October 2022 ABI Alum Spotlight: Nayeli Echeverria

Hi everyone, my name is Nayeli Echeverria and I just graduated! Woot woot! I transferred to UC Davis in the Fall of 2020, during the pandemic. I was lucky to begin my first quarter working at the 

Murphy-Russell-Leonard-Thomasy Lab, where I learned about a genetic, blinding disease called Corneal Endothelial Dystrophy found in both humans and canines caused by the corneal endothelial layer. I initially began as a pre-veterinary student; however, by creating my own project, analyzing the data, and writing the manuscript while working at the lab, I realized I could not let go of research; more specifically, Ophthalmology research. Working at this lab helped me view my mistakes and failures as learning opportunities to grow. I was able to reflect this to my life even outside of academics. I was happy to see that all of my hard work the past 5 years finally met an opportunity as my efforts in the lab were seen by my PI, Dr. Sara Thomasy, DVM, PhD, DACVO. I am so happy and excited to share that I will be starting my PhD starting the Fall of 2022 in the Graduate Group of Integrative Pathobiology at the UC Davis with Dr. Sara Thomasy as my mentor and will continue to investigate the blinding disease found in both humans and canines. My ultimate goal is to become an academic veterinary ophthalmologist. I would be thrilled to live the life my PIs live as they conduct research, teach, and work in a clinical setting. It is the dream- and I get to be around it!

Thank you to the undergraduate Animal Biology Major that is research based for allowing me to discover my passion for research. Without the major requirements of doing a Senior Practicum, I would not have had the opportunity to work at the most amazing lab. The MRLT lab has truly become my second family.