1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you came to BioSci.

My name is Negin Pourgholam and I am a second year Biological Science major and a member of the academics committee within BSC. I found my love for biology when I realized that there were an overwhelming number of questions waiting to be answered. The unknowns of our world fascinate me and I believe that science is able to incorporate various perspectives in order to approach the unknown.

2. What attracted you to the life sciences?

My attraction to biology started when I found out that the knowledge we have about the world around us is only at the tip of the iceberg. There is still so much out there waiting to be discovered and the fact that I can be a part of those discoveries excites. Science can be revolutionary.

3. Tell us about some of your educational and professional goals.

I would like to specialize within the biology major, specifically within neuroscience. Research within the field of neuroscience fascinates me and I hope to be a part of bigger and more impactful neuroscience research that can make a change within the way the world currently works. I am interested in research on consciousness and the way which our consciousness operates in connection to the world around us.

4. What accomplishments are you most proud of?

My biggest accomplishment was getting into UCI. I spent lots of time comparing myself to the people around me. There was a strong sense of doubt within me and my capabilities. With the help of my parents, I was able to  believe in myself more strongly. After I got into UCI, that sense of belief within myself and my capabilities grew. Looking back at my acceptance; it was a milestone that I am proud of because it shaped the way I perceive myself. It has also placed me in a position where I am able to achieve my life dreams and attend to my curiosities.

5. Who do you look up to? What is your source of inspiration?

I look up to Terrence McKenna because he was a person who spread love, even when there were large numbers of people who publicly opposed him. He taught me that if you believe something is right, then you should fight for it, even if the whole world is against you. I think that the belief of standing up for your power to have a voice and share that voice is extremely powerful and it is something that I believe in to my core.

6. What’s a cool life sciences fact you learned during your time here?

An interesting fact that I have learned is that the “C” work or consciousness, which is the very fundamental of our awareness and existence, is still a very untouched aspect of science as it is more multidimensional and interdisciplinary. I find this shocking as we do not have a good understanding of the way we perceive the world.

7. What are some hobbies/activities outside of work?

I have a passion for holistic medicine and naturopathic alternative medicine. I like to research herbal and natural alternatives to mainstream painkillers or anxiety medications. I also like doing research on acupuncture as well as Chinese traditional medicine.

8. What is your favorite comfort food?

Avocado toast from Donut Star.

9. A show you’re obsessed with right now?

I am obsessed with “Alone”. This show is a reality game show in which contestants have to survive in arctic conditions for 100 days to win the prize of a million dollars, with limited supplies. This means they have to hunt their own food, build their own shelter, and survive in the outdoors with nothing but natural resources and a few tools. I find it fascinating how so many of the contestants are able to get so far and rely only on the land.

10. Tell us a fun fact about you that you would like to share.

I am a cat mom and I live and breathe for animals. Animals are one of the things about life that make me feel pure joy.

11. Please share a photo of you at work and a photo of you doing something fun or something related to your hobbies.