I'm Alyssa, a fourth-year majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and minoring in Chemistry at the University of California, Santa Barbara. I have had a passion for science and medicine for most of my life, and have been able to cultivate my passions for biochemistry and medical research whilst in college.Most recently, I have been working as a full-time undergraduate researcher at the Furukawa Lab at Osaka University. I was working on the understanding of Otud7b and Keap1 interactions within the retina to further research pertaining to various retinopathies such as retinitis pigmentosa and macular degeneration. I previously worked as a research assistant for Dr. Jenny Dugan helping add to her work for long-term ecological restoration projects. Additionally, in the past, I completed a 10-week preceptorship with Dr. Todd Severin at the East Bay Eye Center in San Ramon, CA. I worked with Dr. Severin and Dr. Raghu, two glaucoma specialists, and Dr. Edell, a cornea specialist, to learn the ins and outs of an ophthalmic practice. With their guidance, I am now looking toward ophthalmology as an area of future study for myself, both through medicine and laboratory research. When I am not in the library drawing organic molecules or running gels in class, you can find me attending UCSB rugby games or trying out new recipes at home.