Team

Principal Investigator

Pearl Quijada, PhD

BS, University of California, Riverside
MS, San Diego State University
PhD, San Diego State University and University of California, San Diego

Maya Cornejo

Graduate Students

David Wong

Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology (MCIP) PhD Program
David Wong graduated from the University of Washington in Seattle with a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular Biology. Currently, he is in his 2nd year of the MCIP PhD program. His project in the Quijada lab focuses on investigating the role of pericytes during pathological remodeling of the heart following myocardial infarction. In his free time, David enjoys cooking, powerlifting, backpacking, and playing basketball.

Kevin Shih

Integrative Biology and Physiology Department Master’s Program
Kevin graduated with his Bachelors in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology at UCLA and is now studying the roles that pericytes play during a myocardial infarction.  In his free time, Kevin likes hiking, photography, and spending time with his friends.

Julie Martinez

Undegraduate Students

Matthew Tran

Physiological Sciences, BS | Class of 2022 | University of California, Los Angeles
Matthew is from San Jose, CA. Besides research, Matthew enjoys playing tennis, teaching, and volunteering.

Amy Lefley

Amy Lefley
Physiological Sciences, BS | Class of 2022 | University of California, Los Angeles
After undergrad, I hope to work in healthcare as either a physician assistant or doctor. In my free time I like to go on runs, get coffee at fun cafes, or hangout with my friends!

Jessica Tsui

Physiological Sciences, Cognitive Sciences (minor) BS | Class of 2022 | University of California, Los Angeles
Jessica is currently a 3rd year undergraduate student at UCLA. She is interested in research and medicine, specifically in the field of cardiology. Through research in the Quijada lab, she aims to learn more about mechanisms of heart repair after ischemic injury and gain experience in clinical research. She hopes to apply the knowledge and experience gained from research in her future career in medicine. In her free time, Jessica enjoys watching movies, trying new foods and desserts, and spending time with family and friends.