Get to Know the MCB Class of 2021 Research Fund Recipients
By Max He
Conducting research in MCB labs is one of the most transformative and impactful experiences that undergraduates can have. The MCB department is always working towards providing these opportunities to more students so that they too can have exposure to cutting-edge research. The MCB Class Campaign is an annual crowdfunding initiative to raise money for research stipends. These stipends are awarded to underrepresented students that otherwise would not be able to gain this invaluable experience.
We are excited to announce the three MCB Class of 2021 Research Fund recipients! In the Fall semester, Anna Rios, Estephannie Alvarez, and Marvin Miller were selected to receive the research stipend. I had the opportunity to interview each recipient and get to know a little about them!
Anna Rios is a senior in the Ritchie Lab studying Molecular and Cell Biology with an emphasis in Medical Physiology.
What is an interesting thing about yourself that you would like people to know?
"I am a strong believer in one’s multifaceted nature, comprised of an aptitude for more than one thing. I am a scientist, as being the recipient of this award implies- but I am also a writer (particularly concerning modern art). I also enjoy studying the impact of music themes on films and how they can be used to induce a provocative response, or in some cases, diminish one."
In your opinion what is the coolest thing that you have done in a lab so far?
"This question sure did take me down memory lane. From working with microscopic animal models to utilizing advanced technology equipment, there is a lot to choose from. However, if I were to narrow it down- the coolest thing I have done in the lab so far is design my own experiment protocol as lead researcher. This has by far tested my ability to be resourceful, patient, and grateful for the incredible network of scientists that surround me."
What did receiving the research stipend mean to you?
"When granted an award or opportunity, I often view it as an affirmation. An affirmation on behalf of someone that recognizes my story and goals as worthy of believing in. Being presented the MCB Research Award was more than a nod to what I have accomplished- it was a celebration of who I am capable of becoming."
Estephannie Alvarez is a senior studying Molecular and Cell Biology with an emphasis in Cell and Developmental Biology. She is currently working in the Hayes lab. 
What is an interesting thing about yourself that you would like people to know?
"I am Salvadoreña and the first in my family to pursue a medical career. Additionally, I believe iced white chocolate mocha is the superior coffee, I still cannot decide on a BTS bias, and Hearst Gym is my favorite UC Berkeley building because that is where volleyball classes are located."
In your opinion what is the coolest thing that you have done in a lab so far?
"Every day there is something new to discover, for instance, the different color patterns of my charismatic lab frogs or using histology techniques to analyze the intricacy of their larynx anatomy. However, the most transformative experience that I have had in the lab is engaging in San Diego fieldwork. It is true, my first day there I was quickly reminded how out of shape I was carrying the different materials we needed like traps and buckets. Nonetheless, it was exciting to work with the frogs: measuring them, collecting blood samples and diving like a professional soccer player when one managed to jump out of our bucket. To tie it all together, the graduate student taught me radioimmunoassay techniques that allowed us to use all the information we gathered in the field and compare testosterone levels between upstream and downstream frogs. All in all, it was rewarding to experience a full cycle of research from San Diego’s water trails to UC Berkeley’s lab."
What did receiving the research stipend mean to you?
"I come from a low-income family which has made pursuing higher education difficult. Receiving the stipend was a blessing because it allowed me to experience research in a different way, concurrently, further fueling my passion for this academic discipline! I would love to be of any support so if you have any questions you can email me at esteph2022@berkeley.edu."
Marvin Miller is a senior studying Molecular and Cell Biology with an emphasis in Cell and Developmental Biology. He is currently in the Vazquez-Medina lab.
What is an interesting thing about yourself that you would like people to know?
"I really love to dance and play loud classical music in my apartment. Whenever I do household chores, I do them while dancing which makes the work fun."
In your opinion what is the coolest thing that you have done in a lab so far?
"So far, the coolest thing that I’ve done in the lab is gene silencing. As a student who is especially interested in healthcare, I am fascinated by the important applications of gene silencing in preventing and managing life-threatening diseases. I also look forward to doing CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing, which I haven’t got an opportunity to work on yet, but I am positive that I’ll get to do a hands-on of it soon."
What did receiving the research stipend mean to you?
"Without the research experiences funded by programs like yours, my understanding of biology topics would have been limited to the concepts I’ve only heard or read about. I consider my involvement in actual research studies as eye-opening opportunities that lead me to my bigger career goals. It allows me to apply and share what I know while learning from my fellow students and other experts in my chosen field. These, I believe, prepare me to give back to society by helping develop solutions to conditions and diseases that threaten our health and quality of life."