Meet Our Students
Skip to Student Bio
MARC-WSU Scholars: 2025-27 Cohort
Tiana LaFollette
Hometown: Zillah, Washington
Majors: Neuroscience and Psychology
Future career goals: I plan to earn my MD/PhD in neuroscience or neurobiology, and to have a career in pediatrics! More specifically pediatric neurology or pediatric neuropsychiatry. I am working towards this career because if we can ensure the health of our children, we can ensure the health of our future world.
Why I joined MARC-WSU: I wanted help on my path to graduate medical school. The MARC program is not only able to give me tools and resources that I need in order to succeed and successfully get into an MD/PhD program, but also gives me opportunities to be in research spaces and experience what it is like to be a scientist.
Research activities: I am part of the Wayman lab where I participate in many different projects. One project I am a part of is studying the effects of maternal exercise on fetal brain development. I am also working on my own independent project studying Kappa Opioids Receptors and their function with other known receptors.
Interesting facts about me: An interesting fact about me is I have a cat! His name is Cooper, and he is the light of my life! I recommend everyone have a kitty!
Taylor Page
Hometown: Kennewick, Washington
Major: Biochemistry
Minor: Chemistry
Future career goals: I plan to earn my MD-PhD in Reproductive Biology, and to have a career in integrating clinical care and research to improve women’s health. My goal is to develop innovative therapies for reproductive diseases and infertility, translating scientific discoveries into treatments that directly impact patients’ lives and advance our understanding of reproductive biology.
Why I joined MARC-WSU: I joined the MARC-WSU program to gain mentorship, training, and research experience that will prepare me for an MD-PhD in reproductive biology. I value MARC’s supportive community and the opportunities it provides to grow as a researcher. Through MARC, I am developing the skills and connections to advance my career and pursue meaningful research.
Research activities: I am part of the Hayashi lab where I participate in reproductive biology research. My project focuses on exploring the molecular mechanisms that regulate fertility, using mouse models and molecular biology approaches to study uterine function. The lab also investigates nonsteroidal treatments for endometriosis. Together, these studies aim to advance our understanding of reproductive health and guide novel therapeutic strategies for infertility and women’s health disorders.
Interesting facts about me: I love to cook! I try to cook something new that I haven’t tried before every week!
Adia Pincheira
Hometown: Tri-Cities, Washington
Major: Microbiology with a specialization in Molecular Biology
Minor: Public Health
Future career goals: I plan to earn my PhD in Microbiology, and to eventually pursue a career in gene therapy. I think gene therapy is super cool and I hope to be able to improve lives from meticulous construction and manipulation of gene expression using viruses to treat various diseases.
Why I joined MARC-WSU: I joined MARC because I want to pursue graduate school and knew that I would need help in preparing and making myself a competitive candidate for that. The financial support that it offers allows me to be able to work in a lab where I belong, doing something that fuels my drive for life.
Research activities: I am not currently apart of lab as I am doing rotations. I am rotating through Dr. Law’s reproductive biology lab that explores the paternal side’s role in miscarriages in mice. I am currently working with two graduate students and getting familiar with their research in lab.
Interesting facts about me: I grew up with cats my entire life, I have 2 kittypies now named Illumi and Nina. They are both exotic Shorthair, Illumi is a dilute calico and Nina is a tortoiseshell.
Gabriella “GiGi” H. Searle
Hometown: Burlington-Edison, Washington
Major: Genetics & Cell Biology
Future career goals: I plan to earn my PhD in Developmental Biology. Currently, my work focuses on skin development and wound healing. I look forward to exploring different fields throughout my research journey, with the goal of going into academia as a principal investigator or working in high level industry.
Why I joined MARC-WSU: Research is my livelihood. I joined MARC-WSU to be surrounded by peers and faculty members with similar values to learn from. My cohort includes folks educated in reproductive biology, neuroscience, and microbiology, which are all very different from my current field. It’s rewarding to hear about their journeys and experiences all while supporting each other.
Research activities: I am part of the Driskell lab where I have worked with PhD Candidate Sean Thompson on projects examining dermatoglyphics (skin patterning) and the relationship of hair density and skin architecture through a variety of models such as marmosets, humans, and mice. Currently, I am leading a project comparing wound healing across multiple species.
