgrounds into the realm of advanced degrees has forged in me a spirit of giving back to the community of peers.”

Bardales has been working in the lab of Dr. Gabriel Elkheim’s Autonomous Systems Lab (ASL), designing and coding a message viewer for the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol. He will graduate June 2015 and begin

a Ph.D. at UC Santa Cruz in the Department of Electrical Engineering. He is all set to work in Dr. Joel Kuby’s MEMS lab on image processing.


Rene Mercado has overcome many obstacles in his life, notably

growing up in Hayward, California, in a low-income and resource-poor neighborhood plagued with violence. Despite the challenges, Mercado steadfastly rose above his circumstances and will graduate June 2015 with a B.S. in Chemistry.

His educational journey begun when he enrolled in Skyline Community College, where he was fortunate to be introduced to MESA (Mathematics Engineering Science Achievement). MESA opened the opportunity to a summer internship with the Bridges to Baccalaureate program at San Francisco State University. There, Mercado worked under Dr. Weiming Wu’s research group, which was studying the rate of decarboxylation of orotic acid. As a result, Mercado was listed as a co-author of the resulting scientific publication (Tetrahedron Letters, May 2013).

Mercado transferred to UC Santa Cruz in fall 2012 and was selected to be a CAMP scholar. Since then, he has been working in nanomaterials lab under Dr. Shaowei Chen. The lab’s focus is nanostructures. Specifically, he studies nanomaterials for fuel cell electrocatalysis. Mercado won an award at the 2014 SACNAS national conference for his poster presentation on “Metal Core Compositional Effects of Dodecyne Capped Gold-Rhodium Alloy Nanoparticles for Electrocatalytic Oxygen Reduction.”

In addition to research, Mercado has been an active participant of the CAMP-sponsored professional development workshops offered quarterly by CAMP-UCSC. He has been an active tutor for the CAMP program, providing guidance and extra support to students in inorganic chemistry and statistical mechanics upper division courses.

Mercado will pursue a Ph.D. at UC

Santa Cruz in the field of Chemistry, Fall 2015, and will continue his research with Dr. Shaowei Chen.

“CAMP was valuable to me. The support and the mentorship that was bestowed upon me were life changing.” He continues, “CAMP

Mercado has been an active tutor for the CAMP program, providing guidance and extra support to students in inorganic chemistry

and statistical mechanics upper division courses.

helped me succeed. This program helped me become more prepared, organized, and has facilitated my decision in finding the research that I am interested in. The program pushed me to find my strengths to become successful.”

Mercado graduates June 2015 with a B.S. in Chemistry, and will enroll in a doctoral program in chemistry. He will continue conducting research in nanomaterials.

34

UCSB Profiles In STEM Success: Super Mentor, International Researcher, Syngas Developer

UC SANTA BARBARA

UC Santa Barbara Bridge to Doctorate Fellow Sameh Helmy Completes Ph.D., Defends Dissertation Spring 2015

Sameh Helmy is a fifth-year chemistry graduate student in

Professor Javier Read de Alaniz’s group at UC Santa Barbara. He was selected a Bridge to the Doctorate (BD) Fellow after earning his B.S. in Chemistry at California State University, Channel Islands.

Helmy’s research focuses on the design and development of a new class of organic photochromic compounds, termed Donor-Acceptor Stenhouse Adducts (DASAs). According to Helmy, among the advantageous features of these systems is that their synthesis can be conducted on large scale under simple reaction conditions starting from furfural, a commodity chemical derived from nonedible biomass. This facile synthetic access has enabled the production of a large library of derivatives, whose photo-physical properties are tunable through a modular approach.

“These materials demonstrate significant changes in spectral absorption, solubility, and volume as a result of their photochromic

transformation,” Helmy says. While at Cal State Channel Islands

and throughout his graduate career, Helmy has served as a research mentor and supporter of many undergraduate students for nearly half a dozen STEM programs. Since

“When I was approached to serve as the ‘Super Mentor’ for CAMP, I was elated,” Helmy says. “Having benefited from being a member of LSAMP at Cal State Channel

Islands, I was eager to give back to the program that helped me get to graduate school.”

When Helmy began his service with CAMP, he had mentored several students on an individual level, but he recognized that there was more he could do.

He explains, “I wanted to mentor students who, although they may not be interested in organic chemistry, were still interested in science.”

