Declan earned his B.S. in Biology from Lafayette College where he studied amphibian population genetics and became Enchanted with the experimental and computational Wonderland of complex biological networks. In 2023, he joined UCLA's Genetics & Genomics graduate program, ready to Begin Again with new questions and determined to carve A Place in this World as he chases The Prophecy of discovery. Now, in the Bouhaddou Lab, his End Game is to decode the impact of alphavirus protein phosphorylation on the viral life cycle and to unravel the strategies of a true Mastermind. He approaches each experiment with curiosity and care, knowing that even small discoveries can bring unexpected happiness like The Best Day in the lab. Declan’s Wi$h Li$t includes listening to Taylor Swift, baking sweet treats, and enjoying the Daylight of a sunny LA beach. He also takes time to reflect All Too Well on the joys and surprises of pursuing science and chasing the 1 finding that could unlock the next chapter.