Thesis Thursday

My name is Jessika Mesa and I am a Graduate student in the Environmental Science department. I am extremely passionate about science communication and exploring environmental issues. I cannot wait to complete my research on Project Harvest and explore more opportunities in my career field. The soil shop @ Project Harvest

“Hi everyone, my name is Cristobal, a senior at The University of Arizona studying Physiology and Medical Sciences. Although I was born in Tucson, I spent most of my childhood in Oaxaca, Mexico with its unique environment which stimulated my curiosity and led me to pursue research in Environmental Health. Fortunately, while at the UofA I was able to join Dr. Paloma Beamer’s lab where we study the environmental effect of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC’s) released from Beauty Salons and Mechanic Shops in Tucson, Az. While at the university, my involvement in her lab and being part of the MexZona organization have cemented my ideas of pursuing a career in Medicine”

Hi! My name is Jaeman Kim, and I am a junior at the University of Arizona studying Physiology and Medical Sciences. I joined Dr. Kuhns’ lab in the Immunobiology Department in May 2022 through the Undergraduate Biology Research Program where I am currently working on an assay that helps identify T-cells via their interactions with peptide-specific major histocompatibility complexes (pMHCs) with the hopes of being able to provide a more effective way of identifying T-cells than the widely used tetramer assay. Outside of research, I am also involved in the Pre-Health Asian Pacific American Medical Student Association as its Treasurer, and our club provides pre-health opportunities for undergraduates as well as advocating for Asian cultural awareness. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends, playing games, and singing my lungs out in the car.

Hi, my name is Sun Woo Kim and I'm a junior this year majoring in Physiology as well as Molecular and Cellular Biology with minors in Biochemistry and Emergency Medical Services. I am currently in a behavioral neurophysiology lab with Dr. Gothard. We are studying brain development during adolescence by tracking behavior, hormonal, and physiological changes in Macaca mulatta. Some of the questions that I'm asking are: how much are they willing to wait for a bigger reward? How much are they willing to be generous to others? How do their impulses and prosocial behavior change during adolescence? In my free time, I like to play clarinet and ukulele and make a vlog of my day! I also love star gazing and camping!

Kira Zeider is a Tucson native who obtained double bachelor’s degrees in chemical and environmental engineering at the University of Arizona (UA) and then continued into the UA's chemical engineering graduate program, where she is a third-year doctoral student. She has been selected as a Herbold Fellow, Richard A. Harvill Fellow, and Superfund Research Training Core Trainee for her multi-disciplinary research in aerosol-cloud-meteorology interactions and mining impacts on local communities. Her 2021 community science publication on utilizing plant leaves as low-cost air quality monitors was selected as one of 35 NIEHS Papers of the Year.

Hi my name is Will Peterson! I'm a proud Tucson local born and raised up in the Foothills. I spent my first year of college at the University of Wisconsin-Madison where I realized I can't stand the cold and transferred back home to the U of A. I am now in my fourth year here at the university studying Biomedical Science in the College of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Applied Biotechnology. I was super fortunate to join the Sutphin Lab in early 2021 where we use the model organism C. elegans to study the aging process and potential genetic and pharmaceutical interventions to delay the onset of the aging process. Outside of the lab I recently began working with KEYS research program recruitment through the BIO5 ambassadors internship to get Arizona high schoolers involved in biological research. I like to spend my free time hanging out with my dog Leo, cheering on the Packers and Bucks, and training for my first half-marathon in December!

I am currently in my second year studying Animal Sciences at the U of A. I was born and lived in Globe, Arizona before I moved to Tempe, Arizona and finally moved to Tucson to study at the U of A. I enjoy staying active and connecting with my family, and I have the best guinea pig named Jack.

