Luna

I’m Isabel Luna, an undergrad neuroscience researcher passionate about understanding how psychedelics and prefrontal cortex circuits shape motivation, reward, and flexibility. I’m currently completing my B.S. in Molecular & Cell Biology at San Francisco State University, where I also pursue a minor in Computing Applications (PINC Program) and a certificate in Data Science & Machine Learning for Biotechnology.

I conduct research at UCSF in the Sohal Lab, where I study how neural circuits within the medial prefrontal cortex influence decision-making and behavior, using techniques like optogenetics, behavioral assays, and fiber photometry. Previously, I spent the summer at the University of Michigan investigating dopaminergic signaling in the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus (PVT) using microdialysis and Pavlovian conditioning paradigms.

My long-term goal is to earn a Ph.D. in Neuroscience and lead a lab focused on addiction, psychedelics, and psychiatric disorders.