Sofia Machuca, MPH

Sofia Machuca was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Loyola Marymount University, leading her to work in the network communications field. The COVID-19 pandemic inspired her to explore the scientific field which led her to pursue a Master of Public Health in Biostatistics & Epidemiology from the University of Southern California. 

In 2023, Sofia joined UCLA as an Administrative Assistant III, where she provides support to some of the faculty in the division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine. She joined the TIDE Lab in 2025 where she has assisted in yellow fever data analysis, and continues to explore different research interests, as well as providing administrative support to Dr. Seth Judson and the lab.  Outside of the lab, Sofia enjoys dancing, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family, including her puppy Potato.