Meet the Editors
Siri Manthapuri
Editor-in-Chief
Siri is a third-year Biochemistry & Molecular Biology major. She is currently an undergraduate researcher in the Ori-McKenney Lab, studying microtubules and microtubule-associated proteins like tau, with a focus on neurodegeneration. Her research interests lie in understanding the molecular mechanisms of tauopathies and tau-mediated neurodegeneration, and she hopes to eventually pursue a career in the healthcare field. Outside of classes, she enjoys playing instruments, watching horror movies, and spending quality time with friends.
Ester Weinhardt
Treasurer
Ester is a second-year Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior major. She joined the Aggie Transcript with the goal to make scientific writing more approachable for both the student researchers and writers and any interested readers. She is currently a research assistant in the Albeck Lab, studying molecular biology and cell signaling using fluorescent biosensors. Outside of academics, she enjoys horseback riding, reading, and a good cup of tea!
Tyler Murai
Director of Outreach
Tyler is a second-year Plant Biology major and the web developer of this gorgeous, well-maintained, and overall exemplary site. He is interested in studying the effects of microgravity on plant development and hopes to pursue a career of research in this field. Outside of The Aggie Transcript, he works at Shabek Lab as a lab assistant, slaving away to produce copious amounts of plant rooting media and subcultured poplars. In his free time, he enjoys reading, drawing, and complaining about his AP Chemistry tutees.
Emma Hui
Senior Editor
Emma is a fourth-year Biotechnology major specializing in plants. She is currently working as a laboratory assistant in Lou Lab under the plant biology department at UC Davis, investigating acyltransferases and their function in producing secondary metabolites for herbivorous defense in Solanaceous plants (I ♡ tomatoes). Emma’s research interest in biotechnology primarily focuses on synthetic biology in plant systems, and she hopes to go to graduate school to pursue a career in this field. Outside of classes, she enjoys photography, buying new plants, and making sure that her cat Sesame does not chew on her plants.
Jake Campo
Senior Editor
Jake is a fourth-year Environmental Science & Management major with a minor in Professional Writing. He is fascinated by the intersection between science and writing and loves delivering scientific topics in an accessible way to general audiences. In terms of Environmental Science, he is interested in a broad spectrum of topics: birds and waterfowl, agriculture, climate change, trees and forests, urban nature, and much more. In addition to the Aggie Transcript, Jake is an intern for Urban Tree Stewardship at the UC Davis Arboretum, and he enjoys soccer and rock climbing.
Isaac Yang
Senior Editor
Isaac is a fourth-year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major with a minor in Professional Writing. He is currently working in Beal Lab, where he studies the application of ADAR (adenosine deaminase acting on RNA) as a therapeutic approach to treat novel genetic mutations. He hopes to continue his career in academia, with goals of attending graduate school and leading his own lab in the future. When Isaac isn’t preparing for his next class, he enjoys playing his guitar and competing in games with friends.
Noor Amro
Senior Editor
Noor is a fourth-year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology student. In addition to being a Junior Editor for the Aggie Transcript, she is an undergraduate researcher, an Academic Mentor for the Redwood SEED Scholars, a member of Prytanean's Women's Honor Society, and a PreHealth Ambassador. She aspires to be a Clinical Lab Scientist and get her PhD later down the road. Outside of academics, she loves going to the gym, traveling, photography, reading books, and missing her cats (especially Milk).
Bianca Ho
Senior Editor
Bianca is a second-year Cell Biology Major. She is interested in molecular and cellular biology. She has worked on research projects concerning embryogenesis, cell signaling, and neurodevelopment. In her free time, Bianca enjoys trying new foods, playing tennis, and exploring nature.
Sarah Khan
Senior Editor
Sarah is a fourth-year Cell Biology major, with a minor in Technology Management. She wants to specialize in regulatory compliance, but is highly interested in researching proteins and cell signaling pathways. A good way to start a two hour-long conversation with Sarah is to mention anything related to early 2000s animated TV shows, or something about her hobbies, like photography and reading.
Matthew Trout
Junior Editor
Matthew is a first-year Human Biology major. He is interested in immunology and hopes to eventually conduct research on the topic. He also wants to pursue a career in healthcare after graduation. In addition to being a junior editor with The Aggie Transcript, he is an RA in training for the coming school year. Matthew also enjoys fishing, gaming, doing puzzles, rock climbing, and playing the piano.
Jade Walker
Junior Editor
Jade is a first-year Medicinal Chemistry and Drug Design major. She is interested in pharmaceutical research and cancer research. In the future, she hopes to become a clinical researcher or work in a related field. Outside of academics, she loves watching movies, trying new things, and cafe-hopping.
Kimberly Ayson
Junior Editor
Kimberly is a third-year Global Disease Biology major. She is especially interested in the intersection of human health with environmental health and hopes to further this interest as she continues her educational career. In addition to The Aggie Transcript, she is a volunteer at UC Davis Health for the Medical Surgical Department. Outside of academics, she enjoys hiking, rock climbing and creating music playlists for every occasion!
Victoria Karavan
Junior Editor
Victoria is a second year Environmental Toxicology and English Literature major. She currently works at Lein Lab, studying developmental neurotoxicity in the context of early-life exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls. She wants to pursue a career in pediatric toxicology in the future. In her free time, she likes to read classics, draw, and play the piano.
Mehrnaz Rezaei
Junior Editor
Mehrnaz is a third-year Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major.
Hridya Shyamsundar
Junior Editor
Hridya is a second year Genetics and Genomics major. She is currently an undergraduate researcher in the Henn Lab, where she studies population genetic and morphological data from the California National Primate Research Center in order to better understand the admixture and speciation events of Neanderthals and Homo Sapiens. She is also very interested in medical sociology, particularly ecological medicine, culturally humble care, and gene environment interactions. She aspires to work in healthcare and as a writer in the future. Outside of academics, she can be found listening to rock music, reading and writing poetry, and yapping with friends on long walks.
Nicole Snook
Junior Editor
Nicole is a third-year English Literature major with a minor in Professional Writing. She also has her Associate in Science. She currently works as an editorial staff member at Necessary Behavior, where she writes and edits articles with an emphasis on social justice and education. Outside of class, Nicole loves reading books, riding horses, and playing video games.
Alessandra Tan
Junior Editor
Alessandra Tan is a 3rd Year Civil Engineering student at UC Davis with academic interests in transportation, construction management, and environmental policy/justice. Aside from being a Junior Editor, she is the event coordinator for American Water Works Association. Alessandra enjoys reading and spending time with her pets.
Dr. Silvia Carrasco Garcia
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Silvia Carrasco Garcia is an Assistant Professor of Teaching of Molecular and Cellular Biology at UC Davis.