Creating Community & Highlighting the Work Of LGBTQIA+ Researchers on the Torrey Pines Mesa
This symposium provides a unique platform to celebrate research excellence while strengthening our scientific community through meaningful connections. Talented graduate and postdoctoral researchers from institutes across the Torrey Pines Mesa will highlight their scientific contributions and share their experiences leading community-building organizations.
Following the talks, attendees will get to network with other scientists and organizations that promote engagement and belonging for queer scientists and allies. Light refreshments will be served.
Qs & As on the Mesa is a multi-institute event hosted by the La Jolla Institute for Immunology, Salk Pride Society, Sanford Burnham Prebys, the Pride Alliance at Scripps Research, and the Queer Science Society.
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Symposium
Rising Stars Symposium
We are excited to announce our 4th annual postdoctoral recruiting event!
DateApr 30 - May 1, 2025
Time9:00AM-5:00PM PT
LocationSanford Burnham Prebys
Victor E. LaFave III Memorial Auditorium
10905 Road to the Cure
La Jolla, CA 92037Get Directions
The Rising Stars Symposium is an annual recruitment event that showcases the biomedical research of exceptional postdoctoral candidates from across the country. Candidates are selected based on academic achievements, research scholarship, and the alignment of their research interests with those of Sanford Burnham Prebys laboratories.
Welcoming Remarks David A. Brenner, MD President and Chief Executive Officer Donald Bren Chief Executive Chair
9:20 – 9:25am
Keynote Introduction James Marchant, PhD Postdoctoral Fellow Colas Lab
9:25 – 10:30am
Keynote Address Mark Mercola, PhD Professor, Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute Stanford University School of Medicine
10:30 – 10:45am
Coffee Break
10:50 – 11:50am
Morning Session Moderator: Alexandra Houser 10:50 – Paola E. Peña García 11:10 – Jaquesta Adams 11:30 – Michelle Thomas
11:50am – 12:05pm
Coffee Break
12:10 – 12:30pm
Afternoon Session Moderator: Alexandra Houser 12:10 – Janice Reynaga
12:30 – 12:45pm
Day 1 Closing Remarks Lukas Chavez, PhD Associate Professor, Cancer Genome and Epigenetics Program Member, Center for Data Sciences
1 – 2:15pm
Lunch Student and Postdoc Leaders
2:30 – 3:45pm
1:1 Faculty Meetings
3:45 – 5pm
Postdoctoral Programs and Leadership Development Nisha Cavanaugh Associate Director, Career Development and Postdoctoral Programs
May 1 – Day 2
9:30 – 9:45am
Day 1 Recap and Day 2 Introduction Sanju Sinha, PhD Assistant Professor, Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program Member, Center for Data Sciences Member, Center for Therapeutics Discovery
9:50 – 10:50am
Morning Session I Moderator: Katya Marchetti 9:50 – Lanette LaComb 10:10 – Danielle Johnson 10:30 – Tracey Porter
10:50 – 11:05am
Coffee Break
11:10 – 11:50am
Morning Session II Moderator: Monica Nicolau 11:10 – Sarah Brashear 11:30 – Ariell Smith
11:50am – 12:00pm
Day 2 Closing Remarks Lauren Mitchell Director, Workforce Engagement and Belonging
12:15 – 1:30pm
Lunch Reception
1:30 – 2:45pm
1:1 Faculty Meetings
We invite applications from late-stage doctoral students and early-stage postdoctoral researchers who will be seeking a postdoctoral position between now and May 2026.
Over the course of three days, selected candidates will:
Present their research in a 20-minute talk
Participate in career and leadership development sessions
Tour laboratories and core facilities
Attend a networking reception with students, postdocs, and faculty
Meet with faculty to explore postdoctoral opportunities at the Institute
Travel, lodging, and meals will be covered by Sanford Burnham Prebys. The symposium is hosted by the NCI-designated Cancer Center and the Workforce Engagement and Belonging Council. We strongly encourage scholars from underrepresented groups in the sciences to apply, as we are committed to increasing the visibility of diverse future leaders in biomedical research.
Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine Department of Medicine and Cardiovascular Institute Stanford University School of Medicine
“Developing Heart Failure Drugs that Target Mechanisms Rather than Symptoms of Disease”
Mark Mercola, PhD, is the Joan and Sanford I. Weill Scholar and Professor of Cardiovascular Medicine in the Division of Cardiovascular Medicine and in the Department of Chemical and Systems Biology. Dr. Mercola has done foundational work in establishing human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC) models of heart disease including the discovery of molecules that induce the heart during early development. He has used these models, together with small and large animal models, to identify and validate therapeutic targets and candidates (biologics and small molecule) to treat heart disease. He is a recipient of an NIH MERIT award has led projects funded by the National Institutes of Health, the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, the Fondation Leducq, and pharmaceutical company-academic collaborations. He serves on the boards of multiple academic centers and biotech companies.
