1st-Year MCSB Students
Karthik Desingu
Anna University
Hi there! I’m interested in integrating mechanistic and data-driven methods to unravel biological complexity across scales. As an undergraduate at Anna University, I researched computational learning theory, and applied machine learning and statistical analysis to diverse fields, including underwater robotics and biomedical diagnostics. Later, at Yale, I shifted focus to biology, using information-theoretic approaches and multi-omic readouts to study how baseline immune states shape responses to external perturbations. Recognizing that such data-driven associations often lack mechanistic depth, I grew interested in bottom-up dynamical modeling—constructing models that explain ‘how’ biological systems behave; I developed agent-based and differential equation models to study immune signaling and tumor behavior in cancer. Complementing my modeling work, I also gained hands-on experience in cell culture, molecular assays, and microscopy. At UCI, I aim to build biologically grounded integrative models that combine mechanistic interpretability with the scalability of data-driven AI. When I’m not modeling systems, I trade equations for elevation and endurance—backpacking rugged trails, biking switchbacks, and running quiet backcountry miles.
Sina Ghandian
Univ of California, Berkeley
Hi, my name is Sina Ghandian. I grew up in Elk Grove, California, earned my B.S. in Bioengineering at UC Berkeley, and am ecstatic to continue my education in Southern California! As an undergraduate, much of my early research experience came from working at a startup in clinical informatics, where I developed models to predict the onset and progression of different medical conditions using patient health records. After graduating, I began working at UCSF under Dr. Michael Keiser to train deep learning models to localize and quantify pathological hallmarks of Alzheimer’s and melanoma. I’m interested in improving computational clinical decision support systems and understanding disease through robust utilization of multimodal data and creative modeling approaches. In my free time, you can find me at the climbing gym, exploring the local food scene, camping, or hanging out with friends and family.
Surabhi Haniyur
Univ of California, Berkeley
Hi! My name is Surabhi, and I grew up in the Bay Area, California. I graduated from UC Berkeley in 2024 with a degree in Microbial Biology and minor in Data Science. At nearby UCSF, I worked in Joe Bondy-Denomy’s lab studying the evolutionary arms race between bacteria and phages. During my time there, I applied bioinformatics and experimental techniques to discover a novel anti-CRISPR protein. At UCI, I’m excited to continue leveraging genomics and other computational strategies to further microbiological research. I’m especially interested in understanding how microbes evolve and relate to their communities, hosts, and antagonists. Outside of lab, I love to read fantasy books, play cozy video games, and try new Trader Joe’s snacks.
Yuqi Huang
Sun Yat Sen University
Hello! My name is Yuqi, and I'm from Guangzhou, China. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biotechnology at Sun Yat-sen University, where I first developed an interest in bioinformatics. This interest deepened over time and led me to pursue a master’s degree in Computational Biology at Carnegie Mellon University. My research interests lie in single-cell and spatial genomic analysis. Most recently, I conducted research in Dr. Srivatsan’s lab at Fred Hutch, where I worked on developing a computational method for spatial reconstruction. At UCI, I look forward to creating more computational tools to uncover gene regulatory patterns in the human body. Outside of research, I enjoy cooking, hiking, and playing the piano.
Yunqing Ke
Univ of California, Los Angeles
Hi everyone, my name is Yunqing (Karisa) Ke! I’m originally from China and moved to Southern California after high school. I earned my B.S. in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology with a computing specialization from UCLA, followed by an M.S. in Biostatistics from USC. My research interests lie at the intersection of computational biology, genetics, and data science. My undergrad work involved analyzing DNA methylation data and developing bioinformatics pipelines for gene regulation studies, and at USC I focused on identifying cis- and trans-eQTLs and integrating single-cell eQTL mapping results with GWAS data to uncover genetic regulators of trait variation. I'm excited to continue exploring computational approaches to unravel biological complexity and contribute to advancements in precision medicine. During my free time, I enjoy traveling, exercising, and exploring shops and restaurants.
Isabella Nieblas
California State University, Los Angeles
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Hello! My name is Isabella Nieblas, and I’m from Los Angeles. I graduated from California State University, Los Angeles (CSULA) with a B.S. in Chemistry and a minor in Mathematics. My research interests aim to develop computational models that improve our understanding of biochemical systems. Previously, at CSULA, I have worked on projects related to computational drug discovery and protein modeling. I also interned at Harvard Medical School, where I worked in a clinical research lab and assisted with prospective studies involving patients with rheumatic diseases. At UCI, I aim to continue developing computational tools that enhance the drug discovery process by integrating machine learning and bioinformatics. During my free time, I enjoy running, traveling, and exploring new coffee shops!