Interesting facts about me: I got chased by a bighorn sheep while hiking in Montana.
MARC-WSU Scholars: 2024-26 Cohort
Jo Castaneda
Hometown: Everson, Washington
Majors: Chemistry and Biochemistry
Future career goals: I plan to earn my PhD in Organic Chemistry, and to eventually have a career in Academia as a Professor, with the opportunity to not only run my own laboratory but also mentor the next generation of scientists and teach Chemistry courses!
Why I joined MARC-WSU: As a first-generation student the road to graduate school is difficult. I joined MARC to get the proper training I need to not only successfully get into a PhD program, but also successfully transition into it as well as provide me the opportunity to become a competitive applicant come time to apply to PhD programs!
Research activities: I am part of the Sharma Translational Nanomedicine Laboratory where I participate in translational research synthesizing dendrimer nanoparticles (NPs) for drug delivery to treat unmet medical disease. I am currently on the chemical biology aspect of things working on application of our dendrimer NPs to test compatibility, viability, and other important components.
Interesting facts about me: I love horror (movies, shows, books, etc.).
Anastasia Martinez
Hometown: Spokane, Washington
Major: Biochemistry
Future career goals: I plan to earn my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry. Then I plan to continue my education to get a PhD in biomedical sciences, and to have a career in fundamental research that can impact human health. I also hope to gain the skills to be a great mentor.
Why I joined MARC-WSU: I joined MARC-WSU because of the invaluable guidance MARC-WSU offers me to become an appealing candidate for graduate schools. I hope to use the guidance offered in MARC to kickstart my research career. I also joined for the cohort of likeminded students how have similar career goals.
Research activities: I am a part of the Duttke lab where I research the mechanisms of transcriptional regulation. I look at noncoding regions of DNA and their effects on gene regulation, proteins that are key regulators in gene expression, as well as spatial grammar. Understanding these mechanisms can help us understand development and disease.
Interesting facts about me: I was a proud member of the “best in the west” Cougar Marching Band! I am also a proud vice president of Mariachi Leones Del Monte.
Amina Sinyan
Hometown: Marysville, Washington
Major: Biomedical Engineering
Minor: Chemical Engineering
Future career goals: I aspire to be a scientist after getting my bioengineering degree. Through novel technologies and approaches, I hope to change the way we treat diseases. Combining my bioengineering pre-med background with my interest in the intersection of engineering and life sciences aligns with my passion for innovation. My goal is to collaborate with healthcare workers and industry to apply these developments.
Why I joined MARC-WSU: I joined MARC-WSU to gain experience and becoming a strong applicant for graduate programs. The program fosters innovation, critical thinking, and the establishment of academic partnerships among students, extending beyond traditional classroom settings. It allowed me to explore laboratories at WSU and provided resources to connect with others who think alike. The MARC-WSU program allows me to deeply study regenerative medicine.
Research activities: In the Dr. Van Wie lab, I worked on the biomanufacturing of Human T-cells using a novel prototype called CentriFLEX and using engineering techniques for cellular regulation to produce clinical solutions for degenerative joint diseases, specifically through advanced regenerative Articular Cartilage tissue approaches for treating Osteoarthritis.
Interesting facts about me: I and very passionate about European football and basketball. I love to read in my free time. I also love watching prison documentaries and reality TV. I also speak over 5 languages.
David Soto
Hometown: Shelton, Washington
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Psychology
Future career goals: I plan to earn a PhD in in neuroscience, and to have a career in researching drugs of abuse such as alcohol, cocaine and other addictive substances. I want to work in a research laboratory that expands the scientific knowledge of how we can treat addiction in order to better peoples lives.
Why I joined MARC-WSU: When I first joined a research lab I found that I really enjoy the scientific process and all the challenges and rewards that came with doing research. The MARC program offers excellent guidance when it comes to preparing for graduate school so it was a huge goal for me to join MARC and become better equipped for graduate school.
Research activities: I am part of the Dr. Fuchs lab where I participate in studying how different brain regions and populations of neurons affect the strength of a cocaine associated memory. By using an operant condition model with rats we are able to model how the strength of cocaine-associated memories changes depending on different manipulations to specific brain regions and neurons.
