Event recording now available for panel discussion with scientists held on October 14, 2025
David A. Brenner, MD, president and CEO of Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, welcomed members of the San Diego community to the latest event in the “A Conversation About” community engagement program on October 14, 2025.
Attendees participated in an engaging afternoon exploring the connections between aging and metabolic disorders. Brenner moderated the discussion among three featured panelists:
Debanjan Dhar, PhD, associate professor in the Cancer Genome and Epigenetics Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys
Rohit Loomba, MD, MHSc, professor of Medicine at the University of California San Diego and chief of the Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at UC San Diego Health
The event was introduced by Reena Horowitz, founder of Group of 12 and Friends at Sanford Burnham Prebys, whose support has been instrumental in fostering dialogue around science and health within our community.
Watch Recording
The “A Conversation About” series brings together Sanford Burnham Prebys researchers, clinicians, and community members to explore how aging influences key health issues that affect older adults. Each session highlights current findings, innovative collaborations, and opportunities to translate scientific discoveries into improved health outcomes.
Previous events included:
A Conversation About Aging and Cancer: Examined the links between aging and cancer and featured a discussion of a current breast cancer research collaboration. Click here for the recording of the event.
Sanford Burnham Prebys president and CEO David Brenner, MD, meets with speaker Susan Tousi, MBA, CEO at DELFI Diagnostics, prior to the inaugural event in the Women in Science Lecture Series.
The series highlights the groundbreaking work and unique perspectives of women leaders in the biomedical sciences
Susan Tousi, MBA, CEO at DELFI Diagnostics, opened the event by discussing the lessons she learned throughout her career journey. At DELFI Diagnostics, she is leading a team focused on improving the detection of lung cancer. The company’s goal is to make lung cancer screening more accessible through a blood test that is analyzed by applying machine learning and next-generation sequencing.
Prior to this role, Tousi served as a senior vice president for more than 10 years at Illumina, Inc., including as chief commercial officer for three years. During her tenure, she contributed to making genomic sequencing more affordable as the cost of sequencing a single genome fell from more than $5000 in 2013 to $200 in 2023. Tousi also borrowed from her experience developing consumer printers for Eastman Kodak and Hewlett-Packard, emphasizing the importance of making Illumina’s sequencing machines easy to use for clients in research labs, hospitals and clinics.
“My time at Illumina was amazing,” said Tousi. “I had the absolute privilege of seeing our genomic capabilities installed in 155 countries around the world.”
Tousi concluded with her optimism about how technology is transforming healthcare.
“I think we are on the precipice of major shifts in technology with the advancement of AI and where we’ve come with genomics, multiomics and the access to large-scale molecular data,” said Tousi. “I think you know these new technologies like blood-based liquid biopsy testing are going to allow us to find disease earlier, to treat it more precisely and monitor its recurrence across many disease areas.
“This can be the dawn of a new beginning in science and the advancement of healthy lives.”
From left: Brooke Emerling, PhD, and Susan Tousi, MBA
Image credit: Sanford Burnham Prebys
Kevin Tharp, PhD, assistant professor in the Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys, then moderated a fireside chat and audience question-and-answer session with Tousi and Brooke Emerling, PhD, director and associate professor in the Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program. Topics included: different gender-based expectations in scientific fields; the importance of mentorship and paying it forward; dealing with the emotional toll of studying diseases more prevalent in women; and programs providing opportunities for future leaders in science and medicine.
The Women in Science Lecture Series features quarterly events and is part of broader efforts at Sanford Burnham Prebys to foster an environment that nurtures the success of individuals from all backgrounds. The series is hosted by the Office of Workforce Engagement & Belonging and highlights the groundbreaking work and unique perspectives of women leaders in the biomedical sciences, while fostering mentorship and collaboration across the Torrey Pines Mesa.
Women in Science lectures are free and open to the public. Registration is open for the next event in the series on February 11, 2026.
