UROP Leader Information Submission: Submission #293

First Name: Sofia 
Last Name: Lopez Villaba 
Full name as you would like it to appear on the website: Sofia Lopez 
Preferred Pronouns: {Empty}
Hometown, State, and Country (ex: Tallahassee, FL, USA): Winter Park, FL, USA
FSU email : sil23b@fsu.edu
Please check this box if you are willing to be contacted by students interested in UROP: Yes
LinkedIn URL (optional): https://www.linkedin.com/in/sofia-lopez-villalba-b45572337/
Major(s): Biology and Public Health 
Minor(s): Chemistry and Psychology 
Graduation Semester and Year (ex: Fall, 2022): Fall, 2028
What is your current research focus?:
My current research in the Nowakowski Lab at FSU's College of Medicine focuses on neuroinflammation after spinal cord injury, with an emphasis on how endothelial cells respond to myelin debris. Much of the long-term damage from spinal cord injury stems from secondary processes such as inflammation and vascular dysfunction. Using both in vitro and in vivo models, I study how these cells contribute to injury progression and tissue remodeling. My work consists of assisting with surgical procedures and post-operative care of mice, as well as using techniques like immunocytochemistry and confocal imaging to analyze markers of endothelial function and activation.

Are there any other research related activities you participate(d) in?:
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Answer one of the following two questions about being a UROP Leader or your UROP background. : How do you hope to impact your students as a UROP Leader?
Please answer the question you selected above in the area provided.:
I want to help students find research opportunities and expand their academic horizons, especially early in their college experience. Starting out can feel overwhelming, so I hope to make the process more approachable by sharing what I’ve learned and helping them navigate where to start. Research in any discipline is an incredibly fulfilling and enriching experience. Whether students intend to pursue a career in research or only do so for the term, the fundamental skills of investigation will serve them regardless of their career aspirations. I hope to be a part of their investigation and help them grow skills that will be useful for their academic careers. 

Please list any other hobbies or interests you would like to share:
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Headshot: https://cre.fsu.edu/system/files/webform/urop_leaders_information/22294/Lopez.jpg
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2026Year2026: 2026
Approved: No
Update URL UROP Leaders: https://cre.fsu.edu/urop-leader-information-submission?element_parents=elements/headshot&ajax_form=1&_wrapper_format=drupal_ajax&token=md3fPlLodA7c68cWnX_PrFoW0uDywWoAIJz4HzHmFL8
Years as a UROP Leader: 2024-2025 and 2025-2026