“High-throughput evolution of near-infrared oxytocin nanosensors enables oxytocin imaging in mice and prairie voles”
Oxytocin signaling is central to social neuroscience. We still have an incomplete understanding of how oxytocin supports complex social behaviors across species in health and disease. Using single-walled carbon nanotubes and single-stranded DNA, Adams develops near-infrared fluorescent synthetic probes to image oxytocinergic communication with high spatiotemporal resolution. These tools can capture synaptic-scale neurochemical release ex vivo.
Sarah Brashear PhD candidate UC Davis Smith Lab
“Skeletal Muscle Adaptations to Exercise in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease”
Brashear’s research investigates skeletal muscle function, collagen architecture and resident muscle cells in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and chronic kidney disease. Both diseases have been shown to lead to increased skeletal muscle fibrosis. Brashear’s goal is to mitigate fibrosis and improve muscle function using therapeutics and exercise, ideally leading to improved quality of life.
Michell Carroll PhD candidate University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshleman School of Pharmacy Pattenden Lab
“A rapid and simple method for extraction of high-quality chromatin from fixed tissues”
Thomas is dedicated to developing innovative methods for extracting high-quality chromatin from fixed tissues, enabling the exploration of chromatin changes in both normal and diseased states.
Danielle Johnson PhD candidate University of Arizona Jewett Lab
“Expanding the Utility of Triazabutadiene Chemical Probes to Target and Elucidate Protein Dynamics through 19F NMR”
Johnson investigates the application of Triazabutadiene chemical probes for targeted mitochondrial delivery of fluorinated small molecules. Her research uses 19F NMR spectroscopy to study protein dynamics and mitochondrial dysfunction in disease progression. She has experience in chemical probe design, chromatographic purification and biophysical characterization. Johnson is the president of Grad C.A.F.E., an organization fostering professional development for underrepresented graduate students.
Lanette LaComb PhD candidate Albert Einstein College of Medicine Almo Lab
“Deciphering the Interaction Landscape of Mena via Its EVH1 Module”
LaComb’s research is centered on elucidating the binding landscapes of disease-relevant proteins. Her goal is to identify novel molecular interfaces amenable to therapeutic targeting. LaComb combines classical biochemical and biophysical methodologies, protein synthesis and structural biology to map unique binding epitopes that inform rational inhibitor design. Her work lays the groundwork for next-generation therapeutic strategies.
Paola E. Peña García PhD candidate University of Vermont Poynter Lab
“Elucidating How Obesity and Weight Loss Impact the Airway Epithelium in Obese Asthma”
Obese asthmatics often experience more severe and uncontrolled symptoms even when receiving standard treatments. In these patients, weight loss can lead to fewer asthma symptoms. Garcia’s research examines the dual role of adipose tissue in both driving and resolving airway inflammation. She aims to identify therapies that mimic the benefits of weight loss for obese asthmatics.
Tracey Porter PhD candidate University of Notre Dame Wingert Lab
“Elucidating the role of apolipoprotein L1 in zebrafish pronephros development”
Porter focuses on understanding the genetic mechanisms determining kidney development and disease with the zebrafish as a model organism. Her research aims to discern the role of apol1 in zebrafish pronephros (kidney) development, particularly in the podocytes. This research could further our understanding of genetic contributors to kidney developmental abnormalities and disease.
Janice Reynaga PhD candidate University of Pennsylvania
“Domain focused screen identifies MEAF6 as a vulnerability in acute myeloid leukemia”
Reynaga’s most recent work focuses on epigenetic regulators of leukemia progression. She specializes in CRISPR-Cas9 screens and cell assay development. She also has translational cancer research and mass spectrometry-based proteomics experience. Reynaga excels at managing multiple projects and collaborating across disciplines. She is passionate about mentoring and plans to pursue an academic career focused on teaching and developing future scientists.
Ariell Smith PhD candidate UC Merced
“The effects of elastic and viscoelastic extracellular matrices on lung epithelial cell mechanobiology”
Mechanical properties of extracellular matrices (ECM) regulate cellular processes such as morphogenesis, wound healing and pathophysiology progression. Recently, it has become evident that cells differentiate between elastic and viscoelastic ECMs, altering their morphology, migration rate, contractility and reprogramming their biology. Smith is investigating the effects of elastic and viscoelastic ECMs on lung epithelial cell mechanobiology.