Interesting facts about me: At WSU I am also apart of the Cougar Crew rowing team where we practice down at the Snake river 6 days a week. I really enjoy rowing and find that it helps me focus in my studies and research.
MARC-WSU Scholars: 2023-25 Cohort
Tyler Boies
Hometown: Buckley, Washington
Major: Bioengineering
Future career goals: I plan on finishing my PhD here at WSU, and continuing on into industry in a bioscience field.
Why I joined MARC-WSU: To provide an income allowing me to have more time to do more work in the laboratory setting. Also, to gain insights into being a rounded scientist capable of properly conveying research to a broader audience.
Research activities: I am a part of Michael Phelps’ aquatic species lab (most of the research is centered around CRISPR). My current project is on making genetic detection methods through molecular techniques.
Fun facts about me: I have been a part of the Fire/EMS service for five years, am outdoor enthusiast, and recently started my own company.
Samira Diaz de Leon
Hometown: Coachella Valley, Southern California
Major: Biochemistry with an emphasis in Molecular Biology
Future career goals: After completing my bachelor’s degree, I plan to apply for a PhD program focusing on Microbiology. I plan to research skin inflammatory diseases and their relationships with gut microbiomes. After completing my studies in graduate school, I will commit to the NIH Undergraduate Scholarship Program (UGSP) and plan to work with NIH for a year in my research area of interest.
Why I joined MARC-WSU: To gain more research experience and take the opportunity to further my educational passion in using research as an advantage of improving skin resources concerning skin diseases and bacterial infection.
Research activities: Working in the Baylink Lab, my project focuses on an invitro competition of Salmonellal and the microbiome in a health and diseased gut using the metabolisms growth of the diverse bacteria. Morever, we discovered the importance the microbiome plays in preventing infection and can allow the Baylink lab to use this data for an insight into the pathogen’s colonization.
Interesting facts about me: I come from a family of 10 and am the only one with curly/wavy hair!
Brayden Olsen
Hometown: Richland, Washington
Major: Microbiology
Future career goals: I plan to earn my PhD in Microbiology, and to have a career in academic a a professor and principle investigator. I would hope to pursue a PhD at UT Austin or Baylor College of Medicine to investigate the intestinal microbiota and the developments of immunotherapies.
Why I joined MARC-WSU: Because it will help me gain professional experiences to continue research and expand my professional network. The program offers extensive professional development by giving opportunities to travel to conferences that interested me in the program to share my research with other scientists in the field.
Research activities: I am part of the Koehler lab where i participate in the research of MPXV pathogenesis and the effects of the virus has on immune system pathways. I also help with vaccine trials on animal models with new vaccines that offer protection against Orthopoxviruses by looking at neutralization efficiency that could possibly be used for future human clinical trials.
Fun facts: I enjoy working out, reading, bowling, football, and playing blackjack in my free time. I am very interested in probiotics, specifically how they can be used as a treatment for autoimmune diseases.
Brayan Osegueda
Hometown: Auburn, Washington
Major: Bioengineering
Future career goals: I plan to earn my PhD in Bioengineering and to have a career in expanding protein engineering methodologies. I would like to eventually teach Bioengineering principles as a professor while continuing to further research in expression and purification of proteins.
Why I joined MARC-WSU: MARC offered a way to really focus both my career aspirations and research interests while maintaining a sense of financial security. The program itself offers a place with like-minded individuals who also have a deep passion for their respective research interests.
Research activities: I am part of the Kostyukova lab where I participate in projects ranging from computational modeling of mutations, expression and purification of modified proteins, and identifying structural changes in modified proteins. I have spent the majority of my college career with my research professor Alla Kostyukova and found that I loved the environment and the great people I get to work with.
Fun facts: I have a clicking speed of 14 times per second. While this is not practical in any sense, it is fun to click the refresh button really fast when the Internet goes down.
Ethan Villalovoz
Hometown: El Dorado Hills, California
Major: Computer Science
Minor: Mathematics
Future career goals: I plan to earn my PhD in Robotics/Artificial Intelligence, and to have a career in industry, focusing on developing advanced AI-driven robotic systems that enhance human/AI collaboration. My goal is to contribute to cutting-edge innovations at leading tech companies, driving the future of intelligent, adaptable machines and how we can integrate them into our daily lives.
