Gladis Ruiz is a PhD student in the Neuroscience Graduate Program at The Ohio State University. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology with a minor in Chemistry from Oglethorpe University, followed by a post-baccalaureate fellowship at the University of Georgia (UGA). At UGA, her research investigated how environmental stressors and maternal age impact the cytoskeleton and overall health of the oocyte. At OSU, Gladis is bridging her passion for cytoskeleton dynamics with neurodegenerative disease research. In her free time, Gladis enjoys discovering local coffee shops, spending time with her cat named Fish, and solving puzzles.