From:
Tustin, CA born in Veracruz, Mexico
Education:
BS: Cell Biology with Minor in Neuroscience - UC Davis
Hobbies:
When I'm not in the lab I'm spending time with my cat Anakin and my bunny Mylo while watching the latest Netflix show. I enjoy cooking, going to TJ Maxx, and working with middle school students at my church.
Research Interests:
The lab previously demonstrated that animals grown at cold temperature exhibit a higher number of motor neurons than siblings grown at warm temperature, in a TRPM8-dependent manner. My independent project aims to understand the role of cold temperature on motor neuron survival in our model Xenopus laevis. Specifically, how activation of TRPM8, a cold-sensitive, Ca2+-permeable channel is necessary for preventing apoptosis of motor neurons when reared at cold temperature.So far, my findings have shown that TRPM8 function is necessary for preventing apoptosis of motor neurons at cold temperature. My discoveries will contribute to understanding environmental influence on nervous system development.