Hello, everyone! My name is Lyra Ma. I am a senior student majoring in Animal Biology. I am always interested in animals in general. My experiences working in the aquarium led me to at UC Davis and major in Animal Biology. ABI major gave me the opportunity to explore various animal-related fields, including caring for laboratory animals, working with horses, and participating in research. Besides hands-on experiences, I can take many animal-related courses outside my major.
 
After working with sick horses in my first year of college, I continued to grow an interest in equine veterinary medicine, which led to a passion for equine neurodegeneration diseases. ABI major further allowed me to work in a lab of my interest and become a member of a research team. My senior practicum investigated Vitamin E-associated Neurodegeneration and its genetic components in horses. This research experience not only opens the door to research for me but also evokes my passion for neuroscience. After its publication, I am more interested in the pathological mechanisms behind equine neurologic diseases. In my last year at UC Davis, I focus mostly on classes in my neuroscience minor. I am grateful that I chose the ABI major, which helped me develop my love for research. In the future, I plan to continue gaining academic and professional knowledge in my fields of interest and contribute to related neurology research.