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MIRA Scholars: 2025-29 Cohort
Luke Abbruzzi
Hometown: Wenatchee, Washington
Major: Genetics and Cell Biology
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn my Bachelors in Biology, and to have a career in the medical field. Currently, my goal is to work with doctors without borders and then go into medical field, doing medical research as well as working with patients.
Why I joined MIRA: I joined the Mira program because it gives great opportunities into research and amazing connections with faculty. The faculty, and the events they put on have really helped me get situated into my first year at college, balancing research, classes, and preparing me for medical school.
Research activities: I am currently starting my career in research in the Gunn lab where I will participate in research focusing on antibody response to viral infection and bacterial infection, they particularly focus on Ebola virus, SARS-CoV-2, and influenza.
Interesting facts about me: A few interesting facts about me are that I am an avid skier, having skied my whole life at Mission Ridge in Wenatchee. I also love all things outdoors, including mountain biking, hiking, and walking. And I come from a large family and have three brothers with whom I would do all these outdoor things.
Javier Alcantara-Ramos
Hometown: Fife, Washington
Major: Neuroscience
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in neuroscience, and during my master’s, I hope to learn more about addiction and neurodegenerative diseases. Afterwards, I plan to go to medical school so that I can earn my MD, and possibly obtain a PhD, in hopes that I can pursue a career in the medical field as a neurologist.
Why I joined MIRA: Being a part of the ESTEEMED MIRA program allows me to pursue higher education while also allowing me to gain research experience and further contribute to my field of expertise. Moreover, I am interested in pursuing a PhD, so the MIRA program can help me determine if a PhD is a good fit for me.
Research activities: I am part of the Fuchs lab where I participate in research that aims to locate certain areas of the brain that are associated to memory reconsolidation of drug use. In pinpointing these regions, we can develop new drugs or methods that can discourage drug use and possibly help those with drug addictions.
Interesting facts about me: Some interesting things about myself is that I like collecting vinyl records from my favorite artists. I also like playing the trombone in my spare time, usually playing jazz and ensemble pieces.
Isabella Flores
Hometown: Olympia, Washington
Major: Neuroscience
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn my PhD or PhD/MD in Neuroscience, and to have a career in research. I think it would be interesting to be a part of the connection between research and medicine, focusing more specifically on the human brain.
Why I joined MIRA: I want to go into research someday and being a part of MIRA allows me to have support and guidance while beginning my education journey. With peer mentors and faculty available to answer questions, I’m better equipped to pursue my dream of working in medical research.
Research activities: I am part of the Brown lab where I participate in research and data analysis for studies on neurobiological mechanisms of drug addiction and obesity. I’m looking forward to continuing in this lab and working alongside the wonderful people I’ve met so far.
Interesting facts about me: My favorite season is Fall. I love when the leaves change color, carving pumpkins, and finally being able to wear sweaters again.
Karmalena Rodriguez
Hometown: Trinity, Florida
Major: Neuroscience/Pre-Med
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn my bachelor’s degree in Neuroscience and then continue to a MD/PhD to achieve a broader and more knowledgeable background before going into medical research. I have yet to determine the specific concentration I want for my MD/PhD. I aspire to have a career in the medical research field, specifically studying immunology, gastroenterology, and neuroscience.
Why I joined MIRA: Because the program opens doors to research in my first year of college and throughout my undergraduate degree. This opportunity allows me to immerse myself in research field. This in turn gives me the ability to explore my research interests and different types of labs all with guidance from expert faculty.
Research activities: My research activities are currently a work in progress. That being said, I am very excited to join a lab where I am able to participate in neuroscience or molecular biology research. As well as gain experience in the research field.
Interesting facts about me: I adore reading and will read any kind of book. From Tolkien’s The Silmarillion to Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck and The Fiancé Farce by Alexandria Bellefluer. Books create wonderfully immersive worlds that I love diving into.
Victor Ruff
Hometown: Olympia, Washington
Major: Neuroscience/Pre-Vet
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn my degree in neuroscience and acquire my DVM as soon as I possibly can. Following that, I want to have a career working with the CDC as an expert on zoonotic diseases or start up my own practice.
