(Click students’ name to see ePortfolios)
Cell and Molecular Biology
Faculty Mentor: Nicholas J. Shikuma
Alpher was appointed to the MARC program in August 2023. He is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Molecular Biology and a minor in Sustainability.
As a researcher in the Shikuma Lab, he studies to expand scientific knowledge and diversify the tools available for genetic manipulation of marine bacteria.
After graduating from San Diego State University, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Biomedical science.
Shiloh Bolden
Environmental Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Natalie Mladenov
Shiloh joined MARC in September 2023. At San Diego State University, he is studying Environmental Engineering. Under his supervisor, Dr. Natalie Mladenov in the “WIRLab”, he is researching anammox bacteria and it’s possible uses for cleaning wastewater in a low-cost Anaerobic Baffled Reactor.
After receiving his undergraduate degree, he will go on to receive his Ph.D. in Systems Engineering which will allow him to become a project manager.
Josselyn Jacobo
Cellular & Molecular Biology/Psychology
Mentor: Tom Huxford
Josselyn was appointed to the MARC program in July 2023. She is double majoring in Cellular & Molecular Biology and Psychology and minoring in Interdisciplinary Studies.
She is currently an undergraduate researcher for the Huxford Biochemistry Lab. She has worked on understanding regulation in the NF-KB signal transduction pathway, which is associated with inflammatory-based diseases.
After graduation, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in either Biochemistry or Biophysics. She has a career goal of becoming a PI in her own lab and continuing to do research with clinical applications that can help patients.
Diego Leon
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Margaret Friend
Diego was appointed to the MARC program in August 2023. He is studying psychology with an emphasis on neuroscience and a minor in counseling and social change. As a research assistant at the Infant and Child Development Lab, Diego assists Dr. Margaret Friend’s research on language and cognition in children under five years of age. We are currently studying how the COVID-19 pandemic affected language acquisition and cognition in bilingual Spanish-speaking children
After obtaining his bachelor’s degree, he plans to receive a Ph.D. in neuropsychology/clinical. Diego aspires to become a psychology professor at a top-tier four-year university, practice clinical neuropsychology at a medical clinic, and research mental disorders in children.
Carly Nichols
Chemistry
Faculty Mentor: Christopher Harrison
Carly was appointed to the MARC program in September 2023. She is majoring in Chemistry and minoring in Cultural Proficiency.
As an undergraduate researcher for the Harrison lab, she has worked on capillary coating modifications and analysis of creatinine.
After graduation, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Analytical Chemistry or Forensic Chemistry. Her career goal is to work in a state crime lab doing forensic work.
Liana Parrish
Psychology
Faculty Mentor: Miguel Villodas
Liana was appointed to the MARC program in September 2023. Her major is Psychology with a minor in Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. Liana conducts research in the Healthy Child and Family Development Lab with Dr. Miguel Villodas.
Liana has an interest in clinical psychology specifically researching the connection between trauma and depression, anxiety, and other disorders. Liana aims to destigmatize mental health disorders as well as learn more about coping strategies and methods.
After acquiring a bachelor’s degree she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology and service individuals through a private practice.
Shalayah-Naomi Webb
Aerospace Engineering
Faculty Mentor: Satchi Venkataraman
Naomi was appointed to the MARC program in September of 2023. Her major is Aerospace Engineering and she is pursuing a minor in Mathematics. Naomi will research in the Aerospace Structures lab under Dr. Satchi Venkataraman.
After obtaining her Bachelor’s degree, she plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Aerospace Engineering. Her career goals include working for NASA after graduate school and joining the space industry.
Lizeth Sanchez Zamudio
Astronomy
Faculty Mentor: Kate Rubin
Lizeth was appointed to the MARC program in September of 2023.
Her major is Astronomy and she is pursuing a minor in Mathematics and Honors Interdisciplinary Studies. Lizeth will be conducting galaxy research with Dr. Kate Rubin.
After completing her bachelor’s degree, she hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in Astronomy and become an astronomer. She has also considered becoming an astronomy professor.
