Arshia Kumar

Investigating κ-opioid receptor signaling in the claustrum and its role in stress-induced binge eating using CRISPR mouse models and pharmacological modulation. Tracking behavior of > 10 mice across stress paradigms using SLEAP to quantify binge frequency and duration, linking claustrum activity to feeding behavior. Performing immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging to map stress-related neural activation within claustrum circuits.

Undergraduate Researcher - Bruchas Lab, University of Washington - Seattle, WA

(2025-06)

• Investigating κ-opioid receptor signaling in the claustrum and its role in stress-induced binge eating using CRISPR mouse models and pharmacological modulation.
• Tracking behavior of > 10 mice across stress paradigms using SLEAP to quantify binge frequency and duration, linking claustrum activity to feeding behavior.
• Performing immunohistochemistry and confocal imaging to map stress-related neural activation within claustrum circuits.

Research Intern - Ladiges Geroscience Lab, University of Washington - Seattle, WA

(2024-09 - 2025-05)

• Designed and executed experiments assessing fibroblast senescence and oxidative stress pathways in aging mouse tissue cultures.
• Applied histological staining and microscopy to quantify β-galactosidase activity, contributing to evaluation of GHK-Cu as a candidate anti-aging therapeutic.
• Standardized sample handling and analysis procedures, improving data reproducibility by ∼20%.

Science and Math Tutor - Swoop Tutoring - Seattle, WA

(2026-01)

• Tutor middle and high school students in math, biology, chemistry, physics, reading, and English through one-on-one support.
• Adapt explanations to each student's pace, learning style, and academic needs.
• Support homework, test preparation, and study skills while building student confidence.

Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, PSYCH 202 (Biopsychology) - University of Washington - Seattle, WA

(2025-09 - 2025-12)

• Supported student learning through grading, organizing review sessions, and providing ongoing academic guidance, covering neural communication, brain anatomy, and sensory systems.

Events Coordinator, FEMMES in STEM UW - University of Washington - Seattle, WA

(2024-09)

• Coordinated STEM-focused events and logistics with a 6-member team to support outreach and community engagement.

Podcast Officer & Writer, Grey Matters - University of Washington - Seattle, WA

(2023-12)

• Producing neuroscience podcasts and articles for UW's undergraduate neuroscience outreach journal, translating research on topics such as neurodegeneration and cognition.

Neuroscience Judge - International Youth Neuroscience Association (IYNA) - Remote

(2024-12 - 2025-02)

• Provided concise evaluations of student neuroscience research submissions to assess scientific accuracy and clarity.

B.S. Neuroscience and B.S. Psychology - Neuroscience and Psychology - University of Washington (2027-06)