Splash Biography



ARIEL HERNANDEZ-LEYVA, Yale Senior - MSTP Candidate




Major: Biology

College/Employer: Yale

Year of Graduation: 2016

Picture of Ariel Hernandez-Leyva

Brief Biographical Sketch:

Although I have a passion for Biology and an interest in medicine, I also really love teaching.I currently do research in the lab of Dr. Farren Isaacs. focusing in the field of synthetic biology and bioengineering. I have recently retired from my part time job as the peer tutor for Biology 101 and 102 at Yale. Additionally, I am the former president of the Yale Anti-Gravity Society (the juggling club) and enjoy extreme forms of multiplexing.



Past Classes

  (Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

S1976: Brain Busters in Splash Spring 16 (Apr. 02, 2016)
We are cracking open the noggin to learn more about neural pathophysiology, specifically we will be discussing the bacterial and viral infections that can disturb neural function and how they can cause disease. We will also tackle prions and protein-based neurodegenerative diseases. This course is brought to you by an avid microbiologist and specialist in neurodegeneration. Both undergraduate seniors actively involved with research on campus.


X1986: Multiplexing 101 in Splash Spring 16 (Apr. 02, 2016)
A course brought to you by the Yale Anti-Gravity Society! We'll be teaching the basic of juggling. What props to use, how to use them, and how you can get involved and continue to learn juggling. We will be providing props to juggle with and for you to practice with us. Our aim is for you to leave Splash as a certifiable multiplexer.


S1818: Basics of Biology: Cloning in Splash Fall 15 (Nov. 14, 2015)
Explore with us the evolution of one of the most basic protocols in molecular and cellular biology, cloning. Both the cloning of genes and the cloning of organisms. We'll talk about a range from E. coli to Dolly the Sheep and describe the ways we can manipulate DNA within organisms and what that means for the science of biology. We'll also go into the nitty gritty of the protocols and show you the latest techniques in cloning you're sure to see in a future career in the life sciences.


S1550: Mind Control Mice: Optogenetics as a Tool in Splash Spring 15 (Apr. 04, 2015)
Optogenetics involves the genetic engineering of cells to respond to different wavelengths of light. It has been used as a tool in the biological sciences to trace nervous pathways, affect change in the behavior of organisms, and even mind control mice. We'll provide a review of the 2010 scientific "Method of the Year" starting from the molecular level upwards, and talk about some of the incredible discoveries that have been made using this fabulous tool.


S1287: Enzymes in Splash Fall 14 (Nov. 08, 2014)
Wanna get SWOLE? Love the chalky taste of protein shakes? Do amino acids excite you? What about alpha helices and beta sheets? Cellular metabolism? Molecular interactions? If you're looking to get ripped, this class probably won't help you. But we promise to strengthen your mind, if not your biceps. Come learn about proteins and how incredibly important they are in the cell. We will take an in depth look at how enzymes work and some of the theory behind modeling complex systems such as cellular signaling networks.


S1158: New Pills for Old Ills? AMPs to the rescue! in Sprout Summer 2014 (Jul. 12 - Aug. 02, 2014)
A survey of the current dilemma facing medicine as ever evolving pathogenic bacteria evolve and adapt against standard antibiotic treatments. Also surveys one of the possible treatments for the future, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs), and some of the current research being done on them.


S1014: Intro to Cell Biology in Splash Spring 14 (Mar. 29, 2014)
Sound boring? This class will be anything but. Prepare yourself. You are about to undertake a guided tour of the anatomy and physiology of the cell. You will even be introduced to one of the greatest ongoing conundrums in cell biology. DUN DUN DUN! But wait! You might be wondering what the big deal is. What exactly IS cell biology? This class aims to not only introduce you to the intricate mechanisms inside the cell but introduce you to cell biology in a general sense. We hope to help you decide if cell biology is for you.


S1016: Intro to Biochemistry in Splash Spring 14 (Mar. 29, 2014)
So... what is the difference between organic chemistry and biochemistry? ...Stumped? Come check this class out. We will explore the fundamental concepts of biochemistry and some fun examples. Come see if biochemistry is worth further pursuing. This will be an interactive class, come prepared to participate!


S699: An Introduction to Cell Biology in Splash Fall 13 (Nov. 09, 2013)
Sound boring? This class will be anything but. Prepare yourself. You are about to undertake a guided tour of the anatomy and physiology of the cell. You will learn the ins and the outs of phagocytosis, down to the most intricate mechanisms. You will even be introduced to one of the greatest ongoing conundrums in cell biology. DUN DUN DUN! But wait! You might be wondering what the big deal is. What exactly IS cell biology? This class aims to not only show you the intricate mechanism behind phagocytosis but introduce you to cell biology in a general sense. We hope to help you decide if cell biology is for you.


S578: Multiplexing 101: Learn to Juggle in Sprout Fall 13 (Oct. 05 - 19, 2013)
A basic introduction to juggling three balls with tricks included.


X284: Basic Juggling, Multiplexing, and Possibly Passing in Splash Spring 13 (Apr. 06, 2013)
The goal of the course is to teach or improve 3-Ball Juggling. It will show videos, live demonstrations, and supply props to juggle. Those who already know how to juggle three balls will be able to learn new tricks, ranging from intermediate to advanced.