Interested scholars must submit an application by February 21, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. PST, and provide an abstract, CV, and the contact information of a PI, research advisor, or mentor who can serve as a reference.
Eligibility is limited to U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
The Rising Stars Symposium showcases the biomedical research of exceptional postdoctoral candidates from across the country. Candidate selections are based on academic achievements, research scholarship and alignment of research interests with Sanford Burnham Prebys laboratories.
We invite you to apply for this valuable career, networking and professional development event. The symposium will also serve as a recruitment event for those seeking postdoctoral opportunities for:
Late-stage doctoral students who are less than two years from completing their PhD program
Early-stage postdoctoral researchers who are no more than two years post-degree
Over the three days, selected candidates will:
Present their research in an oral format
Attend a networking reception with other students, postdoctoral researchers and faculty
Participate in a leadership development session
Tour laboratories and core facilities
Meet with faculty to learn about career opportunities at the Institute
Travel, lodging, and meals will be paid by Sanford Burnham Prebys. This event is hosted by the NCI-designated Cancer Center at Sanford Burnham Prebys and the DEIB Council. Scholars from underrepresented groups in the sciences are strongly encouraged to apply as we strive to increase the visibility of diverse future leaders in biomedical research.
Welcoming Remarks David A. Brenner, MD President and Chief Executive Officer Donald Bren Chief Executive Chair
9:05 – 9:10am
Keynote Introduction Ani Deshpande, PhD Associate Professor, Cancer Genome and Epigenetics Program Associate Director, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion NCI-Designated Cancer Center
9:10 – 10:15am
Keynote Address Thomas Martinez, PhD Assistant Professor, School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences UC Irvine
Closing Remarks Caroline Kumsta, PhD Assistant Professor, Development, Aging and Regeneration Program Member, Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Assistant Professor School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences UC Irvine
“Building your niche in research and the community”
Prof. Thomas Martinez received his BS in Biological Engineering from MIT. He then received his PhD in Biochemistry & Molecular Biophysics from Caltech as an NIH NRSA predoctoral fellow under the mentorship of Prof. Peter Dervan. His thesis work focused on characterizing the effects of DNA binding pyrrole-imidazole polyamides on DNA replication in prostate cancer. Dr. Martinez then joined Prof. Alan Saghatelian’s group at the Salk Institute as an NIH NRSA postdoctoral fellow. There he developed an integrative platform combining ribosome profiling, de novo transcriptome assembly, mass spectrometry, and bioinformatics to annotate small open reading frame-encoded microproteins. This recently uncovered class of small proteins has since been shown to participate in a diverse array of critical biological processes in health and disease. Currently an Assistant Professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences at UC Irvine, his research group focuses primarily on the discovery and functional characterization of microproteins in cancer and is also exploring their roles in metabolism and aging. As an underrepresented minority and first generation college graduate, Dr. Martinez is committed to outreach efforts aimed at increasing the number of students from disadvantaged backgrounds pursuing higher education and careers in STEM fields. He currently serves as Vice Chair of the School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
Olabisi Osunmakinde PhD candidate University of South Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center Ruffell Lab
“Investigating cholesterol transfer between macrophages and prostate cancer cells”
Prostate cancer is the most common malignancy among men and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths in the United States. Androgen hormones drive prostate cancer proliferation and progression. Olabisi is investigating how macrophages facilitate prostate cancer progression via cholesterol transfer, as this molecule is essential for androgen production.
Rebecca Mello PhD candidate The Scripps Research Institute Lamia Lab
“BMAL1-HIF2α heterodimers contribute to clear cell renal cell carcinoma”
Circadian rhythms play important roles in many aspects of health. Circadian disruption, such as that experienced by night-shift workers, is linked to increased risk of developing certain types of cancer. The mechanisms underlying this link remain poorly understood. Mello is investigating the contribution of circadian-hypoxic crosstalk to this phenomenon, in the context of HIF2α-stabilized clear cell renal cell carcinoma.
Mario Alba PhD candidate University of Southern California Stiles Lab
“Hepatic steatosis induced by bioactive lipids regulated by AKT specific isoforms”
Alba focuses on liver disease with an emphasis on liver cancer and the metabolic dysregulation happening during disease progression. He studies eicosanoid metabolism and the loss of balance between pro-resolving and pro-inflammatory eicosanoid synthesis during liver cancer progression. To drive this research, he primarily uses proteomics and targeted lipidomic panels along with integrating data from the proteomic data commons.
