David Nikom - President

I’m a sixth year graduate student in Sika Zheng’s lab studying RNA splicing defects in Alzheimer’s disease pathology and RNA splicing regulation of neurogenic competence in developing glia. My passion for neuroscience outreach and interest in professional development led me to join the NGSA where I am currently President. I enjoy rock climbing and playing jazz piano and look forward to graduating to work in the biotech industry! 

Crisylle Blanton - External Vice President

I am a fifth-year graduate student at UCR investigating a family of adhesion proteins involved in neural wiring and synaptic development. I joined NGSA because I was introduced to my career in academia through community outreach events. As your External VP, I communicate with faculty, school officials, or outreach coordinators to
streamline NGSA external communication when setting up annual events.

Ian Warren - Internal Vice President

I am a 3rd year in the Saltzman lab and Razak lab studying the neuroplasticity associated with the transition from virgin to fatherhood and the onset of paternal behavior in Californian mice. I enjoy NGSA as it makes me feel more connected to the program and I enjoy setting up events that people enjoy. Personally, I really enjoy cooking and exercise!

Ritika Thapa - Academic Chair

I am a second-year student with a strong interest in Fragile X research. To build connections within the program and contribute to the neuroscience community, I joined NGSA. As Academic Chair, I'm excited to coordinate and execute professional development events, and to promote networking opportunities.

Kaira Carstens -  Outreach Chair

I’m a second-year student with a background in biology and biochemistry. My research interests include the filtration of sensory information, goal-oriented sensorimotor transformations, and cognitive flexibility as pertaining to psychosis. As Outreach Chair, I organize and expand outreach initiatives by coordinating events, collaborating with partners, and recruiting volunteers to actively connect our neuroscience community with broader audiences. Outside of neuroscience, my passions include dancing, singing, playing piano, and hiking with my dogs!

Isha Bhakta - GSA Representative 

I’m a first-year student with a research interest in neurodegeneration. As GSA Representative, I serve as a liaison by attending monthly meetings and effectively communicating key updates and opportunities to NGSA members. Outside of research, I enjoy hiking and rock climbing!

Cori Zuvia - Social Co-Chair

I’m a first-year rotation student with broad research interests in neurodevelopmental disease. As Social Co-Chair of the NGSA, I work with Sarah to coordinate events like Coffee Socials and Quarterly Parties. If you’re looking to get more involved and connect with the neuroscience community, come say hi at one of our events!

Sarah Kabbara - Social Co-Chair

I am a 4th year graduate student in Edward Zagha's lab studying the sensory-to-motor transformation and its relationship with cortical-subcortical communication. Coupled with my passion for neuroscience is a desire to build community within the graduate program, which led me to join NGSA as the Social Co-Chair. I am excited to host social events such as Coffee Socials to bolster connections between students and faculty. Away from the lab and program, I enjoy gaming, drawing, and cats!

Trisha Basu - Treasurer

I am a first year graduate student and my research interests are developmental and behavioral neurobiology. As Treasurer, I manage NGSA finances by tracking budgets and expenses, coordinating funding and reimbursements, and leading organized fundraising efforts in collaboration with the executive team.

Luiza Rocha - Media Chair

I am a first year graduate student in the Zagha lab, I am interested in behavior and sensory processing. As Media Chair, I manage and promote NGSA’s digital presence by curating content, highlighting achievements, and maintaining a visual archive that showcases our community. Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking, gardening and watching movies!