Undergraduate Learning Assistants and Tutors in Bio 93

Name: Janel Tran 

Call me: Janel

Major: Biological Sciences   

Year: 2nd

Email: janelt@uci.edu

Preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Research/career interests: I am an aspiring Physician Assistant, and have been working as a Certified Nursing Assistant at a skilled nursing facility for about 1 year. I also volunteer at the OC Food Bank on a weekly basis to help make food packages for low-income seniors in Orange County. 

Personal interests: I love singing, and was part of a vocal ensemble for 4 years in high school. I also enjoy taking film photos on my disposable camera, reading webtoons, watching anime, and spending time with my friends and family. I am always trying new food spots in OC, and would love some recommendations! 

Treasurer and Fundraising Chair of the Physician Assistants Coming Together (PACT) Club

Member of M.E.M.O (Medical, Educational Missions & Outreach)

Name:  Vicky Lam

Call me:  Vicky/Vic

Major: Biological Sciences

Year: 2nd

Email: lamvt2@uci.edu

Preferred pronouns: She/Her/Hers

Research/career interests: I am currently an undergraduate researcher for the Thompson-Peer Lab studying neuronal dendrite regeneration in Drosophila Melanogaster. I’m still discovering my interests and figuring out what I’d like to specialize in, but in regards to my future plans, I am deciding on whether I would like to go to medical school or obtain a PhD.
 

Personal interests: I love reading webtoons, playing video games like Valorant, and watching c/k-dramas and scary gameplays. Though I haven’t been as active in the past year, I’m hoping to exercise more and play tennis when I have time, especially with Dario!

Feel free to ask me any questions about research, transitioning into college, etc!

Undergraduate Researcher for the Thompson-Peer Lab

Name:  Jiwon Hur

Call me:  Jiwon

Major:   Biological Sciences, B.S.

Year:  2nd

Email:  hurj4@uci.edu

Preferred pronouns:   she/her/hers

Research/career interests:  I'm looking to go to medical school! I'm not 100% certain on which specialty I'd like to go into, but I will say that the heart is, by far, the most interesting organ to me. Some topics that have caught my interest are virology and gut microbiology.

Personal interests:  I can't imagine a life without travel. Whenever I have a week or so available, I like to call up my friends and see if we can arrange to go camping or fly to a city we've never been to.

When I'm not traveling, I also like to look out for recipes I'd like to try. Ever since I moved out, I have been actively searching for easy recipes to follow that aren't time-consuming.

Bio Sci 199 Cardiology Research under Dr. Lombardo

General Member of Global Medical Training (GMT)

General Member of Global Medical Mission Alliance (GMMA)

Member of Soon Movement

Name:  Aishah Mahmoud

Call me:  Aishah!

Major:   Biological Sciences / Pre-Medical

Year:  2nd

Email:  afmahmou@uci.edu

Preferred pronouns:   She/Her/Hers

Research/career interests:  Hoping to go to medical school and become a physician. What specialty? Don't know yet, but thinking about OB/GYN or radiology!

Personal interests:  I love cooking. reading (when I have the time), and writing. I currently have a compilation of my own poetry that I'm thinking of publishing (it's a big might though).

I also love staying active and exploring various sports; I recently took a backpacking trip, I'm in a basketball team, and my brother (a big fan of climbing/bouldering) has inspired me to try out climbing. Each sport is so different, but each sport has its own fun.

STEM Editor for the UCI school newspaper, New University

Member of the Muslim Student Union (MSU)

Member of the Pakistani Student Association (PSA)

Looking into joining the archery team!

Name:  Nicholas King

Call me:  Nicholas

Major:  Biological Sciences

Year:  2nd

Email:  nsking@uci.edu

Preferred pronouns:  He/Him/His

Research/career interests:  No clue yet, but hopefully I'll find out soon!

Personal interests:  I'm interested in how people learn and memorize, and I love learning new things (that may or may not be a euphemism for web browsing). I occasionally edit video (DaVinci Resolve > Premiere; fight me), watch nature (two spiders are sparring on my window as I write), and use unreasonable numbers of parentheticals (like this).

Name:  Samantha Tabula

Call me:  Sam!

Major:   Biological Sciences

Year:  2nd

Email:  stabula@uci.edu

Preferred pronouns:   she/her/hers

Research/career interests:  I am hoping to become a Physician Assistant (PA)! I admire the emphasis on patient education the field requires as I believe it is important for patients to be aware of the science behind their diagnosis and conditions. As of right now, I am a Student Nursing Assistant and just received my diploma, ready to take the certification exam in two weeks! I am so excited to gain exposure into medical settings and for patient interactions!!

Personal interests:  Starting this summer, I began a small thrift/consignment shop on Instagram, @_studio02_! I love fashion and sustainable shopping, so this was a great way to express my creative side. I'm also into painting, gardening, and watching Netflix & YouTube in my free time. 

Community Service Chair of the Physician Assistants Coming Together at UCI (PACT) Club

Name:  Dario Rimicci

Call me:  Dario

Major:   Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Year:  2nd

Email:  drimicci@uci.edu

Preferred pronouns: He/They

Research/career interests:  Currently, I am a member of the Thompson-Peer lab studying neuronal dendrite regeneration in fruit fly larvae. Research is a lot of work but it has a lot of payoff! My long term plans include getting my PhD, but I'm still deciding if I want to go into immunology or oncology. 

Personal interests:  In my spare time, I like to play video games like Dark Souls and Mario Kart. I'm also a pianist, bassist, and I sing mediocrely. Cooking for friends and family is by far my favorite activity! I make the meanest vegan chili (am not vegan) and I specialize in traditional Sicilian dishes (am Sicilian). Finally, tennis has become a newfound hobby I've discovered over the summer and I play with Vicky!

