Emily Eijansantos is receiving the NPB Outstanding Senior Award
During her second year of undergraduate research in the lab of Aldrin Gomes, Department of Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior, Emily Eijansantos felt ready for a solo project. She’d spent her sophomore year learning the lab’s techniques and shadowing more experienced undergraduates. She felt prepared. But like many things in life, the project—studying ibuprofen’s effects on heart cells—had its hurdles.
“A lot of people don’t know, even though it’s widely prescribed, that ibuprofen does have side effects,” said Eijansantos, a graduating senior who has been recognized with the University Medal, UC Davis’ top graduating senior award. “It increases oxidative stress in your heart and it’s associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease.”