Sarrah is a 4th year PhD student in Dr. Xinxin (pronounced shin-shin) Ding’s lab in the College of Pharmacy’s Pharmacology and Toxicology program. Before starting her PhD, Sarrah worked in crime laboratories as a board-certified forensic toxicologist for almost 10 years. In her spare time she is an avid disability advocate and enjoys being outdoors with her pitbull Orfie.

Hey! My name is Nicole Carmiol, and I'm a Senior at the U of A, majoring in Neuroscience & Cognitive Science. I've also got interests in Molecular & Cellular Biology and Bioinformatics, which, luckily, is the type of work I get to do in the Capaldi Lab. For a little over a year now, I've been studying a cell signaling system called the Protein Kinase A pathway, and we're looking at how it integrates nutrient inputs to produce specific signaling outputs. When I'm not experimenting in the lab, you can usually find me experimenting with new recipes at home— I love to cook and share what I make. Aside from that, I enjoy road trips, exploring new places around town, and spending time with my family and friends.

My name is Hrithik Aghav, and I am a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in aerospace engineering and mathematics. I have been working in Dr. Laura Miller's biological fluid dynamics lab since my sophomore year and have been investigating the flight mechanisms employed by the smallest insects. These insects flap their wings in an unusual manner and have peculiar wing structures that are not observed in their larger counterparts. I utilize computer simulations of airflow around their wings to try and explain the presence of these unusual flight features. I intend to pursue a Ph.D. in aeronautics and become a scientist in the defense sector. My hobbies include playing guitar, reading detective novels, and playing video games.

Hi, my name is Amy Fan; born in Canada, I moved with my family to Chandler where I learned to acclimate to the Arizona heat. I am a UA senior double majoring in Molecular Cellular Biology and Statistics Data Science with a minor in musical performance. As an undergraduate researcher, I work in the Gutenkunst lab studying mathematical models inferring recombination rates. Canonical models operate under the assumptions of neutrality, but in real life, we have plenty of mutations that are better or worse for us…So considering these is a must! Through my two years at UBRP, I have been fortunate enough to work in two different labs. As an undergraduate in the Gregorio Lab, I studied neonatal heart disease at a molecular level. Dr. Gregorio recognized my fascination with big data and supported my transition into a computational lab, which led me to the Gutenkunst Lab the following year. I am so grateful for my experience in UBRP which has opened me up to the world of computational biology, something I had not considered as Molecular Biology Major when I first joined as a sophomore. I am currently pursuing a Statistics research in graduate school and studying computational systems of biology. Outside of university, I enjoy watching movies with friends, running, and songwriting about the human experience. As co-president of Music and Medicine Club at the university, I also perform with fellow musicians at local clinics and hospitals.

I am an international student from Bangladesh. I have spent over 15 years of my life in Oman and Saudi Arabia. I am currently a senior studying Chemistry, Molecular and Cellular Biology, and Bioinformatics with a minor in Computer Science. Throughout my three years at U of A, I have worked in a few different labs and switched around different jobs. The current lab I am working in is in the CBC department. We are working with a molecule found in your eyes. In our lab, we are studying its activation. Outside the lab, I work as a Global Ambassador where I organize events and help international students make Tucson their new home.  My other long time work includes tutoring at SALT. My hobbies include playing board games (especially Catan), painting, spending time with my puppy, and trying food from around the world!

Today’s episode is a little different. We are talking with Marisa Lester about Thesis Thursday, how it is beneficial to students and listeners, and why it is such an important part of what we do here at KXCI community radio.

