Melissa recently graduated from UC Davis with a BS in Genetics and Genomics and a minor in Neuroscience. She spent over three years in the Nord Lab studying how changes in gene regulation shape brain development and contribute to disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorder. From analyzing protein expression in the developing brain to applying CRISPR-based systems to model genetic risk factors, Melissa developed a strong interest in the molecular mechanisms that underlie brain function and disease. She joined Donald Bers' lab as a PREP@UCD scholar and will study calcium signaling and excitation-contraction coupling in cardiac cells. She plans to pursue a PhD in Neuroscience, studying neuropsychiatric disorders and contributing to meaningful healthcare research.