Interns
Reece Morris
Hi, my name is Reece and I am a junior at Washington State University Vancouver pursuing a bachelors in neuroscience. I have been interested in neuroscience ever since I took AP psychology as a sophomore in high school. Since then, I have become specifically interested in studying cognitive neuroscience at the cellular and circuit level. My ultimate dream is to contribute on some level to a human connectome project, and pursue a neuroscience PhD or related medical career. I also am interested in applications of neuroscience in technology, and have been self-learning Python. I am very excited to intern in the Raber lab as it will be my first formal step into the field of neurological research. I hope to learn many skills and concepts that will help me in my future endeavors in neuroscience, and further stoke my curiosity in the field. In my free time I like to compose music, play video games, and watch Netflix. I have composed/produced music for the past 3 years now, mainly focusing on jazz and retro-video-game-styled music. I hope one day to write an entire game soundtrack that could run on an authentic SNES console. I also do research at WSUV testing and developing bacterial fertilizer.
Bella Lehmann
I was born and raised in Portland, OR, and am currently studying Biology and Applied Biotechnology with a concentration in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Georgia. I plan to graduate with a master's in Therapeutics Discovery in 2028. Career-wise, I hope to enter the field of drug design and the pharmaceutical industry. I am excited and grateful to join the Raber lab and gain technical lab experience, mentorship, and research experience. Outside of my studies, I love hiking, trying new restaurants and coffee shops, and completing crossword puzzles.
Ayah Al-Hashim
My name is Ayah Al-Hashim, and I am a senior at St. Mary’s Academy. Ever since I was young, I have participated in science fairs, which have ignited my interest in science and research. The last project I worked on was about neuroscience and memory, and working on it really helped me realize my love for neuroscience and neurobiology. My interest in neuroscience is primarily in memory and cognition. I am also excited to learn and enhance my skills in research. Beyond science, I am very involved in St. Mary’s activities such as mock trial, model UN, Women of Color in Action, and I am the leader of many other clubs such as the Muslim student association and the Middle Eastern Student Union. I am eager to work in the Raber lab and to get hands-on experience.
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.
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.
Nhat Ha Nguyen
I am working on my undergraduate degrees in Mathematics and Psychology at Portland State University. I got matched with Dr. Raber's lab from URISE, a program funded by the NIH for undergraduates who want to pursuit higher education for more research experience. My interest is very much in neurological basis of stress. If the research path doesn’t work out, you probably find me spend all of my time training Jiu Jitsu on the mat.
Lena Rosenzweig
My name is Lena Rosenzweig, and I'm a senior at Grant High School. I'm interested in pursuing a career in medicine, and I'm also passionate about chemistry and biology, and eager to gain knowledge and hands-on experience, making me very excited to participate in the research conducted at Dr. Raber's Lab! Outside of class, I'm co-president of the Astronomy Club and the SAT/ACT prep club, and play trumpet in jazz and concert band at school. Additionally, I'm a member of the PPS VAPA Student Voice Committee and volunteer at Kaiser Permanente Sunnyside Medical Center and Wildflowers Preschool. In my spare time, I especially enjoy reading, baking, and spending time with my dog Squirrel.
Ella Shanava
I'm originally from Northern California, but moved to Portland to study psychology and neuroscience at Lewis & Clark College. After completing my bachelors degree, I plan to continue to explore my research interests and pursue a graduate education in the near future. Ultimately, my goal is to pursue a career exploring the neural basis of aphantasia, the inability to visualize, and anendophasia, the absence of an inner monologue. Outside of my studies, I enjoy hiking, making abstract art, and baking.
Caroline Smith
I am originally from Folsom, California and now earning my B.S. in biological sciences at Linfield University where I am part of two research projects. Ultimately, I would like to pursue a PhD and research position in cell biology and molecular genetics, so I am very excited to be joining the Raber Lab as a 2026 Murdock Scholar! Outside of my schoolwork and research, I work as a tutor for core biology classes, founded Linfield's Disability and Accessibility Club, and coach youth lacrosse.
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.