University of California, Davis (UCD)
Hello! My name is Albatool (Toola) Alkhazal. I am an undergraduate student at UC Davis, studying Neurobiology and Psychology. I have been working as a research assistant on the seahorse & vole side since fall of 2021 and it has been a wonderful journey ever since!
My duties as a research assistant include helping with behavioral tests, tissue collection, colony management, and training new lab personnel. I am currently working on my project that investigates the changes in cilia-related genes in targeted areas of the brain, with a particular focus on the nucleus accumbens, as a result of pair bonding in prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster). My time as a research assistant was extremely fulfilling, as I gained a deeper understanding and appreciation of animal behavior.
Outside of the lab, I enjoy cooking, reading, spooking people with my tarot cards, and playing poker with my friends 🙂 I love to connect with people, so please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions.