I graduated from UCSC in Spring 2014 with a B.S. in Neuroscience, and am currently working as a Course Assistant for Developmental Biology and Biochemistry Lab at UCSC, while also applying to medical school. During my time at UCSC, I was involved in undergraduate research, even serving as an officer in the Undergraduate Research Science Association on campus. Since graduating, I have maintained my role as research assistant in the Lee lab, focusing on the chaperone protein HSP70 and the potential for therapeutic value with respect to Alzheimer’s Disease. HSP70 is involved not only in protein folding and transport, but also in a number of other cellular pathways, including apoptosis. The project I am a part of involves expressing human Amyloid Precursor Protein (hAPP) in Drosophila melanogaster under a pan-neuronal promoter construct, elav-Gal4. The effects of HSP70 on AD model flies are assessed via longevity studies, activity monitors, and biochemical analysis. Outside of research, in my free time, I volunteer with a local non-profit called Sprout Up, which brings free sustainable education to first and second grade classrooms in the community. I enjoy spending time outdoors, hiking/ backpacking, rock climbing, and dancing.