Sonya is from Placerville, CA and received her bachelor’s degree in psychobiology from UCLA. During her time as an undergraduate, she participated in both clinical and basic science research in the fields of pediatric psychiatry and neuroscience. After graduating, she worked as a staff researcher in the UCLA Neurosurgery department studying the development of psychiatric sequelae after concussion. Aside from research, Sonya has enjoyed mentoring students with intellectual disabilities through her work with ACEing Autism and UCLA’s Pathway Program. Her interest in translational research and passion for helping those with disabilities has led her to pursue a career in genetic counseling. She is excited to be a part of UCLA’s inaugural class of genetic counselors and looks forward to furthering her involvement in the university’s academic, health, and research communities.
