Current Trainees

Aldair Acosta

Prep program entry year: 2023

Undergraduate:  Oregon State University - Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Psychology

Mentor: Marco Gallio

Research Project Description:

As part of NUIN-PREP, I'm in the Gallio Lab researching evolutionary behavior using different types of Drosophilids. My goal is to use behavioral and molecular assays to test species-specific responses to hot conditions. I hope that through the analysis of activity patterns and the expression of core circadian genes in closely related species, we can unmask the molecular process underlying the adaptation to different environments.

Emilia Gibes

Prep program entry year: 2023

Undergraduate:  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign - Integrative Biology, Human Evolutionary Anthropology

Mentor: Jennifer Kearney

Research Project Description:

I am broadly interested in the field of disease biology, with a specific focus on how genetic mechanisms impact human immunity and pathogenesis. As an undergraduate, I studied the immunogenomic diversification of modern populations in response to Yersinia pestis. In my current lab, I look at the genotype-phenotype relationships of KCNB1, a voltage-gated sodium channel coding gene that has been posited as a novel cause of developmental and epileptic encephalopathy-26.

Why did I choose NUIN for my studies?

I chose NUIN PREP for the holistic approach to research, training, and guidance. This opportunity is incredibly helpful in my preparation for grad school, as it has given me a chance to further my technical skills, hone my research interests, and build my confidence as a scientist.

Dina Hadj-Mabrouk

Prep program entry year: 2023

Undergraduate:  University of Maryland, Baltimore County - Biological Sciences

Mentor: Raj Awatramani

Research Project Description:

My project researches how microglial dysfunction when maternal immune activation (MIA) is induced impacts dopaminergic neurons during embryonic development.

Opeyemi Ibitayo

Prep program entry year: 2023

Undergraduate:  University at Buffalo - Neuroscience

Mentor: Rodrigo Braga

Research Project Description:

My research project focuses on the temporopolar cortex and it’s role in comprehension like naming objects and recognizing words and objects.

Naeliz Lopez

Prep program entry year: 2023

Undergraduate:  University of Florida - Psychology - Behavioral and Cognitive Neuroscience

Mentor: Talia Lerner

Research Project Description:

My research project consists of investigating these two questions. To determine the role of glucocorticoid receptors expressed by dopamine neurons in mediating the behavioral effects of chronic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation. And to also determine the impact of chronic glucocorticoid receptor activation on the progression of a Parkinson’s Disease model.

Why did I choose NUIN for my studies?

I chose NU PREP for my post-baccalaureate studies because I wanted another year to further develop my research skills and to become a more competitive applicant to graduate programs. My interest in neuroscience and this program will provide me with resources, opportunities, and guidance to further develop my skills in neuroscience research. The esteemed faculty and mentorship provided will further enrich my research experience needed to enhance myself for graduate programs.

Carlos Merlos

Prep program entry year: 2023

Undergraduate:  University Of Illinois-Chicago - Biology

Mentor: Gabriel Rocklin

Research Project Description:

I am using AI, Machine Learning, and Diffusion techniques to further our understanding of enzyme stability. These techniques will be applied to computationally design and engineer new model SpyCather/SpyTag model enzyme structures. My goal is to expand our understanding of the question of what makes a good enzyme.

Why did I choose NUIN for my studies?

I really appreciated the support, structure, and mentorship that was offered through the program. The programming allows for learning of academia and graduate school in a way that is not taught in undergraduate research.

Angela Trejo

Prep program entry year: 2023

Undergraduate:  Arizona State University - Neuroscience (BS) & Biological Sciences (BS)

Mentor: Alicia Guemez-Gamboa

Research Project Description:

My project revolves around PCDH19, which is a protein coding gene located on the X chromosome. In female children, losing the function of one of these PCDH19 copies leads to a form of epilepsy also called PCDH19. Thus far, little is known about how these cells interact and how proteins change as a result of pathology. I will be working on modeling this disease on a cellular level, using human derived stem cells.