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  4. Kevin Ma

I Am a Researcher

Kevin MaKevin Ma Profile

Major: Molecular & Cell Biology 

College: Marshall

UC San Diego graduation year: 2027

Which research programs/experiences have you been a part of? 

Goldwater Scholarship; 2026

What are you researching (or did you do in the past)?

I worked in the Teijaro and Cravatt labs at The Scripps Research Institute, investigating small-molecule probes that modulate host factors critical for SARS-CoV-2 infection. Currently, my honors thesis project in the Raju Lab here at UCSD involves engineering reporter virus particles and using CRISPR/Cas9 surfaceome-targeted screen to find a receptor for human astrovirus VA1.

Kevin Ma Research Photo

Why and how did you decide to get involved in undergraduate research?

I had a strong interest in virology coming out of high school and was eager to gain hands-on experience in a wet lab, so I joined a lab immediately after graduation.

What has been the most exciting/interesting thing you've discovered through your research?

We discovered a small-molecule probe that potently inhibited viral replication by targeting the host protein ETF1 and interfering with programmed ribosomal frameshifting in viral translation.

What did you gain from this program/experience?

The process of writing the Goldwater Scholarship really made me reflect on my research and organize my future goals

What advice would you give to students starting research?

I think it’s important to be curious and to ask a lot of questions. Taking the time to understand the underlying biology and rationale behind experiments and procedures instead of passively following instructions lets you grow as a scientist.

What are your future plans?

I plan to pursue an M.D./Ph.D.

  • Kevin Ma Profile
  • Kevin Ma Research Photo