Institute News
Q & A with Postdoctoral Researcher Rouven Arnold, PhD, from the Adams Lab
Meet one of our early-career scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute: Rouven Arnold, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Peter Adams, PhD. Rouven is a geneticist studying how aging affects the identity of individual cells. His goal is to protect people from common age-related diseases such as heart disease, cancer and dementia.
What are the key areas of research you focus on? I’m interested in cell identity and how cell identity changes during aging. In our bodies, we have about 30 trillion cells, all with the same genetic information. So how does a liver cell know that it’s a liver cell and not a brain cell?
The answer is epigenetics, a layer of control governing the expression of genes in our DNA. With aging, we see a loss of cell identity or, in other words, epigenetic erosion. And that can eventually contribute to age-related diseases.
I’m particularly interested in a protein called HIRA, a histone chaperone. I study how this protein tries to maintain the cell’s identity as we age and prevents the onset of age-related diseases. The goal is to help people age healthier.
This is an important point to emphasize whenever we talk about aging research. The goal is not to live forever. We are trying to help people live healthier for longer.
When and how did you become interested in science? For me, it clicked when I was in high school and we covered genetics in biology class. I found it incredibly fascinating to learn how traits are passed on and how mutations lead to diseases.
I also realized that even small discoveries can make a huge impact. This gives every biomedical scientist a sense of purpose in advancing knowledge and improving health.
What did you imagine you would be doing professionally, and how did it evolve? I have always been connected to the research world because my parents are both biologists. I did not grow up knowing I would become a scientist. My fascination began in high school and didn’t fully solidify until college. At that point, genetics became my main focus and something I truly enjoyed pursuing.
What brought you to the Adams lab at Sanford Burnham Prebys? Before starting graduate school, I worked in several labs in Germany. I gained experience in cancer and heart research. When I started my PhD, I realized that much of my previous research was connected to aging.
As we age, many age-related diseases tend to pop up, such as cancer. After my PhD, I was looking for a postdoctoral research position in aging research and I found an opening in the Adams lab. I was already familiar with his work because he’s well-known in the field, so I was very excited to apply.
I haven’t regretted it at all as I’ve had a wonderful experience with this team.
What motivates you about your research? Sometimes, research can be very challenging. But there are other times where everything falls into place. And then you get this perfect moment, which is incredibly rewarding.
In those moments, you can reflect on the entire process, from generating your hypothesis and designing your experiment to executing it and seeing an exciting result, and everything just aligns. When you have one of these experiences, you remember why you are in science, and you reap the rewards of learning something completely new. That’s a pretty amazing feeling.
Being a scientist also means you share the same passion and curiosity with all the people around you. And that’s motivating you to do even better science, because you are inspired by the collective enthusiasm.
What do you like about working here? Sanford Burnham Prebys stands out for its collaborative environment. Everyone here is friendly and always eager to help you. Whenever I have a problem in the lab, I can walk down the hallway, talk to someone, and we come up with solutions.
I also think that the core facilities here are exceptional. They provide a tremendous boost to my research.
What are your hopes for the next stage in your career? My wife and I are both German, so we do plan to return to Europe. I want to take everything I have learned here and continue working as a scientist.
There are several places in Europe, such as Germany, Switzerland and Portugal, with emerging aging research institutes, and more and more universities are starting departments focused on aging research. I’m hopeful that I will be able to continue contributing to this field after my postdoctoral training.
Have you had an influential mentor? Peter (Adams) has been an incredible mentor. He is very supportive and always eager to connect me with people I can learn from or collaborate with to advance my project and grow as a scientist.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in the lab? I enjoy rock climbing and being out in nature. Also, I feel like when you live in Southern California, you have to try surfing. It’s really challenging, but it’s also a lot of fun so I’m still working on getting better at it.
Postdocs at Sanford Burnham Prebys are pushing the boundaries of science every day through curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. This series highlights their unique journeys, what inspires their work, and the impact they’re making across our labs.
Scientific achievement is typically measured in terms of the work of its principal investigators, their labs and colleagues. But good science requires safe science. In an essay published in Lab Manager,Jennifer Ramil, MBA,director of environmental health & safety at Sanford Burnham Prebys, recounts her own journey from bench to biosafety.
