Mariel Vasquez studies the shape and structure of DNA. She examines the mechanisms that underlie site-specific recombination of DNA and the packing of chromosomes in human cells and viral capsids using simulations and knot theory, and chromosomal aberrations using biophysical models and data analysis.

The majority of drugs used in human medicine target G protein coupled receptors (GPCRs). The focus in the Whistler laboratory is elucidating how altering the signaling “bias” of a GPCR for its various downstream signaling partners contributes to drug responsiveness and side effects. Dr. Whistler is particularly interested in the role of biased versus balanced GPCR signaling in modulating responsiveness to drugs of abuse and the co-morbidities of anxiety, depression and altered decision making that accompany drug use/abuse. The laboratory has demonstrated the in vivo relevance of altered signaling bias in addiction disorders, and has  extended these studies to other clinically important GPCR targets and their ligands/drugs that are important for the treatment of psychosis, depression, Parkinson’s disease, anxiety, asthma and metabolic disease. 

Karen Zito seeks to understand how synaptic connections form during development, and how they are modified by sensory experience and altered in disease. Zito uses imaging techniques in combination with molecular genetic and pharmacological manipulations to probe the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive the refinement of neural circuits in the mammalian brain.

Ross graduated from UC Davis in 2024 with a Bachelor's in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. As an undergraduate in the Burgess Lab, he worked with yeast to investigate how the nuclear pore complex and LINC complex organize chromatin in meiosis through interactions with telomeres. As a PREP scholar, he will continue to study the role subtelomeric regions play in meiosis by using zebrafish as a vertebrate model. He will test whether there are distinct protein patterns near the ends of chromosomes that help facilitate proper homologous pairing and recombination. Ross plans to pursue a PhD in Integrated Genetics and Genomics in 2026.

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.

Daniela earned a degree in Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology from UC Davis in June 2025. She initially joined the Dennis Lab as an undergraduate husbandry assistant and transitioned into the undergrad fish manager with responsibility for fish care, vivarium operations, and oversight of other undergraduates. As a PREP@UC Davis scholar, she will study use a multidisciplinary approach to study the impact of human specific duplicated genes and how novel variants contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders and traits such as autism.

Ahmad completed a degree in Biological Sciences from the University of California, Davis, in 2024. His undergraduate research in the Gomes lab garnered him coauthorship on the Ibuprofen book as a major contributing author and illustrator, and he will continue to conduct research in the Gomes lab as a PREP scholar. He plans to apply to dual degree programs in Spring 2026.

Clara graduated from the University of California, Davis, in June 2025 with a degree in Ecology, Evolution, and Biodiversity and minor in Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics. As an undergraduate, she studied gland chemistry and morphology in orchid bees in the Ramirez lab as a part of the Research Scholars Program in Insect Biology, and community dynamics, specifically species coexistence, with Sebastian Schreiber. She will study optogenetic systems and do mathematical modeling in the Collins lab as a PREP scholar.

Christina holds a BS in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of California, Davis. She conducted undergraduate research in mouse behavior analysis, proteomics, and genotyping, focusing on the role of MECP2 in Rett syndrome and characterizing the function of the gene NHIP within Janine LaSalle's lab. She continues to pursue research in the LaSalle lab with the goal of understanding molecular mechanisms underlying neurological disorders. In addition, she serves as Chief Operating Officer of 2C Bioscience, where she works to advance innovative technologies in the in vitro fertilization (IVF) space.