Why I joined MIRA: Because it provides an incredibly useful and convenient pathway that I can use as a way to develop both as a professional worker and make connections with faculty/students as an undergraduate. It will enable me to engage with research so much more than I realistically could otherwise. It additionally provides great financial security, which is certainly a big help.
Research activities: Currently, I’m attempting to look for a lab where I can learn more about neurodegenerative conditions, drug addiction and how it effect neural pathways, or how cognitive development in adolescence varies based on factors like drug use, age, and sex.
Interesting facts about me: I really love reviewing and discussing all sorts of media such as music, videogames, and movies (I love the ability of the brain to create art). I also hope to one day learn to play the drums.
MIRA Scholars: 2024-28 Cohort
Nicole Diefenbach
Hometown: Bellevue, Washington
Major: Genetics and Cell Biology
Minor: Neuroscience
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn my PhD in Molecular Biology, and to have a career in biomedical research or university teaching. I am interested in researching the cellular and molecular mechanisms of disease in the brain and use these finding to develop novel medical treatments for conditions like Alzheimer’s disease.
Why I joined MIRA: To engage in research deeply as an undergrad so I can gain practical experience while exploring various interests. As the first in my family to attend college in the U.S. and the first pursuing a doctorate, access to mentorship from faculty will help me learn about and prepare for graduate school.
Research activities: I am part of the Wayman lab where I participate in research on neurodevelopment. Specifically, we are investigating how genetic mutations linked to neurodevelopmental disorders affect brain development on the cellular level.
Interesting facts about me: My biggest hobbies are art, music, and baking. I enjoy learning new skills, like playing a new song on the guitar or mastering a new recipe.
Danielle Lindenfelser
Hometown: Cle Elum, Washington
Major: Neuroscience/Pre-Med
Future Career Goals: My current academic plan is to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience with a pre-medical concentration. After graduation, my goal is to attend medical school to obtain a Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) degree. While I’m currently exploring the fields of Neurology and Psychiatry, I will finalize my specialty choice during my residency.
Why I joined MIRA: Mira provides a wonderful environment to grow within STEM and make lifetime connections. I aim to gain a plethora of experience and am grateful to have the opportunity to get as much exposure to my field as possible.
Research activities: I am currently involved in a lab run by Dr. McLaughlin which specializes in Neuroscience, particularly Neurobehavior and stress factors within the brain. I am looking forward to continue working alongside his wonderful team and seeing where this research gets us.
Interesting facts about me: I have played just about every sport that my school provides for its students!
Bruce Redden
Hometown: Spokane, Washington
Major: Microbiology – Medical Technology
Minors: Biochemistry, Genetics and Cell Biology
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn my MD/PhD in Infectious Disease and Oncology, and to have a career in medicine and medical research that helps improve the field of medicine that I work in. I hope to be able to research carcinogenic bacterium and viruses (pathogens that cause cancer) and to be able to apply this research into my own practice of medicine whether it is an oncologist or a doctor in infectious disease and immunology.
Why I joined MIRA: I wanted to have a jump start in undergraduate research and continue to expand my knowledge of the sciences I am interested in outside of normal schoolwork. On top of this I also wanted to be able to make valuable interpersonal connections and form necessary networks with professionals within biomedical research.
Research activities: I am part of the Baylink lab where I participate in testing and development of a new antibiotic targeted towards carcinogenic gastrointestinal bacterium. Currently I am conducting various experiments in different scientific fields including biochemical assay to determine rate of inhibition and microbiological studies where I test the selectivity of the antibiotic to show that it is non-toxic to humans.
Interesting facts about me: I have spent two weeks in the forest with nothing but a hammock, a pot and pan, and a fishing rod. Another thing is that I have a certificate in medical terminology and anatomy, and I have watched a live brain surgery in the operating room.