Catherine Rono PhD candidate Michigan Technological University Tang Lab
“Identifying and exploiting metabolic vulnerabilities to target LKB1-mutant cancers”
Targeting metabolic deregulation offers a promising avenue of urgent need for personalized therapies tailored to the genetic and molecular differences of individual patients. Rono is studying Liver Kinase B1 (LKB1), a pivotal regulator of cellular metabolism and tumor suppression which is frequently mutated in cancers and is associated with accelerated tumor progression. Her research uncovers innovative therapies for LKB1-mutant cancer.
Oluwatosin Obisesan PhD candidate Lyman T. Johnson Fellow University of Kentucky Awuah Lab
“Development of a pyrazole-based MYC inhibitor that inhibits intracellular MYC-MAX heterodimerization and induces cell death”
Obisesan focuses on the chemical biology of intrinsically disordered proteins and their role in pathologies. Intrinsically disordered proteins play crucial roles in the regulation of several cellular processes. The aberrant functioning of these proteins has been reported in different cancers. Obisesan studies the mechanisms underlying the involvement of intrinsically disordered proteins in cancer progression to develop targeted therapies.
Jovita Ogechi Daraezinwa PhD candidate University of Kentucky Awuah Lab
“Mechanistic targeting of SHP2 with small molecule peptidomimetic”
Daraezinwa’s research interest is in medicinal chemistry, particularly in the mechanistic targeting of the SHP 2 protein in cancers. Her graduate research focuses on identifying promising small molecules for SHP 2 depletion, which has shown potential as an innovative cancer treatment. Daraezinwa has core skills in organic synthesis and compound characterization, as well as additional expertise in molecular docking and modeling.
Evan Jovon Morrison PhD candidate HHMI Gilliam Fellow University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus Rissland Lab
“UBR4 mediates the quality control of a METAP2 dependent Arg/N-degron pathway”
All proteins are destined to be degraded. The rate at which proteins are degraded is central to the amount of gene expression there is and the dynamics of that expression. Morrison has discovered and is characterizing a novel N-degron pathway in human cells, which may help us understand how some genes are dysregulated during disease.
Timothy Tan PhD candidate University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign Wu Lab
“Engineering the core fusion machinery of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein for vaccine immunogen design”
Contemporary protein engineering techniques for therapeutics are often low-throughput, time-consuming and costly. Using SARS-CoV-2 spike protein as proof-of-concept, Tan develops high-throughput experimental tools to accelerate bespoke protein design for vaccines and immunotherapy. These methods are also useful for tracking potential variants that can evade host immunity. Tan recently published a study on challenges to universal SARS-CoV-2 vaccine development due to antigenic drift.
Mélise Edwards PhD candidate University of Massachusetts Amherst Babbitt Lab
“Letrozole treatment alters hippocampal gene expression in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus)”
Aromatase inhibitors (AIs) are commonly given to patients with estrogen receptor-positive breast cancers to reduce estrogenic stimulation. AIs like Letrozole are associated with severe side effects such as cognitive deficits and sleep disturbances which can deter patients from continuing treatment. Edwards studies the mechanisms underlying these central nervous system deficits to inform novel therapies and improve patient outcomes.
Rameen Shah Postdoctoral Fellow Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai Morava-Kozicz Lab
“ALG13-CDG brain organoids exhibit glycosylation defects and altered gene expression, providing insights into neuronal pathology”
Patients suffering from rare congenital disorders of glycosylation often have debilitating neurological symptoms. There is a lack of understanding regarding their pathomechanism due to limited neurological model systems. In our lab, we establish brain organoid models and examine the neuronal pathology underlying these diseases through a multiomics approach. This new mechanistic understanding will guide the development of therapeutics for these disorders.
Myeshia Shelby PhD candidate Howard University College of Medicine Nwulia-Misiak Lab
“A translational approach to Apo-E4 polymorphism interplay with blood glucose levels and olfactory performance as early indicators of cognitive decline”
Alzheimer’s disease is the fifth-leading cause of death among elderly Americans and is associated with sensory decline prior to disease onset. The detection of unique biomarkers could provide therapeutic targets for disease management. Shelby’s work explores APOE heterogeneity and increased blood glucose levels in the onset of olfactory dysfunction as an early hallmark of memory decline and cognitive impairment.
Jonathan Molina PhD candidate University of Notre Dame Flores-Mireles Lab
“Host fibrinolytic-deficiencies exacerbate catheter-associated UTI severity and septicemia from mono- and poly-microbial infections”
Molina focuses on catheter-associated urinary tract infections, which are the most common cause of healthcare associated infection worldwide. His research aims to dissect the inflammatory response that urinary catheterization causes to the host bladder and how that response interacts with various pathogens. Doing so could uncover novel pathways and potentially treatments to mitigate infections.
