Nina Latcheva

Bio:

I was born in Sofia, Bulgaria and immigrated to America with my family when I was 8 years old. In 2011, I received my Bachelor’s in Genetics from Rutgers University while working in a Drosophila lab studying neurodegeneration. In 2013, I went on to do my PhD in Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. There I worked in the Marenda Laboratory using fruit flies to study epigenetic mechanisms in neuronal development. I came to UCLA in 2019 to work in the Geschwind Laboratory studying regeneration associated gene network interactions after neuronal injury.

My long-term career goals are to start an academic lab where I can contribute to research on epigenetic mechanisms in neuronal development and disease and also help mentor the next generation of scientists. I hope to provide an inclusive and comfortable environment that allows young researchers the confidence to explore the scientific method without fear or consequences of making mistakes.