Hello, I'm Joelle.

I'm a first-generation Californian, figure skater, and aspiring scientist currently pursuing my Master's in Neural Systems and Computation at ETH Zurich and the University of Zurich. I'm curious about the mechanisms behind the mind — what contributes to thought and perception, and how we can use those discoveries to advance technology and algorithms.

Previously, I completed my BS in Computer Science (specialized in Bioinformatics) with a minor in Cognitive Science at UC San Diego. During my time there, I co-led Triton NeuroTech from 20 members to over 200, captained the UCSD Figure Skating team to the National Intercollegiate Finals, and worked across labs at the Salk Institute, UCSD, and a biotech startup.

Currently, I'm a research intern at the Grewe Lab (INI, UZH & ETH) investigating world model representations in continual reinforcement learning, while continuing computational work with the Gage Lab at the Salk Institute on transposable element expression in Alzheimer's disease. Outside the lab, I'm on the organizing committee for Colosseum at ETH Entrepreneur Club, where we run debates, hackathons, and conferences across Europe.