Parnian Vakili is a sophomore majoring in Biology with a pre-med focus. Since 2023, Parnian has been involved in research with Dr. Claire de la Cova to investigate Extracellular Signal Related Kinase (ERK). In animal development, growth factors stimulate signaling by the GTPase Ras and the kinases Raf, MEK, and ERK. In turn, ERK regulates many cellular events, including proliferation, fate specification, and migration. Parnian’s work with Dr. de la Cova has focused on live-imaging and analysis of ERK activation in migrating cells that respond to Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF). The goal of this work is to understand how the FGF ligand, and its receptor contribute to the temporal nature of ERK activation and cell migration. Outside of research, Parnian is part of HARPY (The Honors Association for Research and Presentation) and enjoys having weekly movie discussions.