I am a first generation Mexican-American from the San Fernando Valley. I received my B.S. in Biological Sciences at UC Irvine. I received my Ph.D. at UCLA in the department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Molecular Genetics under the excellent mentorship of Dr. Elissa Hallem. My Ph.D. work involved studying neural circuits controlling CO2 avoidance behavior in C. elegans. Currently, I am in the laboratory of Dr. Scott Kitchen working on developing novel immunotherapeutic strategies for the treatment of HIV infection. In my free time, I enjoy hiking with my lab mates, playing video games, and discovering new music.
My long-term goals are to become a faculty member at a research institution and teach undergraduate courses in immunology and molecular biology. I aim to be involved in outreach programs that introduce students of disadvantaged backgrounds to research science and learn about STEM careers.
