Interns
Vaani Aga
My name is Vaani Aga and I am currently a senior at Wilsonville High School. I have always been drawn to science and to serving my community. Throughout high school, I have volunteered at Red Cross blood drives, raised funds for children with medical needs through high school clubs, and organized baking fundraisers for causes such as the Lahaina fire in Maui. Besides my interest in science, I serve as the business co-lead of my high school’s FRC Robotics team. I am also bilingual (English and Spanish), teach ESL to high school freshmen, hold a 3rd-degree black belt in Taekwondo, and enjoy playing the viola and spending time with my dog Olive. These experiences have made me appreciate the impact that science can have on people’s lives. I am excited to join Dr. Raber’s lab and gain hands-on experience in scientific research.
Yaamini Aga
My name is Yaamini Aga, and I am a senior at Wilsonville High School. I have a deep interest in exploring the field of science and have a goal of pursuing a career in the medical field. This led me to starting a chapter of the ‘Create for Kids’ club at my school to raise awareness about pediatric cancer and organize toy drives for children with cancer at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital. Additionally, during the COVID-19 pandemic, my sister and I channeled our love for baking into raising money for causes such as COVID-19 relief efforts locally as well as in India. At school, I am a co-lead of the FRC Robotics business team. Outside the classroom, I am a third-degree black belt in Taekwondo and play the violin in my school’s chamber orchestra. I am fluent in Spanish and enjoy traveling internationally to learn about other cultures. Joining the Raber Lab will provide me with an exciting opportunity to learn about research in neuroscience. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity.
Ria Aggarwal
My name is Ria Aggarwal, and I am an undergraduate at the University of Washington. I have always been passionate about science and math, especially in Neuroscience, genetics, and biomedical research. I joined the Raber Lab to continue enhancing my knowledge and interest in neurodegenerative disorders and biomedical research, and I am very grateful for this exciting opportunity. Outside the lab, I am a competitive athlete in Taekwondo and train with the US National Coach, along with leading OHSU Science Ambassadors and Protection of Animal Welfare and Safety (PAWS). You can find me tackling a new book series or a new Lego project in my spare time.
Amy Bisson
I am a senior undergraduate student at Corban University in Salem, Oregon. I have always been fascinated by the study of science, particularly mold toxicity, the microbiome, and chronic illnesses such as Lyme disease and their effects on the nervous system. Currently, I serve as the head teaching assistant for microbiology, genetics, and virology & immunology at Corban University.
I am involved in several research projects, including examining how demonstrations during lectures affect undergraduate students' learning and retention of general chemistry material; investigating the impact of lifestyle choices on perceived stress and actual cortisol levels in undergraduate students; and studying the effects of EMF radiation on mold growth.
Outside of my scientific pursuits, I am the Vice President of both the poetry club and the chess and board game club at Corban. In my free time, I enjoy creative writing, cooking, art, and rollerblading. After completing my undergraduate studies, I plan to apply to medical school to pursue an MD with a focus on either molecular pathology or neuropathology.
Mitali Chaudhari
My name is Mitali Chaudhari and I am a BS/MD candidate at University of South Florida. In my free time, I enjoy playing soccer, doing bharatanatyam classical dance, and playing the piano. I have always been passionate about science and wanted to pursue a career in that field for as long as I can remember. I have been involved in several activities, including lego robotics, HOSA, science olympiad, and science fairs, which have helped me diversify my knowledge in STEM. I am looking forward to interning at Raber Labs to enhance my knowledge on biomedical research. This experience provides me with valuable insight on modern research applications to solve real-world problems. I am truly grateful for this opportunity.
Izzy Eggleston
My name is Izzy Eggleston, and I am a junior at Lincoln High School in Portland, Oregon. I am deeply interested in biology, chemistry, and the application of both in neuroscience. I compete in HOSA for Lincoln, specializing in behavioral neuroscience to help advance my understanding of medical science. I also founded and currently lead Lincoln’s Women in STEM Club, running youth outreach programs and giving girls a space to feel empowered. Outside of school, I take a very active role in my community, regularly volunteering at a local women’s shelter in downtown Portland, where I serve on their youth advocacy board. I am also an avid runner and enjoy thrifting and hiking in my free time. I am so excited to join the Raber Lab, where I will gain hands-on laboratory experience and learn more about neurobiology and biomedical research.