What began as curiosity at the bench, she writes, can evolve into a calling to protect researchers, shape safer labs and strengthen institutions.
Institute News
Q & A with Postdoctoral Researcher Tsunghan Hsieh, PhD, from the Tian Lab
Meet one of our early-career scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys: Tsunghan Hsieh, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Xiao Tian, PhD. Hsieh studies stem cell biology and regenerative medicine to learn how to protect brain health during aging.
When and how did you become interested in science? When I was in high school, I became interested in biology. I started to study biology more and more so that I could go to university and advance to fields such as molecular biology and immunology.
Then I totally changed my track to focus on immunology because I found it so fascinating.
How has your scientific career evolved? After I completed my master’s degree in Taiwan, I wanted to see how people use biology in the business world. I went to industry for a few years, and there I was exposed to different companies and distinct products in a variety of fields.
I learned that I needed a PhD to get access to the most exciting technology in this field, so I started to apply for PhD programs around the world. Eventually I received funding from the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University and went to Japan to complete doctoral studies in immunology.
What brought you to the Tian lab at Sanford Burnham Prebys? I was torn about staying in academia or going back to industry after earning my PhD. I decided that academia gave me the best chance to do something truly new and innovative.
After three years working in different roles in Japan and the Netherlands, I realized that I was most interested in the latest biotechnology. I needed to go to the country with the best biotechnology in the world.
Xiao and I connected on LinkedIn and began discussing his lab’s research on healthy aging. After one conversation, I decided to move to San Diego and join his lab.
What are the key areas of research you focus on? My major project is to study how to reverse the aging process of neurons and other cells. During the aging process, neurons and other cells gain a very different phenotype.
We’re interested in a common mechanism behind this aging phenotype. As cells age, the chromosome structure and transcriptomic profiles become quite distinct from younger cells. If we can reverse this process, we may be able to help the brain stay healthier as people age, and less prone to conditions such as dementia that are more likely to afflict older individuals.
What motivates you about your research? One thing that drives me is that I’ve found something that I truly like to do. Every day I walk into the lab with questions that I want to answer. If you have that kind of innate curiosity, science is a great outlet for it.
What do you like about working here? I learned in my early scientific career that I was not as excited about fundamental research. Here at Sanford Burnham Prebys and in Xiao’s lab, I’m working on more translational science that fits my interests. I want to work on technology that benefits people and has the potential to be approved by regulators, commercialized and disseminated.
How would you describe the culture here? Another one of the best things about working here is the people are friendly and open to collaboration. There are no hierarchies or traditions that get in the way of discussing potential collaborations.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in the lab? Outside of work, I’m usually taking care of my kid, getting her everywhere she needs to go and trying to enjoy some time together as a family. And I am also enjoying the region’s delicious tacos and learning Spanish!
Postdocs at Sanford Burnham Prebys are pushing the boundaries of science every day through curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. This series highlights their unique journeys, what inspires their work, and the impact they’re making across our labs.
Meet one of our early-career scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys: Arailym Sarsembayeva, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Eric Wang, PhD.
What lab are you in, and what research are you working on? I’m currently working in Eric Wang’s lab, which specializes in chemical biology and the development of targeted protein degradation therapeutics against traditionally “undruggable” transcription factors. My project focuses on Helios, a transcription factor highly expressed in regulatory T cells and exhausted CD8+ T cells. I am investigating the effects of Helios degradation on T cell function and exhaustion phenotypes, with the aim of elucidating the underlying mechanisms that modulate tumor immune evasion. Ultimately, this work will not only clarify the role of Helios in T cells but may also guide the optimal deployment of Helios degraders in clinical settings.