Hi! My name is Meiven Yang, and I am a rising junior at the University of Arizona majoring in Bioinformatics and Biochemistry. I have been working in Dr. Goodrum's lab since Summer of 2021, where we study Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV). HCMV contributes to mortality among the immunocompromised and birth defects among newborns; there are currently limited therapies and no existing vaccines against the virus. My project focuses on mapping protein-protein interactions relative to the UL136 gene, which contributes to the regulation of viral latency and reactivation. After graduation, I am hoping to either work in industry or attend graduate school. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, working out, and painting. Processed with VSCO with m5 preset

Hi! My name is Chloe Park, and I am a Biochemistry major entering my Junior year at the University of Arizona. I have been working in the Koshy lab for just over a year. In our lab, we study the common human parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, and specifically its unique mechanism to avoid the brain's complicated immune system and its ability to persist in the mammalian brain for a life-long period. My current project involves trying to figure out which genes are responsible for playing a role in the parasite's ability to encyst in which they convert into a semi-dormant phase. The ultimate goal is to improve treatments for patients with symptomatic toxoplasmosis and to better understand the complicated immune system of our brain. Through our studies, we might even be able to provide new insights into various other neurodegenerative diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease. In the future, I hope to continue studying the fascinating brain by pursuing my career path as a physician-scientist! In my free time, I love to explore new food places with my friends, and working out has always been a helpful way to relieve stress. Also, I recently got into knitting while watching Netflix and plan on donating 100 chemo-caps by the end of this year

My name is Hyeon Seung Lee, and I am a senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Physiology and Medical Sciences with a minor in Biochemistry. I have been a member of Dr. Chang's research lab for almost 3 years now, starting since November of 2019 as a freshman volunteer. Our lab focuses on studying the underlying mechanisms of chronic sinusitis and its associated virus called rhinovirus, the most frequent cause of the common cold. Outside of lab work, I enjoy reading novels, watching TV shows and movies, and playing games. I am also a huge foodie, so I like to go to restaurants and try new foods, or if I have the opportunity, make them myself. My favorite foods include charcuterie (meat and cheese) boards, Korean stews, and barbeque.

Hi! My name is Chloe and I am a junior at the University of Arizona. I am majoring in Physiology and Molecular and Cellular Biology, with minors in Biochemistry and Leadership Studies. I have been working in Dr. Bhattacharya’s immunobiology lab for a year now, working on determining the specific functions of solute carrier proteins with the hopes of identifying why some plasma cells live longer than others! After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school and work towards a Ph.D. in immunology. In my free time, I like to read, roller skate, and try out new baking recipes!

My name is Advait and I’m a recent Molecular Biology graduate, and currently in the Accelerated Masters Program (AMP). For the past 3 years, I’ve worked in the Campos Lab at the Bio5 institute, where we study Human Papillomavirus (HPV)— the leading cause of ~90% of cervical cancer cases. My current research projects involve the anti-viral enzyme known as cGAS (cyclic GMP-AMP synthase) that is a DNA sensor which binds DNA and stimulates an immune response. It’s a very cool enzyme, and I hope to figure out how HPV is stifling its function because we have some evidence suggesting that. In my spare time, I love to play soccer, but also recently got into basketball (since no one plays soccer in AZ in the summer).

My name is Amal Anilkumar, and I am a rising senior at the University of Arizona majoring in Physiology and Medical Sciences with a minor in Biochemistry. I have been working in the Goldman Laboratory in the Sarver Heart Center for over two years, where we assess chronic heart failure in swine and mouse models. I am involved in several projects within our lab, most of which revolve around the utilization of imaging techniques such as MRI to assess parameters such as cardiac wall strain and wall stress.  Some of my other involvements include the Senate of the Association of Students of the University of Arizona (ASUA), Alpha Epsilon Delta pre-professional health, the Department of Physiology Peer Mentor System, U Arizona Physiology Ambassadors, and the SPARCC Concussion Clinic.

I am a Junior at the U of A studying Microbiology. I chose this major because I am really interested in the wide spectrum of pathogens and how they work to evade the body’s immune system. I am originally from Charlotte, North Carolina and moved to Tucson with my family 8 years ago. I really miss the east coast and try to visit every summer. I really like to listen to jazz and was in a jazz band in high school. In my free time I like to play the piano, make music, and read comics. One of my favorite comics is Morning Glories as well as Prodigy. One of my favorite movies is The Lighthouse which is an eerie horror starring Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe. Willem Dafoe is probably one of my favorite actors.