Alondra Suarez Salinas
Hometown: Selah, Washington
Major: Bioengineering
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn my my degree in Bioengineering and then obtain my PhD soon after that. I hope to be able to work with nanotechnology and develop biomedical devices and therapies that can significantly improve patient outcomes and quality of life. I wish to use this to bridge the gap between engineering and medicine, giving advancements in healthcare.
Why I joined MIRA: It gave me the opportunity to access research early. I also would be able to gain experiences and connections to be successful in my future. This program gives me many mentors to talk to when I need assistance about obtaining my goals in the future.
Research activities: Currently a work in progress.
Interesting facts about me: I can remember dreams I’ve had.
Aria Wilson
Hometown: Aurora, Colorado
Major: Genetics and Cell Biology
Minor: Biochemistry
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn my PhD in genetics and pursue a career in research or laboratory genetics. I am interested in laboratory genetics due to the hands-on wet lab work, as well as genomic interpretations. Research also interests me because I like the idea of solving complex problems and discovering new things.
Why I joined MIRA: I joined MIRA because of the amazing opportunity and resources it provides to its undergraduate students. Not only do you gain access to an amazing network of faculty you also get to experience hands-on research in developing fields. I am so excited to be part of a lab and attend conferences.
Research activities: I am part of the Duttke lab where I participate in genomic research. In the lab we study gene expression at the level of transcription. Right now, my focus is on artificial transcription factors and their impact on gene regulation.
Interesting facts about me: An interesting fact about me is that one of my biggest hobbies is art. I enjoy painting with watercolor and drawing with pens.
MIRA Scholars: 2023-27 Cohort
Michael Fasci
Hometown: Anchorage, Alaska
Major: Bioengineering
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn my PhD in Bioengineering and to have a career in tissue engineering. I want to discover how the body repairs itself and find possible ways to restore or replace damaged tissue or facilitate the body to heal itself.
Why I joined MIRA: Because of the opportunities they open, the skills they teach, and support they provide. ESTEEMED MIRA has given me the chance and motivation to focus on research and grow professionally. They opened the doors to many cool experiences and showed me the paths I could take to achieve.
Research activities: I am part of Dr. Driskell’s skin regeneration and fibroblast lab where I participate in expanding a novel deep hair phenomics pipeline to digitally detect and extract hair fibers from a high-resolution image. The goal is to create a diagnostic tool that uses hair fibers, without the root, due to their ease of collection, storage, transport, and lack of DNA.
Interesting fact: I consider myself a jack-of-all-trades as I love learning new things and am constantly trying out new hobbies. I am currently focusing on learning Judo, BJJ, country swing dance, crochet, and Japanese, all of which I started within the past year.
Quintic Jacob
Hometown: Wapato, Washington
Major: Biomedical Engineering/Pre-Med
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn my bachelor’s degree in biomedical sciences and then go to med school to practice medicine and be a doctor for underprivileged communities, and to have a career in the medical field near my hometown to help those in need and be a doctor for the community.
Why I joined MIRA: Because I wanted to be in a space with goal-oriented and like-minded people who have an interest in helping the world in a major way. Additionally, this program allows me to better explore the opportunities in which research can be beneficial to my goals and for the future.
Research Activities: I am part of the Oatley lab where I participate in genotyping various animals for DNA strands to find connections from gene lines to the resistance to various diseases and processes. I have been working on the connections and understanding of the process ARRDC5 gene plays in the reproductive cycle and hopefully we can make a contraceptive for human males.
Interesting fact: I am a Native American student with the seal of biliteracy for my native language of Ichishkiin. I enjoy the outdoors, swimming, and other physical activities with, and competing against, my younger siblings. I have never broken any bones but I torn all of the ligaments in my knee at one point.
Tiana LaFollette
Hometown: Zillah, Washington
Major: Neuroscience and Psychology
Minor: Jazz Studies
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn my PhD in neuroscience and to have a career in neurology because I love working with people and seeing what my care can do for them. I also have a passion for being able to understand the brain and communicate that to people who may not understand their own brain.
Why I joined MIRA: Because I knew that MIRA would give me the experience I needed to grow as a person and as a researcher and figure out more about tertiary schooling and the options that I as a researcher may have.
