MOSES VILLEDA

PI: Dr. Siavash Ahrar, Long Beach, CA

• Co-PI: Dr. Pace
• Project Aim: Incorporating larval plasticity to create a model system for how Sand Dollar larvae would react to changing environmental conditions due to climate change.
• Results: Are still preliminary but have begun to associate hydrodynamic characteristics such as velocity, vorticity, and anatomical measurements to larvae. Which could be used to create an individualized set of identifiers for larvae at different ages and feeding conditions.
• Designed and manufactured fluidics, in the form of different PDMS chip designs by using Autocad and laser printing.
• Collaborated with both PI's to identify relevant questions and determine best methods of collection.
• Created protocols: larval loading (into chips), microscopy analysis, and data analysis, to study marine organisms.
• Created and streamlined processes for data collection and organization through pdf templates and excel sheets.
• Incorporated 3-5um sized fluorescent beads to image Sand Dollar larvae hydrodynamics, while experiencing flow.
• Contributed to establishing a new research lab.
• Awarded 2 research awards:

1. 2022 COAST Undergraduate Research Support Program (competitive scholarship)

2. 2022 CSULB Student Summer Research Award (competitive scholarship)

• Poster presentations at UC wide symposium 2022, BMES 2022, and ABRCMS 2022.
• Podium presentation at CSULB Research Competition 2023.

PI: Dr. Kelly Suh, Long Beach, CA

• Project Aim: Create a low-cost tool to analyze simulated human blood vessels. As human vessels are difficult to obtain, the aim was to simulate the common carotid artery through 3D printing a lifelike vessel. Developed an integrated system for characterization of 3D printed blood vessels (system included imaging and pressure monitoring).
• Results: Have shown that 3D printed vessels are able to accurately represent documented physiological conditions (compliance and distensibility) present in human carotid arteries.
• Areas of growth: Being able to match both transducers on each end of the vessel to avoid calibration on every run, having a brighter LED to provide greater contrast within the vessel of interest.
• Communicated project plans and progress to key stakeholders and project contributors.
• Contributed to technical analysis (ImageJ), created analysis procedures and taught other team members procedures
• Assisted in assembly and maintenance of fluidic channels.
• Configured cameras to open-source microscope software.
• Conducted experiments and calibrated tools used in experiments.

• Collaborated on creation and facilitation of clubs vision, goals, and priorities through a document called "Strategic Plan"
• Planned and facilitated special events, delegating tasks to students, while also collaborating with other leaders to ensure success
• Led weekly meeting team, created itineraries, planned games, coordinated with speakers, and developed semester long topics. While also mentoring three other students till they could lead alone
• Partook in cultural exchange programs such as "Neighborly Faith" to better understand those of different backgrounds and religions
• Utilized diverse instructional strategies to engage students and enhance learning.

• Event planning, event managing
• Administrative work
• Facilities management: reviewed contracted work by vendors, provided technical support for building needs, repurposed rooms, rearranged storage rooms
• Supervised Jr. high aged students and coordinated 12 Audio/Visual volunteers
• Officiated special services such as funerals with 50 plus attendees