I am a Junior at the U of A studying Microbiology. I chose this major because I am really interested in the wide spectrum of pathogens and how they work to evade the body’s immune system. I am originally from Charlotte, North Carolina and moved to Tucson with my family 8 years ago. I really miss the east coast and try to visit every summer. I really like to listen to jazz and was in a jazz band in high school. In my free time I like to play the piano, make music, and read comics. One of my favorite comics is Morning Glories as well as Prodigy. One of my favorite movies is The Lighthouse which is an eerie horror starring Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe. Willem Dafoe is probably one of my favorite actors.

Benjamin Karls is a 1st year PhD Student in Katerina Dontsova’s Lab at Biosphere 2 studying the fate and transport of insensitive munitions (IM) explosive compounds in the soil and the water. Ben moved to Tucson to fulfill his undergraduate degree here at the University of Arizona where he received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a Physical and Chemical Dynamic emphasis and then decided to continue his education and pursue a doctoral degree. When not working, Ben fills his time volunteering with local Tucson organizations, watching shows and movies, enjoying a good book, or trying different local restaurants in the area.

Benjamin Karls is a 1st year PhD Student in Katerina Dontsova’s Lab at Biosphere 2 studying the fate and transport of insensitive munitions (IM) explosive compounds in the soil and the water. Ben moved to Tucson to fulfill his undergraduate degree here at the University of Arizona where he received a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science with a Physical and Chemical Dynamic emphasis and then decided to continue his education and pursue a doctoral degree. When not working, Ben fills his time volunteering with local Tucson organizations, watching shows and movies, enjoying a good book, or trying different local restaurants in the area.

My name is Caleb Seekins and I am a Biochemistry major entering my Junior year at the University of Arizona. I work in the Streicher lab in the department of pharmacology where we study opioids and opioid signaling pathways. My current project is on researching pathways involved in intermittent fasting and how it may help increase the efficacy of opioids. I hope that my research will aid in the production of opioids that are more effective while being less addictive! During my free time, I like to play basketball, go biking, and cook new foods. Once I graduate my goal is to go to medical school!

My name is Caleb Seekins and I am a Biochemistry major entering my Junior year at the University of Arizona. I work in the Streicher lab in the department of pharmacology where we study opioids and opioid signaling pathways. My current project is on researching pathways involved in intermittent fasting and how it may help increase the efficacy of opioids. I hope that my research will aid in the production of opioids that are more effective while being less addictive! During my free time, I like to play basketball, go biking, and cook new foods. Once I graduate my goal is to go to medical school!

My name is Harvey, and I am a rising junior at the University of Arizona. I am majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and looking to add a minor in both Biochemistry and Fine Arts. I have been working in Dr. Lisa Nagy’s lab for almost a year and a half studying beetle segmentation regulation in Tribolium castaneum. Drosophila melanogaster has long been used as a model species, but segments differently from most other arthropods. By studying Tribolium castaneum, we will gain novel insight into how most arthropods are designed. In my spare time I enjoy hiking in the desert, creating art, and being on the UA Roller Derby team.

My name is Harvey, and I am a rising junior at the University of Arizona. I am majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology, and looking to add a minor in both Biochemistry and Fine Arts. I have been working in Dr. Lisa Nagy’s lab for almost a year and a half studying beetle segmentation regulation in Tribolium castaneum. Drosophila melanogaster has long been used as a model species, but segments differently from most other arthropods. By studying Tribolium castaneum, we will gain novel insight into how most arthropods are designed. In my spare time I enjoy hiking in the desert, creating art, and being on the UA Roller Derby team.

