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Mariel Kristine B. Micael | STARTneuro Alumna

B.S Cognitive & Behavioral Neuroscience

Cohort 2021

Background: Mariel is currently a first year PhD student at UCSD's Neuroscience Graduate Program (NGP). She started off at San Diego Mesa Community College where she earned her A.S in Biology, then transferred to UCSD in 2021 where she joined the very first STARTneuro cohort. She is also the first in her family to obtain a Bachelor's degree and to pursue a doctoral degree.
Research while at UC San Diego: While at UCSD, she trained in Dr. Nicola Allen's lab where she studied the role of astrocyte secreted proteins in modulating synapses in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Down Syndrome. Her main contribution was in characterizing the disease progression of AD mouse models that also express an astrocyte-specific Cre. These mice were later used to study the profile of astrocyte-secreted proteins in AD versus healthy mice.
Post-graduation journey: After graduation, Mariel joined an NIH Postbaccalaureate Research Training Program (PREP) at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) where she trained in the lab of Dr. Marc Freeman. There, she studied astrocyte mechanisms of synapse elimination during central nervous system development in Drosophila. During this time, she applied to PhD programs, improved upon her scientific skills and gained more confidence as a researcher.
What are you doing now? Mariel is currently rotating in the lab of Dr. Richard Daneman where she is learning about the role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in health and disease. She is also an active member of the NGP's Diversity Committee which aims to support diverse students in the program as well as prospective NGP students. 
A few words about STARTneuro: STARTneuro was an integral part in my scientific journey because they helped me get my foot in the door to neuroscience research. Prior to STARTneuro, I kept getting rejected from other research internships and was beginning to think research wasn't right for me. Getting accepted to STARTneuro and joining my first lab with their support gave me that initial validation that pursuing a research career was within my capabilities. Without STARTneuro, I truly would not be where I am today.