Why I joined MARC-WSU: Because I am passionate about pursuing a research career in robotics and artificial intelligence, I joined MARC-WSU to gain hands-on research experience, mentorship, and professional development opportunities. This program will help me develop the skills and knowledge needed to achieve my goal of earning a PhD and contributing to cutting-edge advancements in my field.
Research activities: I am part of the Doppa lab where I participate in analyzing and mitigating security vulnerabilities in code generation by large language models (LLMs). My research involves configuring Python scripts, generating datasets, and implementing evaluation frameworks that enhance the accuracy, security, and overall reliability of AI-generated code. This work contributes to improving cybersecurity measures and advancing the safe deployment of AI systems in real-world applications.
Fun fact: You might find it astonishing that I’m really into volleyball – it’s my thing on the court. But beyond that, I’m also pretty dedicated to hitting the gym. I’ve got my eyes set on a goal: bench-pressing three plates.
2022-24 Cohort
Katy Ayers
Hometown: Kearney, Nebraska
Majors: Dual Degrees in Bioengineering and Biochemistry
Minor: Mathematics
Future career goals: I will attain PhD in mycology (the study of fungi) and engineering to help build societal connections to nature through engineering and education.
Why I joined MARC-WSU: I joined the MARC-WSU program to help me achieve my future goals as well as for the additional support and accountability. I am a first-generation, non-traditional student from a rural background. With this program I will be able to focus on my education and research instead of holding three jobs. I look forward to working with other student who share my curiosity and drive for knowledge.
Research activities: Currently, I am looking into the application of fungal mycelium to native solitary pollinator habitats. I grow bee hotels from a fungus and fondly refer to them as MycHotels. These bee hotels offer nesting habitat to solitary pollinators which may pollinate up to 80% of our native plants. While many individuals are aware of honeybee decline, our native pollinator populations are dwindling at an equally alarming rate. I will deploy the MycHotels in the Spring of 2023 alongside traditional wooden bee hotels to act as a control. I will then calculate the number of species in each type of bee hotel. Next, I will measure the viral load in a random sample from each hotel. This will allow me to see if MycHotels have a medicinal benefit for pollinators. MycHotels are a sustainable solution to solitary pollinator habitat loss and can be used as a soil amendment after use. If my research supports my hypothesis that MycHotels are a medicinal, sustainable, nesting habitat that facilitate conservation of native solitary pollinators, MycHotels could be scaled up for any size farm.
Fun fact: I hold the Guinness’ World Record for the world’s largest fungal mycelium canoe at 2.3 meters long. I named my creation the Myconoe; it is still alive and grows mushrooms after being on the water.
Ximena Herrera
Hometown: Spokane and Spokane Valley, Washington
Major: Neuroscience
Minor: Biology
Future career goals: Earn a M.D/Ph. D In Neuroscience
Why I joined MARC-WSU: I joined the MARC-WSU program because it would help me achieve my goal of expanding my research opportunities by offering seminars and presentations and providing me with the skills needed to apply to higher institutions. It allows me to interact with students and mentors who share the same ambitions. As a first-generation student, it helped me carve out a path toward an MD/PhD. It supports my goal to work in the healthcare field and become a doctor to help others along the way, especially those that share the same background as me. As part of the program, I was able to grow and continue my research on campus, and I was supported along the way.
Research activities: I have been a part of Dr. Henrick’s lab since August 2021, in which we study the neurobiological underpinnings of substance use disorder when understanding behavior and addiction development in both genders. As we focus on characterizing sex differences using rodent models to understand the neurobiological mechanisms of addiction. The goal is to enhance our preclinical findings in clinical populations to advance the therapies of substance use disorders and mental illness in men and women.
Interesting fact: I love animals. I now have two tabby cats named Valentina and Cariño. They are my pride and joy after class. In my spare time, I enjoy hiking, baking, or spending time with friends and family.
Sophie Kate Shirali
Hometown: Bellevue, Washington
Major: Neuroscience
Future career goals: Earn an MD/PhD in Neuroscience
Why I joined MARC-WSU: As a first-generation student and a lifelong learner, I am very grateful for the guidance and support the MARC-WSU program will provide me. The opportunity to experience different labs and learn a multitude of research skills, have access to numerous mentors within my field of interest, and take part in courses that will enrich and nurture my skills and passion for neuroscience research are just some of the ways that MARC-WSU will have a profound positive impact on my growth as a scientist as well as my future career endeavors.
