Hi! My name is Chinmayi and I’m a Masters of Social Science student at UCLA where I also completed my Bachelors in Molecular Biology with a minor in Society & Genetics. I loved my time at UCLA and I'm so excited to return and show off some of my favorite campus gems. During undergrad, I spent a lot of time going on runs, thrifting, and exploring the city. As we tour, we can talk about campus life, college culture, what it's like to live in Westwood. I can also share more about the structure of classes, prerequisites, upper divs, undergrad research, especially if you're interested in Biology. Go Bruins!

Hometown

Tracy, California

Major(s)

Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology (BS) Masters in Social Science

Minor(s)

Society & Genetics

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Kornblum Neuroscience Research Lab Alternative Breaks (Community Service​/​Social Advocacy)

Describe your college experience

I went to UCLA in undergrad during which I majored in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. I loved it so much I'm returning for my Masters. During my time there, I had some of the most fulfilling experiences and met some of the most welcoming and brilliant professors, TAs, and friends I’ve ever known.

Tip for future students

Meet with academic advisors and career center reps early on & go to office hours! Not just to do well in the class, it's a great opportunity to get to know your professors and TAs. Everyone comes in with different backgrounds so they have a lot of insight and wisdom to offer.

Favorite class

MCDB 146: Metabolism and Disease I chose my major because I’ve always been really interested in how the human body works, especially with genetics and how cells communicate within and with each other through signaling pathways. Metabolism & Disease was my favorite class because gave us the chance to actually plan our own experiments and even write grant proposals. It gave me a better idea of what doing research is actually like. Some of my favorite topics were metabolomics and gene-environment interactions because they showed me how complex the relationship between our environment, nutrition, and health can be.

Career goals

In the future, I hope to combine my background in biomedical research with my passion for health equity and nutrition with a PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry.

Ideal way to spend a free night

Dinner in Sawtelle (ramen!) and watching a movie at the AMC in the Westfield Mall

High school or secondary school

Mountain House High School

Favorite spot on campus

Sculpture Garden (near Young Research Library, my favorite library to study in) OR the Botanical Garden!