Research activities: I am part of the Dr. Gary Wayman lab where I participate in researching novel signaling cascades that guide normal synaptic development and understand how miss-regulation of these cascades alter synaptic development possibly linking them with mental illnesses. Personally, I am interested in Oprl1/Oprlk research and working on insulin/ insulin receptors and its effect on synaptic development through proteins called BDNF and TrkB.
Interesting fact: I am a first-generation student (go first-gens!). I also am a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) working at Gritman Medical Center in Moscow, Idaho, as a Float CNA.
Dylan Suina
Hometown: Yelm, Washington
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Future Career Goals: I plan on exploring the different applications of nuclear energy other than power, such as in medicines and instrumentation.
Why I joined MIRA: I joined the MIRA program because of the different opportunities it offers. The chance to have hands-on experience in a lab is a hard offer to pass. I can meet all sorts of people and build connections with mentors who can help me achieve my goals. I can have a head start in my dream career that I had never imagined before.
Research activities: I have become a part of a lab under Dr. Jeffrey Bell, whose team is researching an affordable way to produce diagnostic tools that will be able to identify biomarkers that reveal organ irregularities that can lead to different diseases, such as Chronic Kidney Disease, Alzheimer’s, and Fatty Liver Disease.
Interesting fact: I really love movies. So much to the point that I used to work in a movie theater in high school. I truly believe in the magic of cinema.
2022-26 Cohort
Sarah De Santos
Hometown: Mukilteo, Washington
Major: Biology/Pre-Med
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn either an MD or a MD/PhD, and to have a career as either a clinical researcher focusing on the influence of genetics, epigenetics, and other biological factors that influence the probability of children developing certain health issues, or as a physician in pediatric medicine providing affordable medical care for children in under-served communities.
Why I joined MIRA: To have access to hands-on experience within a lab as well as the possibilities it presented for those with the goal of earning a higher-level degree. Additionally, it provided several mentors who have helped guide me toward achieving my goals while also giving me the freedom to pursue my interests without having to worry about financial insecurities.
Research activities: I am a part of Dr. Michael Skinner’s epigenetic laboratory where I participate in research working specifically on histology and pathology data. Our current research project is focused on the influence of the environmental toxicants dichloro-diphenyl-trichloroethane (DDT), vinclozolin, and jet fuel on epigenetic transgenerational inheritance.
Interesting fact: This past summer, I had the opportunity to visit rural communities in Alaska. While I was there, I was able to learn more about the culture and history of Alaska Natives, learn about the struggles of rural communities in terms of lack of access to healthcare and food, and explore the flora and fauna of the beautiful state.
Kamri Gilliland
Hometown: Phoenix, Arizona
Major: Biochemistry
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn my undergraduate degree in Biochemistry, and to have a career in the medical field. I want to go to a PhD/Md program as I would love to work in a Native American Hospital.
Why I joined MIRA: Because of the research opportunities that were given to me. It was much easier to join a lab while being in ESTEEMED MIRA and give me a huge head start in my research ahead of my peers.
Research activities: I am part of the Dr. Ryan Driskell lab where I look at sweat glands in all different types of cattle so I can try to find out why or if there is a difference of sweat glands in age, sex, and type of cattle.
Interesting fact: I love to go workout. I love to do weightlifting, play basketball, and run.
Alan Palma Guillen
Hometown: Everett, Washington
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn my Ph. D. in Mechanical Engineering, and to have a career that balances biomedical research within the physical application of my field of study via instrumentation and medical devices. Along with seeing what Mechanical Engineering has to offer as I learn more of it.
Why I joined MIRA: Because it gave me access to begin research early on. I’ve had the opportunity to meet great people who have helped me pursue my research career. They helped set a pathway that will help me be successful throughout my time at Washington State University.
Research activities: I was part of Dr. Kostyukova’s lab where I participated in protein bioengineering research. Due to my recent change of major I am currently looking into other research labs. I hope the lab I settle in will be as great as Dr. Kostyukova’s lab.
