Kathia Ramirez-Armenta, Chair
I am a mexican neuroscientist interested in decision-making processes and their alterations in diverse psychiatric conditions. I received my B.S. in Clinical Chemistry from the University of Sonora and my MS and PhD degrees in Biochemical Sciences from the National Autonomous University of Mexico. Currently, I am a Postdoc in Kate Wassum’s Lab at UCLA, studying the role of dopamine in adaptive decision-making. Outside the lab, I enjoy outdoor activities, practicing martial arts, and traveling. As PDA Chair, I am committed to fostering an environment where the postdoctoral community can realize their maximum academic and personal potential
Roya Bagheri, Vice-Chair of Operations
I’m originally from Iran and hold a BS in Material Engineering-biomaterials from Iran University of Science and Technology, an MS in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Tehran, and a PhD in Mechanical Engineering-biomechanics from Michigan Technological University. My research journey has taken me from tissue engineering to medical devices, focusing on various health-related areas. Currently, I’m a postdoc at UCLA’s Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center. Outside of the lab, I find joy in hiking, reading science fiction, playing tennis, basketball, swimming, dancing, camping, and board games. As PDA Vice-Chair of Operation, I’m excited about improving connections among postdoctoral researchers, encouraging collaborations, and making social interactions easier for everyone.
Diana Aguilar, Vice-Chair of Advocacy
I am from Mexico City, where I received my B.S. in Genomic Science from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM). I got my PhD in Computational Biology from the University of California, Berkeley. My research interests are conservation genomics and adaptive population genomics. My dissertation focused on adaptation, diversity, and evolution in different vertebrates. While conducting my PhD research, I received the Fulbright García-Robles Fellowship and the UC MEXUS-CONACYT Fellowship. Currently I am a Chancellor’s Postdoctoral Fellow working with Kirk Lohmueller in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology. My work revolves around understanding and preserving genomic diversity while mitigating genomic load in populations of concern. Beyond academia, I find joy in dancing and cherishing moments with my canine companion. As Vice Chair of Advocacy of the PDA, I aim to foster a more connected community among postdocs, recognizing the often isolating nature of the experience.
Artemis Zavaliangos, Vice-Chair of Communications
I’m from the Philadelphia area and received a B.A. in Neuroscience and Psychology and a PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Southern California. I am currently a postdoc in Dr. Katherine Narr’s lab at the Brain Mapping Center in the Neurology Department. My research uses neuroimaging and genetics approaches to studying mechanisms of psychiatric interventions. Outside the lab, I love pottery, crafts, taking my dog on hikes, camping, and googly eyes. As PDA Vice-Chair of Communications, I’m so excited to facilitate connections among postdocs and encourage collaborations- both academic and social!
Sneha Chakraborty, Vice-Chair of Community Engagement
I am originally from Kolkata, India. I received my B.Sc. (Honours) in Statistics from St. Xavier’s College (Kolkata) and my M.Stat from the Indian Statistical Institute (Delhi/Kolkata). I completed my Ph.D. in Biostatistics at UC Davis and am currently a postdoctoral scholar in Dr. Kirk Lohmueller’s lab in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at UCLA. My research interests lie in theoretical population genetics, evolutionary modeling, and the analysis of large-scale genomic data. My doctoral work focused on developing statistical methods for hybrid detection using whole-genome sequence data, and my current research investigates the long-term evolutionary dynamics of transposable elements (TEs). When I’m not thinking about genomes, I’m probably cooking something experimental, painting something colorful, or dancing my stress away. As the Vice Chair of Community Engagement, I hope to help build inclusive, welcoming spaces where postdocs can connect across departments, share experiences, and support one another—yes, sometimes over food! My own experience as an international postdoc has made me especially mindful of the challenges of isolation and cultural adjustment. This motivates me to create communities where all postdocs feel seen, valued, and grounded during their time at UCLA.