When did you know you wanted to be a scientist? I grew up around medicine—my mother is a general practitioner—and was always curious about diseases and how the body works. That early exposure sparked my interest in biomedical science, which I pursued with a presidential scholarship at Dublin Technological University. During my studies, I became increasingly fascinated by immunology and the vital role the immune system plays in health and disease. This passion led me to Kazakhstan for a master’s program and then to Austria for my PhD, where I focused on cancer immunology. Specifically, I explored how cannabinoid receptors on immune cells interact with tumors, which opened my eyes to the complex ways our body fights cancer. It’s been an incredible journey, blending my love for medicine and science.
How did you find your way to Sanford Burnham Prebys? I discovered Eric Wang’s lab through LinkedIn. When I researched Sanford Burnham Prebys and saw the motto, ‘We translate science into health,’ I immediately felt it was the right place for me. The institute is the perfect size—not too big, not too small—and is situated in a highly collaborative environment in San Diego, which aligns perfectly with my goals and working style.
What do you like about working at the Institute? I love the collaborative and supportive atmosphere. My colleagues and collaborators are amazing, and the Office of Education, Training & International Services (OETIS) provides postdocs with great resources—from leadership seminars and writing workshops to grant training. The scientific environment here is excellent, with top-tier core facilities and seminars featuring scientists from across the U.S., which keeps me inspired and engaged.
What’s been a challenge in your postdoc journey? Since this is my first postdoctoral position, one of the biggest challenges has been transitioning from being a PhD student to an independent researcher. Initially, I wasn’t sure how to act or how much independence was expected. However, I’m learning as I go, and I’ve had great mentorship from Eric Wang and others. It’s a continuous process of gaining confidence and skills.
Congratulations on your fellowship! Can you tell us more about it? Thank you! I was recently awarded a three-year postdoctoral fellowship from the American Cancer Society. It’s fully funded, which is a huge relief and allows me to focus deeply on my research. I’m especially excited about the professional development support and opportunities for collaboration that come with the fellowship. It’s a great step forward as I continue to grow as an independent cancer researcher.
For almost 80 years, the American Cancer Society has been at the forefront of funding groundbreaking research that has transformed cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. I am extremely proud to be part of an organization with such a rich legacy, committed to supporting the best science to benefit cancer patients and their families for generations to come.
What are your goals for the next stage of your career? My goals for the next stage of my career are to deepen my research expertise while expanding my leadership and mentorship experience. I’m considering a transition into industry, particularly roles that allow me to work at the intersection of applied research and innovation. However, I still have a strong interest in leading my own research team in the future. This postdoctoral position offers an ideal opportunity to develop leadership skills through project management and interdisciplinary collaboration, while continuing to publish and refine my scientific contributions.
Have you had a mentor who made a big impact on you? Yes, especially my master’s advisor, Dr. Eva Reithmacher. She’s a strong woman in science who supported and encouraged me every step of the way. Her mentorship had a big influence on my path.
What do you enjoy outside the lab? Outside the lab, I really enjoy hiking, baking, horseback riding, and just walking along the beach. Being outdoors is really important to me and living in San Diego makes it easy to get outside and enjoy nature every day!
What advice would you give to aspiring scientists? Pursue your dreams and don’t give up. Science is full of ups and downs, but if you’re passionate and curious about discovering new things, it’s worth it. Be resilient and keep going.
Postdocs at Sanford Burnham Prebys are pushing the boundaries of science every day through curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. This series highlights their unique journeys, what inspires their work, and the impact they’re making across our labs.
The 24th Annual Biomedical Research Symposium brought together postdocs, graduate students, staff scientists, administrators, and faculty for a day that celebrated both discovery and community.
Speakers underscored what makes the gathering special: a rare chance to take in the breadth and depth of research across programs, to connect with colleagues from labs across the Institute throughout the day, including at the poster session, and to spot techniques that might enrich one’s projects. They also emphasized that relationships forged during training often endure for an entire career.
This year’s keynote was delivered by A.J. Hilton, PhD, assistant professor of molecular physiology and biophysics at Vanderbilt University, who discussed how ATF4 coordinates mitochondrial remodeling and functional adaptations across models of aging.
His talk offered a compelling look at how stress response pathways can rewire cellular metabolism and organelle function, with broad implications for understanding age-related decline and resilience.