He noticed that undergraduate students rarely knew how to “communicate” their science, and while he had learned to mentor students through a research project, he “still had much growth of my own to do in order to teach scientific communication.”

Over the past several years working with CAMP, he has developed this skill and continues to refine how he teaches science communication.

Helmy adds, “In addition to this, it has been a true joy to watch these young minds develop into scientists. And I must confess to the pride I feel when former CAMP students succeed, whether it’s finding their dream job or being accepted to graduate or professional school.”

Ultimately, he affirms, he has learned that “the greatest joy as a scientist is being able to guide and shepherd the next generation.”

the summer 2012, he has been the UCSB CAMP ‘Super Mentor’ for the summer CAMP Scholars.

“When I was approached to serve as the ‘Super Mentor’ for CAMP, I was elated,” Helmy says. “Having benefited from being a member of LSAMP at Cal State Channel Islands, I was eager to give back to the program that helped me get to graduate school … Without the BD fellowship I doubt I could have survived my first two years as a Ph.D. student.”


UC Santa Barbara’s Nelson Moreno Conducts Research in Japan

As a freshman Physics major, Nelson Moreno approached

UCSB CAMP Coordinator Julie Standish looking for a potential research experience. As it happened, Materials Science post doctoral scholar Adam Hauser had been in the CAMP office only days earlier, looking for a potential intern, preferably a freshman and preferably a physics major. Now a junior, Moreno has worked with Dr. Hauser since that serendipitous beginning, researching the electrical and structural characterization of perovskite thin films. This work has resulted in three published journal articles on which Moreno is a co-author.

Growing up in Los Angeles’ Koreatown, Moreno has long had an interest in Asian popular culture and has studied Japanese language since his arrival at UCSB. Although he had never traveled outside of California, in the summer of 2014 he participated in a University of Tokyo Research Internship Program in the laboratory of Professor Tetsuya Hasegawa. His project at the University of Tokyo involved learning new physical vapor deposition techniques for fabrication of thin films for semiconductor applications.

While in Japan, Moreno had the

opportunity to explore all around Tokyo, and he particularly enjoyed trying new foods. About his trip

Moreno said, “This has been an amazing experience and it’s because of CAMP that I was able to travel.”

Andres Muñoz is pursuing a Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering

at UC Santa Barbara and conducting research under Professor Gerardo Diaz, UC Merced School of Engineering. The overall purpose of his research, “Biomass gasification under dielectric breakdown and transferred plasma arc operating conditions,” is to develop “a sustainable method for biomass gasification assisted by plasma using the concept of dielectric breakdown.”

Muñoz explains, “The major goal is to produce syngas, a composition primarily of H2+CO, as efficiently and sustainably as possible.” He adds

UC Santa Barbara Ph.D. Student Develops Method for Biomass Gasification

“All materials, including electrical insulators, can become conductive

if a high enough voltage is applied. The point in which the material

starts conducting is called dielectric breakdown. While electrical

insulators are desired to have a high resistance to dielectric

breakdown, we, in the other hand, want to operate in conditions

where the biomass has a small resistance for dielectric breakdown,

i.e., we want our biomass to breakdown as easily as possible. Once

the biomass breaks down, a plasma arc forms and passes through

the material, forming channels in which the temperature rises very

rapidly, thereafter gasifying the biomass very efficiently.”

—Andres Muñoz

Nelson Moreno

36

Biochar produced through pyrolysis induced by dielectric breakdown

“Working with undergraduate students is a good means of sharing one’s passion and motivation for research. I believe this is one of the most efficient ways

to teach undergraduate students what research and graduate school is about and to motivate them to pursue a higher degree. That’s certainly how I learned

about graduate school and what motivated me to pursue a Ph.D.” –Andres Muñoz

that syngas may be used directly to produce electricity, for example, or it may be stored for later usage. He has found that the system setup is very versatile. “It can be tuned or modified to target different outcomes, such as the production of biochar, which is a very valuable material in agriculture.”

Besides his busy schedule as a doctoral student, Muñoz finds time to mentor and teach the concepts and experimental procedures in a clear manner. He says, “I had the pleasure

to mentor an undergraduate student funded by the CAMP program. Our lab is constantly working with undergraduates who contribute significantly to the group research. I was very happy to mentor Christian Castillo, a mechanical engineering major at UC Merced.” Muñoz found that mentoring, in turn, allowed him to understand these concepts and procedures more in depth, and to see his mentee develop and gain confidence.

