Drishti Sanghavi

Conducting research on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) under the supervision of Dr. Kitazawa and Dr. Hida, focusing on how environmental neurotoxicants contribute to neurodegeneration. Developed a strong understanding of mouse brain anatomy and neuroinflammatory processes through histological and molecular techniques.

Undergraduate Research Assistant - University of California, Irvine - Irvine, CA

(2024-07)

Conducting research on Alzheimer's Disease (AD) under the supervision of Dr. Kitazawa and Dr. Hida, focusing on how environmental neurotoxicants contribute to neurodegeneration. Developed a strong understanding of mouse brain anatomy and neuroinflammatory processes through histological and molecular techniques.

• Utilizing DNA from transgenic mouse models to investigate neuronal function and pathological changes associated with AD.
• Performing key laboratory techniques including pipetting, PCR, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), and cell counting.
• Proficient in advanced imaging software such as Fiji and QuPath for fluorescence microscopy and brain tissue analysis.
• Examining astrocyte and microglial activation to evaluate cellular responses to environmental stressors.

Clinical Assistant & Medical Scribe - Superkids Pediatrics - Irvine, CA

(2024-09 - 2025-01)

Shadowing Dr. Andrew B. Lee at Superkids Pediatrics

• Interacted with patients and assisted with patients and recorded vital signs to assist in routine care
• Served as a medical scribe during patient visits, documenting medical terminology, symptoms, and diagnoses
• Reviewed notes with Dr. Lee post-visit to ensure accuracy and clarity, refining documentation accordingly
• Observed Dr. Lee's clinical approach and communication with patients, gaining firsthand experience in pediatric care and medical diagnoses.

Clinical Assistant - Upper Echelon Medical - Fullerton, CA

(2025-08)

Shadowing Dr. Kevin Oei and Marisse Herrera

• Assisted with patient intake by recording vital signs (blood pressure, height, weight, visual acuity exams)
• Served as a medical scribe during patient visits, documenting histories, symptoms, and physician assessments in real time
• Developed communication skills by interacting with patients and supporting a clinical workflow

Clinical Volunteer - Osita Health Clinic - San Leandro, CA

(2023-06 - 2024-08)

Serves the uninsured and low-income residents of East Oakland.

• Front desk and administrative representative: Greeted patients, signed them in, completed insurance documentation, processed referrals, and managed phone calls to schedule patient appointments.
• Assisted nurses with patient care, provided wheelchair assistance, and supported in taking vitals.

Internship - Child Mind Mental Health Academy - Oakland, CA

(2024-07 - 2024-08)

Collaborate with teens to enhance their understanding of Neurodevelopmental Disorders

• Developed presentations with my colleagues to educate on various disorders, designed icebreakers, and facilitated activities for classrooms exceeding thirty participants.
• Provided mentorship for their research projects on Neurodevelopmental disorders, offering guidance through formulating guiding questions, sourcing relevant research publications, and editing their findings.

Bachelor's - Chemical Engineering --> Biological Sciences - University of California, Irvine (2027-06)

High School Diploma - Dougherty Valley High School (2019-08 - 2023-06)