Current U-RISE Participants

Alakbarli Nargiz

Major: Psychology
Mentor: Jill Quilici, Ph.D.
Research Project: TBD

Michael Arevalo

Major: Kinesiology
Mentor: Eric P. Kelson, Ph.D.
Research Project: Synthesis and testing of trojan horse anti-tumor compounds on aggressive breast cancer cell lines.

The logo of the U-RISE and Bridges to the Ph.D. program in place as a substitute for a photo of a student.

Major: Psychology
Mentor: Yolanda Vasquez-Salgado, Ph.D.
Research Project: TBD

The logo of the U-RISE and Bridges to the Ph.D. program in place as a substitute for a photo of a student.

Major: Microbiology
Mentor: Karin Crowhurst, Ph.D.
Research Project: News Media Literacy: A Pathway to Vaccine Acceptance

Kayla Cortez

Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
Mentor: Eric Kelson, Ph.D.
Research Project: Testing compounds in the synthesis lab that could potentially become toxic to three breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7, 468, 231)

The logo of the U-RISE and Bridges to the Ph.D. program in place as a substitute for a photo of a student.

Major: Psychology
Mentor: Stefanie Drew, Ph.D.
Research Project:  TBD

Sharlene Guarina

Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
Mentor: Thomas Minehan, Ph.D.
Research Project: The utilization of modern organic syntheses techniques to determine the most efficient direct synthesis of potential anti-tumor and antibacterial agents — mayamycin, balmorlaymycin, and dehydroablomycin. Additionally, these molecules are under investigation for their potential DNA binding profiles to the major or minor groove of DNA.

Ashley Harrison

Major: Biotechnology
Mentor: Eric P. Kelson, Ph.D.
Research Project: Synthesis and testing of Trojan horse anti-tumor compounds on aggressive breast cancer cell lines.

Onyx Harrison

Major: Psychology
Mentor: Stefanie Drew, Ph.D.
Research Project: Gender non-conformity in professors and student’s perceptions of competence

Kevin Landaverde

Major: Psychology
Mentor: Yolanda Vasquez-Salgado, Ph.D.
Research Project: Multi-Site Transition to College.  Understanding the relationship between first-generation college students and their transition to college.

Kenny Mazariegos

Major: Biology
Mentor: Jacob W.Hinkel-Lipsker, Ph.D.
Research Project: Virtual Reality for Gait Rehabilitation.

Angel Morales

Major: Psychology
Mentor: Yolanda Vasquez-Salgado, Ph.D.
Research Project: Multi-Site Transition to College. Understanding the relationship between first-generation college students and their transition to college.

Bao Ngoc Nguyen

Major: Microbiology
Mentor: Melissa Takahashi, Ph.D.
Research Project: Comparing Sensitivity of RNA Detection Tools

Louis Perry

Major: Psychology
Mentor: Stefanie Drew, Ph.D.
Research Project: Investigating the relationship between gamification in Virtual Reality and its affects on skill transfer and internal motivation.

Cindy Quintanilla

Major: Biotechnology
Mentor: Anna Bezryadina, Ph.D.
Research Project: Optically trapping biofilm in hopes to make biodegradable equipment.

Roberto Reyes

Major: Psychology
Mentor: Dr. Yolanda Vasquez-Salgado
Research Project: Multi-Site Transition to College.  Understanding the relationship between first-generation college students and their transition to college.

Joshua Vazquez

Major: Cell and Molecular Biology
Mentor: Claudia Toledo-Corral, Ph.D.
Research Project: Investigating the Relationship of Perceived Discrimination on Cardiovascular Health Risk Factors

Alyssa Vidal

Major: Biotechnology
Mentor: Mariano Loza Coll, Ph.D.
Research Project: The effects of cannabinoids in Drosophila.