Etchi Ako

WHERE I'M FROM

Fontana, CA

BEFORE VS

I graduated with my B.S. in Bioengineering from UC Riverside. I conducted research under Dr. Victor Rodgers in collaboration with Dr. Byron Ford. My project investigated the molecular mechanisms of Neuregulin-1 (NRG-1), a potential treatment for ischemic stroke. We primarily focused on how NRG-1 treatment affects gene expression in rat models.

WHY I’M HERE

I've always been interested in restoring vision. I'm inspired by my grandmother who lost her vision to glaucoma, and I wish more could be done to help her and others who are visually impaired. I would like to expand my knowledge of vision science to help others who can relate to her situation.

MY RESEARCH

I would like to study gene therapies and treatments for retinal diseases.

MY GOALS

I aspire to create and improve treatments for degenerative ocular diseases. I would like to ultimately pursue a career in pharmaceutical engineering and educate communities on ocular diseases.

MY HOBBIES

Muay Thai, cooking, anime, fashion.