MJ Oliva
Univ of California, Riverside
Hi! I’m Madison Juliana Oliva, but you can call me MJ! I’m from San Jose, California, and recently graduated from UC Riverside with a bachelor’s in computational mathematics. There, for my honors thesis I developed mathematical models of neutrophils during the wound healing process in Dr. Qixuan Wang’s lab as a UCR Chancellor’s Research Fellow. I also served as club president of the Pacific Math Alliance student chapter at UCR and regularly competed in hackathons creating everything from mobile apps to video games. I’m excited to continue applying my computational math skills to biology in the MCSB program! Outside of academics, some of my hobbies include photography, D&D, and video games.
Xialu Stiles
Johns Hopkins University
Hello! I’m Xialu (he/they), and I’m from La Crescenta, CA. I graduated from JHU with a BS in Biomedical Engineering with a secondary major in Applied Math and Statistics, as well as my MSE in Biomedical Engineering with a focus in Data Science. My undergraduate research focused on cell migration in response to different viscous conditions. I also worked on engineering design projects, including a redesign of temporary epicardial pacing wires and a sensation modeling project for an oral healthcare company. At UCI, I’m excited to conduct research at the intersection of mathematics and biology. In my free time, I enjoy reading science fiction, hiking, and swimming.
Wallace Wong
Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Hi, I’m Wallace from Hong Kong. I graduated from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) with a BSc in Applied Mathematics. I’m deeply fascinated by the intersection of mathematics and biology, which has led me to work in labs modeling epidemiological and physiological systems, and to explore diverse modeling techniques with applications across fields. Two recent research projects at HKUST that I found especially rewarding were developing a PBPK model for LNP‑based mRNA delivery and applying machine learning and physics to traffic‑flow modeling for environmental studies. These experiences sparked my curiosity about how molecular and cellular processes give rise to higher‑level biological dynamics, enabling us to predict, infer, and model truly multiscale systems and taught me the value of interdisciplinary collaboration. I look forward to research in a collaborative environment and contribute to work that has both scientific and societal impact. Outside of school, you’ll find me hiking with friends or experimenting in the kitchen with multicultural recipes!
Aaliyah Yan
Northeastern University
Hi, my name is Aaliyah Yan. I recently graduated from Northeastern University with a degree in Data Science and Biochemistry. I have experience working with various types of imaging data, including segmenting cerebral microbleeds from MRI images at Beth Israel and analyzing MRI brain biomarker data at Vigil Neuroscience using R and Python to visualize longitudinal changes in neurodegenerative diseases like ALSP. At PathAI I used machine learning techniques to analyze numerical embeddings from histology images, allowing me to detect similarities and patterns across slides from different disease indications. I’m particularly interested in using computational methods to improve disease diagnosis and tracking, especially through imaging and multi-modal data integration. In my free time, I enjoy going to music festivals, trying new workouts, and scrapbooking!
Wenyu Zhang
Ohio State University
Hello, my name is Wenyu Zhang, and I grew up in Beijing, China. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Pharmaceutical Sciences from The Ohio State University and later completed a master’s degree in Biostatistics at Columbia University. My academic training has provided me with a strong interdisciplinary foundation in biology, organic chemistry, and biochemistry, along with advanced skills in biostatistics, programming, and machine learning.
As an undergraduate, I worked for two years as a research assistant in Dr. Robert Lee’s lab at Ohio State, where I studied the nanoparticle formulation of Bortezomib. My research focused on its sustained-release properties, toxicity, and maximum tolerated dose (MTD) protocols in animal models—contributing to advancements in targeted cancer therapy. During my master’s program, I conducted my practicum under the supervision of Dr. Melanie Wall, applying machine learning methods to data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions (NESARC) to identify individuals at risk of developing mania.
Most recently, I joined Dr. Sheng Zhong’s lab at UC San Diego, working on a project investigating the transcriptional regulatory functions of PHGDH (D-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase) in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. This experience has deepened my interest in the biology of neurodegenerative diseases and aging. My long-term research goal is to develop innovative computational frameworks to analyze dynamic changes in the epigenetic regulatory landscape during biological aging, leveraging my background in biology, biostatistics, and bioinformatics.
Outside of research, I enjoy playing golf and lifting weights. I’m also a passionate Formula 1 fan—Ferrari has always been my favorite team.
