Kayleigh Castillo

She is a dedicated neuroscience researcher and undergraduate student at Smith College with a strong commitment to advancing scientific knowledge through collaborative research and experimental innovation, currently serving as Project Lead for the Cephalopod Neurodevelopment Project, where she leads planning and execution of short-term and long-term projects, builds cross-functional teams, and develops wet-lab protocols and microscopy imaging techniques for an unestablished model species (Euprymna berryi). She has been selected for a competitive Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship, leading assigned research components independently and presenting findings to faculty and program stakeholders. She also serves as a Teaching Assistant in experimental neuroscience and has extensive experience as a Head Lifeguard and Youth Sports Coach for the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, where she supervised staff and enforced safety protocols. She is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Neuroscience at Smith College. She is recognized as a passionate, detail-oriented, and collaborative researcher and leader who is deeply committed to advancing neuroscience, fostering scientific discovery, and mentoring others in academic and community settings.