Xander is a high school senior and researcher at the University of Arizona S.T.A.R. Lab.  He has studied in the Palanivelu Lab with Dr. Cedar Warman for the last two years. Centered around discovering stress-tolerant crops, his studies have included mRNA transcript analyses of incompatible tomato crosses and tomato pollen tube growth under heat stress. Xander received first place at both regional and state competitions and won 3rd place in Plant Sciences at the 2022 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).  Besides research, Xander teaches chemistry, plays violin with the Tucson Philharmonia Youth Orchestra, and enjoys mountain biking in the Tortolita Mountains.  Xander plans to study biomedical engineering at Duke University in the fall.

Xander is a high school senior and researcher at the University of Arizona S.T.A.R. Lab.  He has studied in the Palanivelu Lab with Dr. Cedar Warman for the last two years. Centered around discovering stress-tolerant crops, his studies have included mRNA transcript analyses of incompatible tomato crosses and tomato pollen tube growth under heat stress. Xander received first place at both regional and state competitions and won 3rd place in Plant Sciences at the 2022 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair (ISEF).  Besides research, Xander teaches chemistry, plays violin with the Tucson Philharmonia Youth Orchestra, and enjoys mountain biking in the Tortolita Mountains.  Xander plans to study biomedical engineering at Duke University in the fall.

Ferris is studying Physiology and Medical Sciences at the University of Arizona, and is a trainee with the Native American Cancer Prevention (NACP) program in Dr. Jennifer W. Bea’s research lab. He also works as a medical scribe at Oro Valley Hospital’s emergency department. He is originally from Mesa, Arizona, and plans to apply to medical school in the near future. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking different trails in Arizona, exploring new restaurants, visiting museums, and attending sporting events. NACP summer internship, Dr. Jennifer Bea and student Ferris Saad

Ferris is studying Physiology and Medical Sciences at the University of Arizona, and is a trainee with the Native American Cancer Prevention (NACP) program in Dr. Jennifer W. Bea’s research lab. He also works as a medical scribe at Oro Valley Hospital’s emergency department. He is originally from Mesa, Arizona, and plans to apply to medical school in the near future. In his spare time, he enjoys hiking different trails in Arizona, exploring new restaurants, visiting museums, and attending sporting events. NACP summer internship, Dr. Jennifer Bea and student Ferris Saad

Elizabeth is a super senior at The University of Arizona, majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Psychology. She’s been working in the Ronaldson Lab for a year, assisting with research into ischemic stroke and the effects of Acetaminophen on the blood-brain barrier, which she greatly enjoys. After Elizabeth graduates in August, she’ll be starting a doctoral program in the ABBS program at the University of Arizona, where she plans on pursuing her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their 7 rescue pets, playing video games, and enjoying all that Tucson has to offer.

Elizabeth is a super senior at The University of Arizona, majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Psychology. She’s been working in the Ronaldson Lab for a year, assisting with research into ischemic stroke and the effects of Acetaminophen on the blood-brain barrier, which she greatly enjoys. After Elizabeth graduates in August, she’ll be starting a doctoral program in the ABBS program at the University of Arizona, where she plans on pursuing her PhD in Cellular and Molecular Medicine. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their 7 rescue pets, playing video games, and enjoying all that Tucson has to offer.

Esteban is a junior at the University of Arizona studying Physiology and Medical Sciences with a minor in Health and Human Values. Esteban is from Rio Rico, Arizona. Outside of his research, you can find Esteban acting as the Director of Finance of Street Medicine Tucson, is one of the founders of the Health and Human Values Club, a volunteer at the ASTEC Lab,  and an intern with Tucson Collaborative Community Care (TC-3). In his free time, he enjoys swimming, spending time with friends, playing chess, and exploring the outdoors.

Esteban is a junior at the University of Arizona studying Physiology and Medical Sciences with a minor in Health and Human Values. Esteban is from Rio Rico, Arizona. Outside of his research, you can find Esteban acting as the Director of Finance of Street Medicine Tucson, is one of the founders of the Health and Human Values Club, a volunteer at the ASTEC Lab,  and an intern with Tucson Collaborative Community Care (TC-3). In his free time, he enjoys swimming, spending time with friends, playing chess, and exploring the outdoors.