(Left) Andres Muñoz Hernandez (Right) Christian Castillo

Preliminary experiment: plasma assisted gasification of biomass induced by dielectric breakdown


UC Riverside’s Alberto Corona, Class of 2016, Will Be an HHMI Fellow at CaltechLiving His Dream, He Inspires a New Generation of Scientists

UC RIVERSIDE

Alberto Corona is a model of youthful determination and

tenacity. Where he stands today, on the brink of becoming a talented scientist, is something he could not have foretold. Corona is set to graduate with a B.S. degree in Cell, Molecular, and Developmental Biology in June 2016. Just a few years ago, he didn’t speak English, and today is he writing scientific lab reports and thriving in the research environment at the University of California, Riverside (UCR). How he arrived at UCR and realized his potential is a story of grit and inspiration.

Like many UC students, Corona’s educational journey is marked by twists and turns navigated with skill and luck. He transferred from San Bernardino Valley College, where he earned a 4.0 GPA in his first semester. That achievement initiated a life change for Corona, one with academic accomplishment. He completed Associate of Science degrees in Pharmacy Technology, Biology, and Biochemistry, and an Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts: Biological and Physical Sciences. He transferred to UC Riverside Fall 2014 and entered a new world. Looking back, he shares his pathway

to a future that he could not have imagined as a high school student in Mexico – when he wanted to be a musician and hadn’t even considered the world of science.

“After my first semester at San Bernardino Valley College, I took basic science courses with the idea of going to pharmacy school. I became a pharmacy technician and had an internship at a [national brand] pharmacy.”

The experience, however, did not match his long-term aspirations that held more ambition. Corona again changed his focus. During his second semester at community college, he

Just a few years ago, he didn’t speak English, and today is he writing scientific lab reports and thriving in the research environment at the University of California, Riverside (UCR).

How he arrived at UCR and realized his potential is a story of grit and inspiration.

Alberto Corona with lab supervisor, Dr. James Millard Burnett III (on the left), who works in Dr. Sue Wessler’s lab.

38

accepted the invitation from his biology professor to become a tutor at the Student Success Center. He enjoyed tutoring and the confidence it brought, and began examining prospects for his future. During this time, however, he learned that his brother had been diagnosed with cancer, and it was incurable. He went home to Mexico to be with him and support the family. Seeing the suffering made Corona decide to change his career path to include biomedical research, with the hope of finding cures for human diseases.

Returning to California, Corona applied to the 2013 Summer Bridge Research Program at San Bernardino Valley College. He was matched with a laboratory project on malaria, and it flew open new doors of opportunity.

“I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I felt satisfied that the project I was working on might lead to ways to decrease transmission of malaria,” he says.

The research also convinced him to aim for a B.S. degree and graduate education.

In Summer 2014, he applied to a National Science Foundation REU (Research Experiences for Under-graduates) at Brandeis University, and was accepted for a research internship at the Garrity Lab, Department of Biology. For the first time, Corona was involved in neurobiology research.

“Undergraduates can get

‘turned off’ in introductory

science courses and never

sign up for another one.

For students to understand

and become energized

about science they need

to first participate in the

discovery process.”

—Dr. Susan Wessler, Department of Botany and

Plant Sciences, University of California, Riverside

This experience further motivated him to stay focused on “research that may lead to cures for human disease.”

At UCR, with new skills and opportunities, Corona delved further into research. His faculty mentors are Dr. Susan Wessler and Dr. James Burnette III, Department of Botany and Plant Sciences. Both believe in introducing undergraduates to research early on to show them what’s possible. Dr. Wessler’s lab offers the chance for students to experience the discovery process, enjoy science, and subsequently increase retention in STEM majors.

Professor Burnette, states, “Alberto is very enthusiastic about science and discovering new things. In the lab, he is careful and meticulous and makes progress quickly on experiments.” Professor Burnette adds, “It is a pleasure to have him as a member of the research team.”

In Summer 2015, Corona will be a Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Fellow at Caltech. Preparing for the GRE in Fall 2015 and drafting his personal statement will ensure

that he’s on track for the graduate school application process.