Research activities: I have been a part of Dr. Travis Brown’s lab since August 2021 researching the effects of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) on the degradation of structures in the prefrontal cortex known as perineuronal nets to understand the role MMPs play in causing diet-induced obesity. This will hopefully lead to future work in utilizing gene silencing techniques to develop novel treatments to diet-induced obesity and its subsequent implications.
Fun fact: I love to run; I have previously run a half-marathon!
Katherina (Katy) Zaharova
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Major: Bioengineering
Minor: Entrepreneurship
Future career goals: Develop a new type of imaging machine that gives fast and efficient results, at a much cheaper cost (compared to fMRIs).
Why I joined MARC-WSU: It was an exciting opportunity to build my personal strengths with the guidance of professionals in the field to grow and apply to PhD programs.
Research activities: I want to expand into the neuroscience field. This year I have joined a lab that is creating a brain map of circuits involved in addiction. If we are able to break the circuit then we could treat addiction at its core.
Fun fact: I’m ambidextrous!
Inaugural 2021-23 Cohort
Alexandra Malena
Hometown: Hawthorne, California
Majors: Neuroscience and Psychology
Minor: Sociology
Future career goals: Earn a PhD in Neuroscience
Why I joined MARC-WSU: As a first-generation student, having the opportunity to partake in research skills courses, professional development workshops, and mentoring will provide me with the support needed to be successful in pursuing a doctorate degree. Being a part of the MARC-WSU program will help me achieve my aspirations of researching and making an impact in the field of Alzheimer’s disease at a higher education level by providing the resources and opportunities to get into a graduate program.
Research activities: I have been a part of Dr. McLaughlin’s lab since January 2020 and have been researching the effects of maternal cannabis use on offspring anxiety-like behavior in rats. I will be starting a research project to assess whether rats will lever press for cannabis vapor rewards.
Fun fact: I ran the Los Angeles Marathon when I was 18.
Kalli Stephens
Hometown: I grew up in a rural town in Southern Utah and come from a large, multiracial family.
Majors: Microbiology/Molecular Biology
Future career goals: Earn a PhD in neuroscience
Why I joined MARC-WSU: As a non-traditional college student, I appreciate the financial assistance offered by MARC because it allowed me to stop working part time to focus on school and research. Additionally, the mentorship and research opportunities the program offers are invaluable as I prepare for and apply to graduate school.
Research activities: After moving to Pullman in 2015, I worked at a reproductive health clinic. This experience gave me a passion for reproductive health, and I decided to go to college in pursuit of a career in reproductive biology. Since enrolling at WSU, I have been involved in reproductive biology research and plan to pursue a PhD after graduating.
Interesting facts: After high school I attended culinary school and worked in bread and pastry. Although I enjoy baking and still bake in my spare time, after a few years I decided to change fields.
Natasha Puzon
Hometown: I grew up in a small town south of Seattle, Washington called Enumclaw
Majors: Microbiology and Cell Biology/Genetics
Future career goals: I want to get my PhD in infectious disease, though I have not decided if I want to focus on bacterial infections or virus caused diseases yet.
Why I joined MARC-WSU: I am extremely excited to become a part of the MARC program and cannot wait to see where it takes me!
Research activities: I am a member of both the Honors College and the STARS program here at WSU.
Interesting facts: I love animals and have a dog named Isi and a cat named Rosie. My favorite things to do in my spare time are running, swimming, hiking, camping and watching documentaries.
Tyrus Adrian Thomas
Hometown: Pullman, Washington
Majors: Microbiology
Future career goals: Earn my BS and PhD in microbiology
Why I joined MARC-WSU: When I heard about the MARC program, I was interested in applying because I enjoy doing research. I have had some experience working in a lab. Gaining more knowledge and skills while meeting new people and having a mentor will prepare me for grad school.
Research interests: I want to research bacteria because they are fascinating, and I am interested in how they become resistant to antibiotics. Also interested in other microbes, not just bacteria, such as bacteriophages.
Interesting facts: I’m in track & field at WSU in the 110m hurdles. I’ve also done wildland firefighting.