Geffre, a Tempe native, is a UA junior pursuing a double-major in Biochemistry and Molecular Cellular Biology. As an undergraduate researcher at the Meredith Lab, Parker is a part of the NSF Signals in the Soil project. She currently works on VOC data analysis, novel sensor testing, and various support roles. After joining UBRP in Spring 2020, Parker believes that undertaking research, especially in the unique field of environmental science, has been an invaluable experience. Microbial and soil fingerprinting has been an especially exciting topic for her to jump into. But more importantly, Parker loves how her research has changed her perspective on the role of the world's smallest life. Currently, she plans on taking her B.S. degree into an adjacent science-policy field – like criminal forensics. Outside of university, she enjoys adventuring, drawing, and studying British history. Parker is a National Hispanic Scholar, a member of WAESO, and is passionate about learning how science impacts our daily lives.

Geffre, a Tempe native, is a UA junior pursuing a double-major in Biochemistry and Molecular Cellular Biology. As an undergraduate researcher at the Meredith Lab, Parker is a part of the NSF Signals in the Soil project. She currently works on VOC data analysis, novel sensor testing, and various support roles. After joining UBRP in Spring 2020, Parker believes that undertaking research, especially in the unique field of environmental science, has been an invaluable experience. Microbial and soil fingerprinting has been an especially exciting topic for her to jump into. But more importantly, Parker loves how her research has changed her perspective on the role of the world's smallest life. Currently, she plans on taking her B.S. degree into an adjacent science-policy field – like criminal forensics. Outside of university, she enjoys adventuring, drawing, and studying British history. Parker is a National Hispanic Scholar, a member of WAESO, and is passionate about learning how science impacts our daily lives.

My name is Maile McSwain, I am a junior at the University of Arizona, and I am majoring in Physiology and Medical sciences and minoring in Studio Art and Astrobiology. I am currently apart of EHS-TRUE which is a branch in UBRP and have been working in Dr. Zelieann R. Craig's lab for two years. The lab focused on female reproductive toxicology. I also have worked at Campus Recreation since I was a freshman. After my undergraduate time here at the University of Arizona I want to attend a MD/PhD program and specialize my PhD in toxicology. At this point I believe I want to continue into medicine focusing on female reproductive health and become an OB/GYN.

My name is Maile McSwain, I am a junior at the University of Arizona, and I am majoring in Physiology and Medical sciences and minoring in Studio Art and Astrobiology. I am currently apart of EHS-TRUE which is a branch in UBRP and have been working in Dr. Zelieann R. Craig's lab for two years. The lab focused on female reproductive toxicology. I also have worked at Campus Recreation since I was a freshman. After my undergraduate time here at the University of Arizona I want to attend a MD/PhD program and specialize my PhD in toxicology. At this point I believe I want to continue into medicine focusing on female reproductive health and become an OB/GYN.

William Borkan (he/they) a Master's student in Soil, Water and Environmental Science and part of the 2020-2021 NSF Indige-FEWSS Traineeship. At the University of Arizona, he works in the contaminant transport lab, studying the transport and fate of uranium in groundwater bodies. This summer they will participate in an internship with the Navajo Nation EPA to assist in site inventories and remedial investigations of abandoned uranium mines.

William Borkan (he/they) a Master's student in Soil, Water and Environmental Science and part of the 2020-2021 NSF Indige-FEWSS Traineeship. At the University of Arizona, he works in the contaminant transport lab, studying the transport and fate of uranium in groundwater bodies. This summer they will participate in an internship with the Navajo Nation EPA to assist in site inventories and remedial investigations of abandoned uranium mines.

