Melinda Gevorgian is an undergraduate student pursuing a degree in General Biology at California State University, Northridge. She is gaining research experience under Dr. de la Torre-Ubieta through the CIRM-UCLA Bridges Program to attain knowledge in stem cell research in relation to gene dysregulation that occurs in neuropsychiatric disease, specifically 8q21.11 microdeletion syndrome. In her spare time, she paints and volunteers with the San Fernando Valley Rescue Mission.