Interesting fact: I moved from California to Washington because of the weather and surrounding nature. I love to cook and do power-lifting in my free time. My favorite place on the WSU Pullman campus has to be the Terrell Library, or at least it is when I’m not at the UREC.
Valike Tamakloe
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Major: Bioengineering
Minor: Chemical Engineering
Future Career Goals: I plan to earn my PhD in bioengineering and to have a career in biomedical devices. After completing graduate school, I want to teach bioengineering in an underrepresented school in West Africa. Worldwide, bioengineers are always in demand and I would love to inspire future waves to come.”
Why I joined MIRA: Because it offered me guidance for research experience while providing me funding and other resources. While anybody can do research, the ESTEEMED MIRA program provides guidance from experienced researchers who can advise on how to succeed and go to graduate school.
Research activities: I am part of the Analysis of Kangaroo Rat Hopping on Unpredictable Terrains Lab where I participate in digital analysis and machine learning. I initially started my research career by digitizing data collection, but after two years of working in my lab, I’m in charge of analyzing data.”
Interesting fact: In my free time I love calisthenics, gaming, and content creation.
Inaugural 2021-25 Cohort
Madison Holdway
Hometown: Reardan, Washington
Major: Animal Science
Future Career Goals: Earn a Doctorate of Veterinary Medicine (D.V.M.) degree.
Why I joined MIRA: I realized what a great opportunity participating in this program was and how it would open the door to college research.
Research activities: I want to participate in research that involves animals and that relates to humans or research that directly investigates things that relate to animals and their welfare.
Interesting fact: I used to own wild mustangs.
Liyon Biniam Mehari
Hometown: Vancouver, Washington
Major: Biology major / Pre-med
Future Career Goals: I want to attend medical school and become a cardiothoracic surgeon.
Why I joined MIRA: I joined the MIRA Program because it is an amazing opportunity to gain research experience and hands-on skills to prepare me for graduate school.
Research activities: During my time at WSU, I want to focus my research on the respiratory system of the human body and its adaptation mechanisms against different diseases.
Interesting fact: Although I love any kind of surgery, I could never do anything related to ophthalmology.
Allie Marie Pratt
Hometown: Reardan, Washington
Major: Zoology / Pre-Veterinarian
Future Career Goals: Get my PhD in Veterinarian Medicine.
Why I joined MIRA: Because it was a great opportunity to see what it is like to be in a lab while being able to attend WSU with little worry about expenses.
Research activities: I would love to experience many different types of research at WSU but I gravitate more towards the labs that have animal involvement.
Interesting fact: Even though I live in a farm town, the only experience I have ever had with livestock is when a herd of sheep ran trough my back yard.
Brayan Osegueda Velazquez
Hometown: Auburn, Washington
Major: Bioengineering
Future Career Goals: I aim to earn my PhD in Bioengineering and hopefully work for the government.
Why I joined MIRA: The program offered a wonderful opportunity to invest myself into research at WSU. The Financial security it provides is a big plus.
Research activities: I would love to research methods of preventing or reversing nerve damage. Understanding how and why nerves are damaged is my research goal.
Interesting fact: A neat little fun fact about myself is that I can play the tuba and bass guitar. I hope to own a tuba for myself one day.
Ethan Villalovoz
Hometown: El Dorado Hills, California
Major: Computer Science
Future Career Goals: I am still deciding on what my future goals are. I am in between either going straight into industry as a software engineer after my four years, or perhaps going to graduate school.
Why I joined MIRA: I joined MIRA because I found this to be an amazing opportunity to be engaged in a new environment. I never considered participating in research as an undergraduate; however, being a part of this program has allowed me to have first-hand exposure to how research truly is.
Research activities: At WSU, I am unsure of what I want to research. I am very interested in many fields and I hope by being apart of this program it will allow me to be exposed in different areas and topics that I will be intrigued by. Hopefully, by my second semester, I will have a better outlook on what are my passions.
Interesting fact: I like going out with friends and playing beach volleyball.