Payton Zarceno, BS

PIBBS PhD student

I am excited to continue my research in the Tsai Lab as a PhD student. I was raised in the San Gabriel Valley and received my B.S. in Molecular, Cell and Developmental Biology from the University of California, Los Angeles. At UCLA I worked in the Lowry Lab to investigate the pathology of intellectual disabilities, focusing on neuronal senescence. My project looked specifically at characterizing molecular stress phenotypes including DNA damage and PARP1 activity in Arboleda-Tham, Bohring-Opitz, and Down syndrome. Over the course of my undergraduate studies I also worked in the lab of Dr. Valerie Arboleda, looking at applications of clinical sequencing to identify novel pathogens. My current research aims to establish new therapeutic targets and characterize EMT behaviors for atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumors.

Research interests: I'm broadly interested in uncovering molecular mechanisms behind drivers of disease, especially in the context of molecular signaling and gene activation. I would like to continue working in pediatric research to understand how developmental dysregulation promotes oncogenesis.

Payton Zarceno, BS

PIBBS PhD student

Research interests: I'm broadly interested in uncovering molecular mechanisms behind drivers of disease, especially in the context of molecular signaling and gene activation. I would like to continue working in pediatric research to understand how developmental dysregulation promotes oncogenesis.

Favorite food: Either a good California burrito or cassava cake.

Beverage of choice and protocol for preparation: Iced cortado with 2% milk or cold brew (no room for cream).

Favorite lab technique: Immunofluorescence!

Hobbies: Signing up for half-marathons, Solidcore-ing, Finishing the NYT Midi, finding excuses to get laminated pastries.