First of all my name is Armando, and I am currently taking classes in Mission College to become an Engineer. I've lived in multiple places in the United States but the place I loved the most was AZ. I came to the United States at the age of 12 and it was hard for me to learn the language, but thanks to my professor I learned English super quick. I speak two languages which are English and Spanish, and I am currently trying to learn Italian.
I'm a first-generation Latina. I'm a computer science major. I've never done research before but I know the impact that it can have in many different areas. I'm excited to learn more about the lab that I got placed in.
Once I graduate I would love to work for a startup company. I have 2 younger sisters who are my inspiration!
Faculty Mentor: John Huguenard
My name is Joleen Ybarra and I plan to major in Clinical Neuroscience. I am currently a first-year student at Mission College planning to transfer to a UC within the next two years. Neuroscience has always sparked an interest in me as I was curious to understand why humans act the way we do. I am fascinated to gain more skills in working in labs along with learning in depth about the human brain.
Hello everyone, I’m a proud first generation Mexican American college student at De Anza College studying Chemical Biology! At De Anza, I'm an in-class and drop-in tutor for the Math Performance Success (MPS) Program, providing extra math support for those in need, and I'm an officer for the Chemistry Fusion Society club, bringing together a community of those with an interest in chemistry. Some of my interests and hobbies include sports, music production, and of course, chemistry.
Hello! I'm Umme Zainab Ahmad, and I'm a sophomore currently pursuing my Associate's for Transfer in mathematics/science. I hope to transfer to a 4-year institution in Fall 2025 to study chemical engineering with an emphasis in biotechnology. I am very interested in researching the cause of disease and I want to do my part in creating optimal cures for most diseases with minimal side effects and maximum efficacy.
I am a Mexican immigrant and currently a freshman at De Anza majoring in Biology on the pre-vet track. Biology is my main topic of interest, as cellular function and genetics have always fascinated me. I am also interested in animal studies as I strive to attend veterinary school. All interests combined drive me to research medicine, treatments, and diseases in animal care.
Hi my name is Giselle and I am a first generation freshman at De Anza College. My major is Biology with a concentration in Neuroscience and I hope to attend medical school in the future to become a child/adolescent psychiatrist. I really enjoy the topic of behavioral neuroscience, specifically the study of mental disorders. I'm also interested in anything health related and genetics.
In my free time I enjoy running, singing, and trying new foods!
Faculty Mentor: Thomas Sudhof
I was born in the Santa Clara County but raised in the Santa Cruz mountains. I am currently attending Foothill College as an Electrical Engineer and plan to transfer to UCSC. I am very invested in my major of being an electrical engineer, but before that, it would be nice to explore a different field I have never been exposed too - neuroscience, to also learn about the different types of engineering, along with sciences. I believe this is a perfect opportunity for me to network and being exposed to a new way of learning.
Hello everyone my name is Eliana Randazzo and I am a freshman at Foothill College. I am currently double majoring in Sociology and Business Economics. Outside of school I love to read, going on hikes, and go to the beach. Since I was little it has always been a dream of mine to be able to be a part of a program like this so I am so excited to start and meet everyone who was also able to be apart of such a great program.
Hello! My name is MaryAnne Garay, I am a first-generation college student at Foothill College working towards a degree in Respiratory Therapy. Some of my research interests are in substance abuse and use. How environment comes into play with substance use and abuse. My other research interests are anything to do with any type of addiction one may have. I'm interested in this field because I want to help patients improve their health and live more comfortably.