Undergraduate researcher for the Thompson-Peer Lab

Name:  Nhat Nguyen

Call me:  "Not"

Major:   Human Biology

Year:  3rd year

Email:  nmnguye4@uci.edu

Preferred pronouns:   He/Him/His

Research/career interests:  I am an undergraduate researcher in the La Spada Lab studying the pathology of spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (SBMA), which is a X-linked disorder caused by a polyQ expansion in the first exon of the AR gene. Research so far has been a great experience, and I would recommend it to anyone who is interested! After my undergrad, I want to pursue an MD-PhD as I think it is interesting to diagnose patients while doing research on the mechanisms behind their disorders with the hope of contributing to a cure!

Personal interests:  I love going on roller coasters, listening to podcasts, solving puzzles, and playing board games! I also enjoy photoshopping  my friends and turning them into memes and emojis!

Public Service Officer of Beta Psi Omega, Co-ed Professional Biology Fraternity

Social Chair of Anteater's Habitat for Humanity

Undergraduate Researcher in the La Spada Lab

Name:  Sahar Ahmed

Call me:  Sahar

Major:   Biological Sciences

Year:  2nd

Email:  sahara1@uci.edu

Preferred pronouns:   she/her/hers

Research/career interests: My career goal is to become a physician, specifically a pediatrician. As of right now, I'm volunteering at a local hospital's pediatric care unit to gain more experience in a healthcare environment, especially with helping patients. It's been a rewarding experience and motivated me to pursue my goal of becoming a pediatrician. I am also a virtual scribe, where I help physicians by documenting important patient information. 

Personal interests: I used to be a competitive swimmer, but now I enjoy just swimming in my free time (especially in the ocean!!). I also love thrifting/fashion and watching Netflix (my current favorites are Money Heist/Gilmore Girls). 

ASUCI First-Year Senator 

Name: Timm Vo

Call me: Timm

Major: Biological Sciences

Year: 2nd year

Email:  vohk@uci.edu

Preferred pronouns: he/him/his   

Research/career interests: Pre-med 

Personal interests: science, art, music, literature, politics 

Undergraduate researches at UCI, ASUCI member 

Name:  Cindy Phung

Call me:  "Cin" or "Phung" or Cindy -- All are welcome :)

Major:  Biological Sciences

Year:  3rd

Email:  cphung4@uci.edu

Preferred pronouns: she/her

Research/career interests: I'm pursuing a career as a General Surgeon, I volunteer as an escort at a hospital, and I'm starting research this year in Dr. Agrawal's lab working with the immune system and its effects on Huntington's and Alzheimer's. I work part-time in food service, so come by if anyone wants free drinks!

Personal interests: I love running when I feel a bit spontaneous, trying new fitness routines, keeping up with kpop groups, and traveling to different cities to explore. Of course I watch anime, and of course I love to bake in my spare time -- tarts and muffins are the best! I love sharing interests so feel free to come and chat if you've got time!

Member of the UCI Running Club

Bio Sci 199 Research under Dr. Agrawal

Name:  Vanessa Monroy

Call me:  Vanessa

Major:   Biological Sciences

Year:  2nd 

Email:  vnmonroy@uci.edu

Preferred pronouns:   she/her/hers

Research/career interests:  In the future, I hope to work in labor and delivery/postpartum. I am currently working to gain experience as a scribe at a clinic in Fullerton. As far as research goes, I hope to begin very soon!

Personal interests:  When I have the time, I love to do arts and crafts. Michael's is probably one of my favorite places ever. I feel like I've tried at everything there is to try at least once. I even recently started crocheting! I am more dedicated to painting and graphite drawings, though. One of my first paintings was even featured in an art gallery! I also enjoy reading, streaming shows or movies, playing music, gaming, and spending time with my family.

UCI M.E.M.O

UCI PACT

Name: Rebecca Rogozen

Call me: Rebecca or Becca

Major:  Human Biology

Year: 4th year

Email: rrogozen@uci.edu

Preferred pronouns: she/her

Research/career interests:  I hope to pursue multiple careers. I want to become a physician and bring health care to marginalized communities and to play a role in medical/ mental health education and advocacy. I also would like to do something on the side related to art.

Personal interests:  painting/drawing (digital + traditional), video editing, the beach, hiking,  cooking, and watching more Netflix and Youtube than is good for me. 

Name:  Vanessa Valdovinos

Call me:  Vanessa or Ness

Major:  Human Biology

Year:  3rd Year

Email:  vavaldov@uci.edu

Preferred pronouns:  she/her/ hers

Research/career interests:  I'm pursuing a career as a physician specializing in women's health, specifically an OB/GYN! In my later years, I want to work with a nonprofit around the world that focuses on helping underdeveloped countries with inadequate healthcare.

Personal interests: In my spare time, I love watching shows and movies, especially horror. I also enjoy anything that has to do with baking!

Bio Sci Tutoring Program 

Plegde Ambassador 

Member of EarthReps

Name:  Anmol Gill 

Call me:  Anmol (un-mole) 

Major:   Biological Sciences 

Year:  2nd

Email:  anmolkg@uci.edu

Preferred pronouns:   she/her/hers

Research/career interests:  My current career goal is to become a Physician Assistant (PA). I recently got certified as an EMT, so I plan to eventually start working as one to gain patient care hours. I am also an undergraduate researcher at the Tang Lab! We are currently working on an immunotherapy project. 

Personal interests:  When I'm not studying, you will often find me hiking, sewing, or painting! I would love some hiking recommendations! 

Tutor for Bio Sci Peer Tutoring Program (BSPT) 

Member of Physician Assistants Coming Together (PACT) Club 

Events Coordinator for HOSA Club