Alyssa Bonillas

Alyssa is an Imaging Specialist at the Weill Innovation Core, where she works closely with researchers to provide training and support for their imaging needs.

Alyssa previously worked at the CA National Primate Research Center at UC Davis, where her primary focus was investigating SARS-CoV-2 neuroinvasion and subsequent neuroimmune response in rhesus macaque models of COVID-19. She was also involved in the development of Alzheimer’s disease and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder monkey models. She briefly explored a career in data science/analytics but ultimately decided that professional fulfillment was more important than financial gain, so back to the lab she went.

Alyssa has extensive experience in histological processing and confocal imaging of mammalian brain tissues and enjoys broadening her skills by studying new model systems and experimental methods in neuroscience.

Outside of work Alyssa enjoys training aerial arts, skateboarding, PC gaming, exploring nature, and hanging out with her cat (Hoshi).