Florian Hafner is a student in linguistics and speech & hearing, graduating with his Ph.D. in May 2022. While he has done research on “be like,” pronunciation education, and phonological awareness, his main passion is teaching. He's been a teaching assistant and instructor for a wide variety of linguistic courses as well as statistics for in-person and online (synchronously & asynchronously) and plans to become a future instructor.

Florian Hafner is a student in linguistics and speech & hearing, graduating with his Ph.D. in May 2022. While he has done research on “be like,” pronunciation education, and phonological awareness, his main passion is teaching. He's been a teaching assistant and instructor for a wide variety of linguistic courses as well as statistics for in-person and online (synchronously & asynchronously) and plans to become a future instructor.

My name is Kayla Reddy. I am an undergraduate student in my junior year, and am majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Marine Science. I have been working in Todd Schlenke's lab researching fruit flies and the parasitoid wasps that target them. Specifically, I have been working on a project studying how the chemical acetic acid affects the relationship between the two. I am aiming for a career in conservation biology and science communication. Outside of the lab I enjoy reading and writing, singing, and practicing martial arts.

My name is Kayla Reddy. I am an undergraduate student in my junior year, and am majoring in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology with a minor in Marine Science. I have been working in Todd Schlenke's lab researching fruit flies and the parasitoid wasps that target them. Specifically, I have been working on a project studying how the chemical acetic acid affects the relationship between the two. I am aiming for a career in conservation biology and science communication. Outside of the lab I enjoy reading and writing, singing, and practicing martial arts.

I’m currently a graduate student & NSF Indige-FEWSS trainee pursuing my master’s in Agriculture Education at the University of Arizona, located on occupied Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui Lands. My thesis work involves continuing to indigenize & decolonialize farm-to-school curriculum with the Service to All Relations (STAR) School in Leupp, AZ. I am passionate about working in solidarity with communities living in food apartheids created by settler colonialism in the United States. My goal is to promote food justice & food sovereignty movements to increase access to healthy, culturally-appropriate foods.

I’m currently a graduate student & NSF Indige-FEWSS trainee pursuing my master’s in Agriculture Education at the University of Arizona, located on occupied Tohono O'odham and Pascua Yaqui Lands. My thesis work involves continuing to indigenize & decolonialize farm-to-school curriculum with the Service to All Relations (STAR) School in Leupp, AZ. I am passionate about working in solidarity with communities living in food apartheids created by settler colonialism in the United States. My goal is to promote food justice & food sovereignty movements to increase access to healthy, culturally-appropriate foods.

Hi! My name is Elizabeth Le and I am an undergraduate working in the Doyle lab studying neuroprotectants and the mechanisms of strokes. Currently, there is no medicine clinically used to treat inflammation of the brain weeks post-stroke, so I believe my work is very important! Outside of the lab, I am an honors student studying Physiology and Medical Sciences and I also have finished a Biochemistry and Spanish minor. I hope to attend medical school and gain enough experience and credibility to open and run my own pediatrics clinic. In my free time, I love to cook different types of food from Italian to Indian food and my favorite part is eating it!

Hi! My name is Elizabeth Le and I am an undergraduate working in the Doyle lab studying neuroprotectants and the mechanisms of strokes. Currently, there is no medicine clinically used to treat inflammation of the brain weeks post-stroke, so I believe my work is very important! Outside of the lab, I am an honors student studying Physiology and Medical Sciences and I also have finished a Biochemistry and Spanish minor. I hope to attend medical school and gain enough experience and credibility to open and run my own pediatrics clinic. In my free time, I love to cook different types of food from Italian to Indian food and my favorite part is eating it!

My name is Aryatara Shakya. I’m an International student from Nepal currently pursuing my PhD at the University of Arizona. My research involves studying the antioxidant protein NRF2 under the mentorship of Dr. Donna Zhang in the Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology

My name is Aryatara Shakya. I’m an International student from Nepal currently pursuing my PhD at the University of Arizona. My research involves studying the antioxidant protein NRF2 under the mentorship of Dr. Donna Zhang in the Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology