Hi there

I’m Kayla – a scientist and artist who is passionate about both making science more accessible through visualization and creating experiences that empower people to engage more with science. 

I am currently a PhD Candidate and NIMH NRSA fellow in the lab of Dr. Weizhe Hong at UCLA studying the neural circuit mechanisms of prosocial behaviors in mice. I’m part of the Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Program.

Originally from Singapore, I received my B.S. in Neural Science and B.A. in Psychology from New York University in 2018, where I completed my undergraduate honors thesis work with Dr. Chiye Aoki.  During my time at NYU, I studied how early life trauma alters amygdalar anatomy in a collaborative project with Dr. Regina Sullivan. When I wasn’t in lab, I spent my time in the dance studio running and performing with NYU Dancers/Choreographers Alliance as Co-President. After graduating, I stayed in New York and spent time in the lab of Dr. Nicholas Stavropoulos where I worked on understanding mechanisms that control sleep in fruit flies.

I am passionate about exploring the intersections between science and equity, policy, education, and public engagement. When not in the lab, I can probably be found designing, illustrating, or working on a host of projects with the Science Policy Group at UCLA where I am President. When I’m not busy with one of the above, I also enjoy dancing, hanging out with my cat Bunsen, & basking in the sun.