Head-and-shoulders portrait of Denise with two long braided pigtails wearing a black crewneck, photographed in a Stanford sandstone archway; face is obscured.

Denise Balaguera

Biology, De Anza College
Affiliation:
NeURO-CC Fellows
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Denise Balaguera (she/her) is a 2026 NeURO-CC fellow and a Biology major at De Anza College with plans to transfer to a four-year university in Fall 2027. She is especially interested in neurodegenerative diseases and the intersection of neuroscience and mental health. After receiving her bachelor's degree, she plans to pursue graduate school. As a first generation Colombian-American, she hopes to use her background in science to encourage other Latino students to find their place in STEM. Outside of the lab, Denise enjoys watching sitcoms, playing soccer, and spending time with her family.

Research Mentor: Tao Yang

Faculty Advisor: Frank Longo