Neuroscience Graduate Program

David Nikom - President

I’m a fifth 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! 

Christopher Taitano-Johnson - External Vice President

I love to play all kinds of sports, especially basketball and football and enjoy playing classical piano music! I’m a 2nd year student and use brain organoids to investigate how transposable elements contribute to gene dysregulation in models of TBI and epilepsy. I joined NGSA to help build a vibrant neuroscience community and to connect with fellow brain enthusiasts! 

Crisylle Junaessa Blanton - Internal Vice President 

I am a fourth-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 Internal VP, I will ensure our department fosters a sense of community (NGSA merchandise) while preparing for our transition to the next chapter (professional development). 

Ian Warren - Treasurer, Social & Academic Chair

I am a 2nd 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!

Dominic Garcia - Secretary

Dominic came from a psychology program from CSUSB and came to UCR with bright eyes and curiosity. He wanted to get involved with the NGSA to be a part of something greater than himself and learn how to better work with people both as a way to connect with more people and to bolster his knowledge of the inner workings of a graduate student association. When not typing away doing research he is playing games on a variety of platforms!

Ritika Thapa - Social Media Chair

I am a first-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 the Social Media Chair, I am excited to share engaging news, event updates, and opportunities with hopes to strengthen the connection among students, faculty and staff in the Neuroscience Department. 

Courtney Scaramella -  Outreach Chair

I am a fourth-year graduate student working in the Razak and Ethell labs where my research looks at potential treatments for Fragile-X Syndrome at various points in development. (And the handsome dog in the picture with me is named Jax!) Through NGSA I have enjoyed being able to introduce neuroscience topics to kids of all ages throughout the Inland Empire by bringing activities to local schools, pairing with the SRC for Camp Highlander, and hosting our annual Brain Awareness Day event! 

Kaira Carstens - GSA Representative 

I’m a first-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 the GSA representative of NGSA, I attend the GSA meetings to ensure our department remains informed and involved with respect to the larger graduate student population. This position also provides me with voting privileges regarding GSA initiatives and is a great opportunity to have a voice in our larger graduate community. Outside of neuroscience, my passions include dancing, singing, playing piano, and hiking with my dogs!