Angela Gushue, BA

Associate Research Specialist

I am an aspiring physician scientist and am excited to join the Tsai Lab as an Associate Research Specialist. In May 2025, I graduated from Claremont McKenna College with a BA in Neuroscience and a minor in Human Rights, Holocaust, and Genocide Studies. During undergraduate, I conducted three research projects with diverse focuses: flowers, brains, and Nazi medical objects. I joined Dr. Finseth at my home college where I explored candidate cell shape genes in the Mimulus flower. I also became a research assistant at the Stark Lab at University of California Irvine and helped administer neuroimaging and cognitive tests. With support from Dr. Lalwani and Dr. Stark, I focused my research on sex differences in aging of the brain. My passion for human rights inspired my third major project in college that was focused on the intersection of history, medicine, and ethics. In June 2024, I conducted primary research in archives at German and Austrian medical facilities. Under the guidance of Dr. Lower at the Mgrublian Center for Human Rights, I wrote an investigative piece on medical objects exposing Nazi crimes committed at pediatric psychiatric clinics. 

Research interests: Generally, I am excited about what drives and alters the complex processes in our brains. I am particularly interested in factors underpinning the development of childhood brain cancer and how the intersection of molecular neuroscience and genetics can better inform pediatric cancer models and treatments. 

Favorite food: I am obsessed with most dishes centered around noodles. My favorites are Pad See Ew and Dan Dan. 

Beverage of choice and protocol for preparation: I love to splurge on Philz Coffee (Tesora, sweet and creamy) or make a latte at home (Nespresso pod, frothed soy milk, topped with cinnamon sugar). 

Favorite lab technique: Conducting gel electrophoresis, administering the MoCA, and learning to code data analysis for large datasets. I look forward to learning more wet lab techniques under Dr. Tsai! 

Hobbies: Running, traveling, going out for food and coffee, and babysitting my nieces and nephews!