Mariana Macias was Penn undergraduate in the lab from to August 2025 to May 2026 from Orlando, FL. Mariana studied Neuroscience with minors in Healthcare Management, and Legal Studies and History at the University of Pennsylvania. Outside of the lab, she was involved in the Philadelphia Lung Cancer Screening Initiative, helping expand access to preventative care through community outreach. She also volunteered with the Brain Exercise Initiative, where she led sessions to help slow cognitive decline in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease. Additionally, Mariana participated in Project Magnolia, which repurposes donated flowers into bouquets for patients in hospitals. In her free time, Mariana enjoyed restaurant-hopping around Philly, baking new recipes, and spending time with friends — whether going out, watching a movie, or studying in coffee shops.