I received my masters in Clinical Biochemistry from the University of Kashmir (India). Before joining the neural diversity lab as Graduate Student, I worked as the project assistant in Dr. Saibal Chatterjee’s Laboratory, at the Indian Institute of Science Bangalore (India) where I worked on understanding the role of miRNasome (microRNA turnover complex) in miRNA turnover pathways in C. elegans.

The curiosity that initiated my interest in neuroscience and neurobiology is the diversity of the tasks the brain can perform which in turn is reflected in the diverseness of the neurons that it is composed of. These neurons procreate from progenitor stem cells, which divide and produce these different cell types one after the other. But how do these progenitors manage to generate specific and diverse types of neurons in the right place at the right time?

My work in the lab will involve exploring the cellular and molecular programs regulating the fate specification and identity of sleep neurons in  Drosophila, and elucidating the targets of RNA binding proteins which may be playing a crucial role in generating the neural diversity.

The things which keep me motivated and energetic apart from the lab include Hiking, Reading, Playing Cricket and Poetry.

Hola, my name is Gonzalo Morales Chaya and this is my third year at UNM as an international student from Tucumán, Argentina. I have various interests and as such, I am double majoring in Biochemistry and French, with a minor in Computer Science. While spending my time at the Syed Lab, I fell in love with neuroscience, specifically with the “puzzle" of neuronal diversity. In a near future, I want to continue in the research field and apply for a PhD in biotechnology/biomedical engineering. 

Overwhelmed with discouraging commentaries, I was drawn to research by Syed, the one professor who told me “you can do it.” I love learning, traveling and I am highly motivated to continue my studies once I graduate.

Holla, my name is Alexa González and I am a second-year student at UNM. While pursuing my bachelor’s degree in Biology and Spanish with a minor in Chemistry, I encountered the opportunity to participate in research through the Neural Diversity Lab. Although I would have never imagined taking this route, I was soon amazed by the contributions  Drosophila research has established in the field of science. I was also impressed by the hospitality and assistance of the laboratory members. I am now pleased to begin my journey in the study of Drosophila olfactory and navigation systems. Undoubtedly, Research will continue to be a pillar of my overall success. In the future, I plan to obtain a medical degree and travel. Outside of academics, I love spending time with family, learning more about my Latin culture,  trying new dishes, and art viewing.

My name is Andrew Gutierrez. I graduated from UNM with a B.S. in Biology. I have always had an interest in the field of embryologic development as well as how the process may be altered and studied through genetic engineering techniques. My current focus in the lab is how external signals affect temporal identity and overall CNS development in fruit flies. I hope to use the skills and experiences I have and will gain in the Neural Diversity Lab to become a better researcher in developmental biology. Besides research, my passions include music, painting, dancing, video games, programming, anime/manga, and traveling.

My name is Kamila Giermakowski Rios, I am a current high school senior at Albuquerque Academy. I will be heading to Barnard College of Columbia University in the fall, to get a B.S. in Neuroscience and Behavior on a pre-med track. Neuroscience interests me because there is still a lot of research to be done on the complex systems in the brain and a lot of good can be done through the field. I hope to work in research throughout my undergraduate years. When I am not focused on my scientific studies, I spend my time painting, dancing, and skiing.