Jesus Mendoza

Jesus is a current junior at the University of Arizona pursuing a major in neuroscience and cognitive science with an emphasis on neurobiology and a minor in biochemistry. His research interests focus on neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease, more specifically in methods of diagnosing, preventing, treating, and possibly reversing these devastating diseases. His previous research experience includes looking at gene regulation and expression in Drosophila to investigate genes predicted to be involved in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and their effects on motor function. In his current lab, he is using Magnetic Resonance Imaging to look at the effects of aging on the brain structure and behavioral changes in the ferret. In his free time, Jesus enjoys cooking, training martial arts, and taking care of his two pet parakeets. Jesus plans on pursuing an MD/PhD program and becoming a physician-scientist who is able to bridge neuroscience research and neurology clinical practice. Jesus is very excited to be a part of the Hsieh-Wilson Lab and continue his development as a scientist.