UCSF’s innovative, collaborative approach to patient care, research and education spans disciplines across the life sciences, making it a world leader in scientific discovery and its translation to improving health.
Andrea earned a Master of Science degree in biomedical engineering, with a specialization in stem cell research, from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. She is a specialist in the Kao Lab.
Maya earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in molecular and cell biology with a concentration in neurobiology from the University of California, Berkeley. She has joined the clinical trials team at the UCSF Memory and Aging Center and plans to pursue a career in healthcare, specializing in neurology.
In her free time, Maya enjoys running, camping, and spending time outdoors.
Hong Nguyen joined the UCSF Memory and Aging Center in July 2025 as a research study coordinator under Dr. Vandevrede, supporting Alzheimer’s disease research. She hopes the work conducted at the center will contribute to advancements in Alzheimer’s disease medications for future generations.
Anup Sonti, MD, is a clinical fellow at the UCSF Memory and Aging Center. A Bay Area native, Dr. Sonti completed his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Davis, where he majored in cell biology. His interest in neurology began during college, fueled by research on brain injury. He later completed a post-baccalaureate Intramural Research Training Award fellowship at the National Institutes of Health, where he investigated the role of adult neurogenesis in mood and behavior.
Miraal grew up in Pakistan and England before moving to California, where she recently graduated from the University of California, Berkeley, with a BA degree in cognitive science. At Berkeley, she worked at the Jagust Lab, studying atrophy patterns in relation to aging and Alzheimer’s disease. She is currently an assistant clinical research coordinator in the Rabinovici Lab.
In her free time, Miraal enjoys swimming, spending time outside, reading, and exploring new coffee shops.
Dr. Silvia Russo is a board-certified neurologist specializing in behavioral neurology. She graduated summa cum laude from San Raffaele University School of Medicine in Milan, Italy, and completed a visiting scholarship at UCSF’s Memory and Aging Center, where she gained valuable experience in neurodegenerative disorders and developed a deeper commitment to caring for aging patients with cognitive decline.
Shirley was born in Guangzhou, China, and grew up in Los Angeles. She attended the University of California, Santa Barbara, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in pharmacology. During her undergraduate studies, she worked as a certified pharmacy technician and gained patient care experience in the emergency department and the surgical nursing floor at USC Arcadia Hospital.
Rayna was born and raised in Shenzhen, China. She holds an MPhil in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies from the University of Cambridge and dual BA degrees in English and Digital Media from the University of Rochester. At the UCSF Memory and Aging Center, she works as a clinical research coordinator in Dr. Tee’s lab, supporting study coordination and participant engagement for Chinese-speaking populations.