Aarya Joshi
My name is Aarya Joshi, and I am a rising senior at Westview High School pursuing a future in healthcare. My passion for medicine has guided my academic journey, and I’m incredibly grateful to be able to take my first steps into research with the Raber Lab. Beyond academics, I’m actively involved in HOSA and volunteer with Westview’s American Red Cross, where I volunteer at blood drives, and OHSU Science Ambassadors, where I tutor elementary students in science. I also teach English to middle schoolers through an Indian nonprofit. As a language enthusiast, I’m fluent in Marathi and am currently learning Spanish, Hindi, and American Sign Language. In my free time, I enjoy reading, piano, Indian classical singing, and baking.
Mauhia Kimata
I was born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii and came up to Oregon to get my B.S. in Biology from George Fox University. I recently graduated in April 2024 and have been working towards a career as a Physician. During my undergraduate years, I became fascinated with the field of Neuroscience but never got to dive into the research side of it until now. I am stoked to be a part of the Raber Lab and looking forward to what’s in store! In addition to all the academics, I love to surf, hike, play and write music, and cook for friends and family. My favorite food is undeniably a good pot of rice! I also currently volunteer as a worship leader at Redhills church in Newberg where I play cello, guitar and sing.
Kaiya Kozuma
I am from Hilo, Hawaii but also grew up in Oregon and Washington! I got my undergraduate degree in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology from UCLA with a minor in Global Health. I have been active in cancer research for the last 4 years at The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, and at OHSU while earning my MS. I come to the Raber lab during my transition away from cancer biology and into psychology and behavioral neurobiology. I have a passion for science and research and have always loved helping others. In my spare time, I am a yoga instructor, I love to be active, read, cook, do the New York Times Crossword puzzle, and spend time with my dog, Koa.
Mariana Llamas
I was born and raised in Brazil and moved to Washington in 2018. Currently, I am a senior at Washington State University Vancouver, pursuing a dual bachelor's degree in Psychology and Neuroscience, with a strong interest in Behavioral Neuroscience research. My goal is to deepen my understanding of the intricate relationships between behavior and brain function. I am eager to learn new skills and enhance my research techniques. As a pre-med student planning to apply for a MD/PhD dual degree, I recognize the importance of this experience in shaping my future career. My hobbies outside of science include poetry, crocheting, hiking and cooking.
Shriya Marla
My name is Shriya Marla and I am currently a senior at Jesuit High School in Portland Oregon I have a passion for science and plan to pursue a career in the medical field. I am excited to work in the Raber Lab and be able to continue learning about neurological diseases and the scientific research process. I am grateful for the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and understand how to apply biomedical research in real-life situations. Outside of school, I lead my school’s Science Bowl and HOSA clubs and participate in the Science Fair as a way to immerse myself in the STEM field. Additionally, I learn Indian classical dance, western classical piano, and am a member of the award-winning speech and debate team at Sunset High School.
Saanvi Vodapally
My name is Saanvi Vodapally, and I am currently a senior at Sunset High School, located in Portland, Oregon. I have a deep passion for technology and biochemistry, with a particular interest in neuroscience research and using technology to model biological patterns and structures. I am thrilled and incredibly grateful to be a part of the Raber Lab, where I can deepen my understanding of behavioral neuroscience and genetics while gaining hands-on research experience and applying it to real-world applications! Beyond the lab, I am actively involved in Sunset’s Speech and Debate Team, and healthcare policy advocacy, and have competed internationally in HOSA. I also run a science mentorship program that connects elementary school students with high school mentors to cultivate their passion for STEM. A boba enthusiast and avid baker, I also enjoy reading, graphic design, and playing the piano in my free time.