Roya Bagheri, Chair
I’m originally from Iran and earned my B.S. in Materials Engineering (Biomaterials) from Iran University of Science and Technology, my M.S. in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Tehran, and my Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering (Biomechanics) from Michigan Technological University. My research journey has taken me from tissue engineering to medical devices, all driven by a passion for improving human health through science and engineering. Currently, I am a Postdoctoral Scholar at UCLA’s Orthopaedic Hospital Research Center, where my research focuses on here my research focuses on the intersection of biology and engineering to better understand and develop solutions for human rare disease. Outside the lab, I enjoy reading science fiction, playing tennis, basketball, and swimming, as well as dancing and spending time with friends. As Chair of the UCLA Postdoctoral Association (PDA), I am passionate about building a stronger and more connected postdoctoral community. As PDA Chair, I’m passionate about bringing people together, creating opportunities for networking and collaboration, and helping postdocs build a strong and supportive community at UCLA.
Claudia Aguirre, Vice-Chair of Operations
I am a first-generation, Mexican-American neuroscientist studying how prolonged drug exposure induces neuroadaptations that contribute to impairments in cognition and decision-making. I received my BA in Psychology from the University of Southern California and my MA and PhD degrees in Psychology from UCLA under the mentorship of Dr. Alicia Izquierdo. Currently, I am a postdoc working with Edythe London in the Department of Psychiatry at UCLA, investigating how chronic drug exposure alters neural circuitry associated with cognition, reward processing, and decision-making, and how these neuroadaptations contribute to clinical outcomes in individuals with substance use disorders. Outside of academia, I enjoy being active outdoors (hiking, biking, climbing), camping, attending concerts and comedy shows, and traveling. As PDA Vice-Chair of Operations, I hope to help cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment where postdocs feel valued both professionally and personally, and organize events that foster meaningful connections and a strong sense of community
Ronak Afshar, Vice-Chair of Advocacy
I am originally from Iran and received my PhD in Organic Chemistry, with a strong interdisciplinary focus on biomaterials, drug delivery, and biomedical engineering. Currently, I am a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering at UCLA, working in Dr. Nasim Annabi’s lab. My research focuses on engineering multifunctional biomaterials and bioadhesive platforms for regenerative medicine, localized therapeutics, and translational biomedical applications, with an emphasis on bridging scientific innovation and patient impact. Beyond research, I enjoy traveling, reading, cooking, exploring new cafés and restaurants, and building meaningful connections within diverse communities. As Vice-Chair of Advocacy and Campus Relations, I am passionate about supporting postdoctoral scholars by fostering a stronger sense of community, advocating for postdoc needs, strengthening connections across campus, and helping create an environment where postdocs feel supported, heard, and empowered to thrive both professionally and personally.
Yuanyuan Wei, Vice-Chair of Communications
Originally from China, I received my B.E. in Precision Instrument from Tsinghua University and my Ph.D. in Biomedical Engineering from The Chinese University of Hong Kong. Currently, I am a postdoc in Dr. Chao Peng’s Lab in the Department of Neurology at UCLA, developing AI-based computational tools for therapeutic discovery in neurodegenerative diseases, work that bridges the Medical School and the Samueli School of Engineering. I came to UCLA because of its rare capacity for genuine interdisciplinary integration. That same conviction drives my role in the PDA. As Vice-Chair of Communications, I believe our community’s voice matters beyond the lab, in conversations with department chairs, deans, and university leadership. I work to ensure postdocs are not only informed, but heard: translating our collective experiences into clear, actionable narratives that reach decision-makers and drive institutional change. Outside the lab, I enjoy photography, hiking, and exploring LA’s food scene.
Panagiota Kolitsida, Vice-Chair of Community Engagement
I am originally from Greece, where I completed my undergraduate studies in Chemistry at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. Driven by a strong interest in biochemistry and cellular metabolism, I moved to Stockholm to study Biochemistry and later continued my scientific journey in Israel at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where I completed my PhD focusing on the role of mitochondria in cellular quality control and mitophagy. Today, I am a postdoctoral fellow at UCLA, where my research explores mitochondrial dysfunction in metabolism and peripheral neuropathy diseases. Beyond research, I am also a long-endurance athlete with extensive experience in triathlon sports and long-distance fundraising events. As a member of the Community Engagement team within the UCLA Postdoctoral Association, I look forward to organizing events, connecting postdocs across campus, and helping build a supportive UCLA postdoctoral community.
