Major(s): Molecular and Cell Biology
College: Earl Warren College
UC San Diego graduation year: 2025
URH Research Programs:
What are you researching (or did you do in the past)?
I am interested in designing genetically encoded tools for local cytoskeleton disruption, specifically in plant cells. Using molecular cloning techniques, agrobacterium-mediated infiltration, and confocal microscopy, I study the effects of localized DeActs (F-actin disrupting proteins) on various organelles. Ultimately, I would like to leverage these studies to understand how the cytoskeleton is involved in the formation of stomata, the pores in plant leaves.
Why and how did you decide to get involved in undergraduate research?
Since I was in middle school, I have been collecting rare plant specimens and growing them in and on all types of mediums. In high school and college, I worked at a local plant nursery, which enabled me to learn even more about plants. Taking my major classes at UCSD only bolstered my interest in biology, so I sought out a plant lab to work in as an undergraduate assistant. I quickly found lab work to be exciting, and I was eager to start my own independent project!
What has been the most exciting/interesting thing you've discovered through your research?
The most exciting (and gratifying) thing I’ve discovered through my research has been the success of my molecular clones that produced the effects we had hypothesized. After nine months of cloning, seed harvesting, and a great deal of waiting, we observed that localized F-actin perturbation results in nuclei more circular in shape in A. thaliana. This discovery confirms our ability to disrupt F-actin subpopulations locally and brings us a step closer to understanding F-actin’s role in stomatal formation.
What did you gain from this program/experience?
Participating in the Eureka! Scholarship has been transformative for me, both personally and professionally. It has significantly boosted my confidence as a scientist and reinforced my commitment to pursuing a PhD in plant biology. This summer, I immersed myself in my research, supported by a collaborative lab environment that enhanced both my work and personal growth. Presenting at conferences honed my presentation skills and deepened my understanding of the field. This program has further fueled my passion for plant biology and equipped me with the critical research and communication skills that will be crucial as I navigate graduate school and a future career in science.
What advice would you give to students starting research?
Find labs that truly spark your interest, and don’t hesitate to cold email potential mentors! Setting up a meeting with a PI or lab member allows you to ask about their experiences, lab work, and future plans, which can help you to determine if it’s the right fit. Being passionate about the research topic makes it easier to stay committed to the long-term–and it makes the work more enjoyable! Remember to ask lots of questions, work hard, and be persistent, especially when experiments don’t go as planned!
What are your future plans?
My future plans include obtaining a PhD and ultimately becoming a Principal Investigator and professor in molecular and cell biology.
Anything else you want to share?
I would like to thank my mentor and PI, Dr. Andrew Muroyama, for his invaluable guidance throughout my research journey. I am also deeply grateful for my Eureka! donor, Ms. Wendy Kwok, whose generous support has allowed me to continue my project and take the next steps in my career. Lastly, I want to thank all of my wonderful lab mates for their unwavering support and collaboration.
Pictures