Elegant Mind Club at UCLA

This organization examines the model organism C. elegans to better understand its many simple and complex behaviors mediated by its simple brain system. It consists of 302 neurons that have all been mapped out and with the recent development of optogenetics and laser ablation, it is possible to discover the precise function and pathway of many simple behaviors. We will examine the behaviors of phototaxis, mechanotaxis, magnetotaxis, electrotaxis, and thermotaxis. Members will also be able to learn many biological techniques related to culturing C. elegans including: preparing agar plates, transferring worms, and making solutions. The goal of this organization is to allow students to enter a research lab on campus and learn how to perform quality research that can be later used in a publication or poster session.

elegantmindclub@gmail.com

Signatories: Rebecca Huang, Chris Dao, and Rose Drew

Advisor: Orlando Luna