Alejandra Ruiz

Alejandra (Ale) Ruiz earned her Bachelor of Arts and Science in Biology from Northeastern Illinois University, where she began her research journey in Dr. Jorge Cantú’s lab. There, she investigated tumor suppressor genes tp53illa and tp53illb in zebrafish. Ale further expanded her research experience through an internship with Dr. Brian Mitchell at Northwestern University, where she studied the impact of mechanical tension on multiciliated cell intercalation in epithelial tissue. Now, as a graduate student in the Cellular and Molecular Pathology (CMP) program at the University of Wisconsin–Madison, Ale is excited to contribute to the lab’s mission of understanding host-pathogen interactions. Ale’s growing interest in immunology aligns well with her research, as she seeks to explore how host immune responses prevent, contain and/or eradicate enteric pathogens during infection.

Outside the Lab: When she’s not immersed in research, Ale enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, playing tennis, and capturing moments through photography. She also loves discovering new restaurants and cozy coffee shops.

Guilty Pleasures: Ale’s guilty pleasures include rewatching Grey’s Anatomy (despite knowing all the twists by heart), indulging in late-night dessert runs, and occasionally getting lost in reality TV dramas or true crime documentaries. She also has a soft spot for cheesy romantic comedies and can’t resist an impromptu online shopping spree.