He has presented at several confer-ences, including the Brandeis Univer-sity Summer Research Symposium (2014), the Southern California Con-ference for Undergraduate Research (Whittier College), and the RISE and MSRIP symposia.

Honors and awards are many, including the Edison STEM Scholarship, Joe Baca Foundation Scholarship, Latino Faculty Staff and Administration Scholarship, Cancer Federation Scholarship, and an HHMI Fellowship. Additionally he received the UCR Chancellor’s Transfer Scholarship and the Abelardo Villarreal Memorial Scholarship. Corona is a member of the Genetics Society of America, and a participant in the STEM Connections program as well as CAMP.

In just a few years, packed with hard work and inner strength, Corona fixed his own destiny. He says, “I am living proof that perseverance and hard work can make dreams come true!”

Corona at the inquiry-based Neil A. Campbell Science Learning Laboratory at UC Riverside, which gives freshmen the kind of experimental research experience usually reserved for graduate students or upper division undergraduates.


UC San Diego Class of 2015 Engineering Graduates to Enter Ph.D. Programs

UC SAN DIEGO

Cesar Villa, B.S., Mechanical Engineering

Cesar Villa is looking forward to the next step in his career, a

doctoral program in Materials Science and Engineering. Villa has received acceptance into the Ph.D. program at Northwestern University, and will be

Science and Engineering department as an NSF Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) intern. Presentations at the Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE) national and regional conferences and at the University of Washington Undergraduate Summer Research Poster Session have developed strong communication skills as well as subject mastery. He also presented at the UCSD 2014 Summer Research Conference.

Honors and awards include the Frank H. Buck Scholarship (2010-2015), CAMP research scholar, and California Space Grant (2014). Additionally, Bahena won a poster award at the 2014 SHPE Region 2 Leadership Conference.

visiting that institution before making his final decision. He has also applied to Rensselaer Polytechnic, Rice University and UC San Diego.

Villa has enjoyed being a research assistant in the nanomaterials processing laboratory at UCSD. His focus has been on “refining the combustion synthesis process to produce LaNbO4 in the pure monoclinic phase.” He has presented this research at national and regional conferences of the Society of Hispanic

Professional Engineers (SHPE) and at the UCSD Summer Research Conference.

Along his undergraduate pathway, he has developed essential lab skills in the process, including using the ultrasonicator and high temperature furnace, as well as leadership skills. Villa serves as the student chapter SHPE communication chair, with duties including recruiting new members and planning professional development activities and events.

Honors and awards include the California Space Grant (2014), Provost Honors (2012-14), and SHPE Scholarship (2013). Additionally, he was a finalist in the SHPE technical paper competition.

Joel Bahena, B.S. NanoEngineering

Joel Bahena is looking forward to beginning a doctoral program in

Fall 2015. He has been admitted to the Mechanical Engineering Ph.D. program at the University of Southern California and the Materials Science program at UC San Diego.

Bahena has delved into research at the UCSD Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, serving as a research assistant and building his portfolio of engineering skills and knowledge. He has been engaged in combustion synthesis, tensile and compression testing, cold rolling, density measurements, and other lab procedures and processes. The title of his research is “Preparation of Hexaboride Nanocubes by Combustion Synthesis.” Dr. Olivia A. Grave is his faculty mentor.

Research experiences also include summer research in 2012 at the University of Washington, Materials

Cesar Villa

Joel Bahena

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIALOUIS STOKES ALLIANCE FOR MINORITY PARTICIPATION

2015 STATEWIDE UNDERGRADUATE SYMPOSIUM

Strong ability to communicate to a broad audience.

Student should do well in grad school; obviously excited about the future.

Nice project – very relevant and cross-disciplinary.

Excellent discussion of project and specific contribution – both theory and experiment!

Beautiful study that ties together a physiological problem with a pharmacological target. Nicely done!

I am interested to see where this project goes next!

Could improve discussion of research, application & analysis techniques, such as specifics of Python functions.

Articulate, enthusiastic, knowledgeable, organized. Answered questions well, overall excellent.

Avoid using information on your poster that you are not familiar with.

Graphics could better convey results – very interesting effort and important goals.

Great simple explanation to a complex mathematical issue.

Nice understanding of science; connected with audience.

2015 statewide undergraduate symposium proceedings &...

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