Attendees praised the clarity of the presentation and its relevance beyond any one discipline, a reminder that the best science often bridges fields.
A highlight of the day was the announcement of the Mentor of the Year Award for Postdoctoral Training, which recognizes faculty who create welcoming, supportive environments and advocate tirelessly for early-career researchers. Nominees were evaluated on criteria such as clear communication of expectations and goals, active support of career development, and meaningful participation in training initiatives. This year’s recipient, Sanjeev Ranade, PhD, of the Center for Cardiovascular and Muscular Diseases, was celebrated for fostering a collaborative lab culture where achievements of all sizes are recognized and trainees are encouraged to think critically and independently. Mentees credited Ranade with reigniting their passion for science, building confidence, and opening doors to new opportunities—proof that great mentorship can be transformative.
The symposium also acknowledged the vital contributions of the Institute’s training community.
Organizers thanked staff and volunteers who made the event possible and recognized a decade of leadership in career and professional development programs that have helped countless trainees refine transferable skills, land jobs, and navigate diverse paths across the biomedical landscape. Practical touches, including food truck tickets for registrants and clear parking reimbursement instructions, rounded out a day designed to make participation easy and inclusive.
As the Institute observed National Postdoc Appreciation Week, the symposium set an enthusiastic tone for the poster session and the Fishman Awards ceremony. If the energy in the auditorium is any indication, the future of the research enterprise is bright—powered by rigorous science, generous mentorship, and a community committed to helping one another thrive.
Recipient of the Fishman Awards: Cynthia Schwartz Shenkman Research Excellence Fishman Award Theo Tzaridis discusses his work on pediatric brain tumors, why rigorous preclinical science matters, and how donor support accelerates discoveries.
Established in 2024, the Cynthia Schwartz Shenkman Research Excellence Fishman Award is unique in nature because it recognizes a Sanford Burnham Prebys postdoc for their outstanding biomedical research contributions and demonstrated track record of research excellence.
What’s your current role and focus at Sanford Burnham Prebys? I’m a physician–scientist studying pediatric brain tumors. I focus on diffuse midline glioma (DMG). I joined Rob Wechsler-Reya’s group at the institute and benefited from him as an amazing mentor and his expertise in mouse modeling of brain tumors tremendously. After Rob moved institutions, I joined Peter Adams’s lab. Peter’s aging and cancer perspective gives my immunotherapy work a fresh lens and he is a truly spectacular mentor. We’ve built a DMG “niche” in the lab and I’ve deepened my in vivo skills, which are essential for translating ideas toward the clinic.
What drew you into oncology and neurology? Even in high school I was fascinated by how a cell can go “crazy”, grow uncontrollably and form a tumor. Medicine let me pair that curiosity with real patient impact. My MD thesis work in Heidelberg, Germany, suggested an old chemotherapy could reactivate a tumor suppressor which paved the way for a clinical trial. During my neurology residency in Bonn, Germany, I helped plan, analyze, and published results from a clinical trial that became the first positive glioblastoma study in 14 years. Those experiences were very rewarding and cemented my focus on translational research.
You mentioned that your approach to immunotherapy starts with “back to basics.” What does that mean? Many brain tumor trials borrowed targets from other cancers without confirming those targets exist in the brain tumor microenvironment. We went back to basics, systematically profiled immune checkpoint molecules present in DMG and found CD155 (also called the poliovirus receptor) consistently expressed across models and patient samples. That points to smarter targeting rather than one-size-fits-all strategies.
How has the Institute’s environment shaped your work? The culture at Sanford Burnham Prebys is genuinely team oriented. Core facilities (flow cytometry, mouse) are exceptional partners in experimental design. We also engage in a cross-institution “Brain Tumor Club” on the Mesa and contribute data to a molecular tumor board that informs real treatment decisions. In one case, marker data I generated supported a physician’s plan to pursue a personalized immune therapy known as CAR T-cells for a child which was an incredibly meaningful moment.
Any notable collaborations beyond campus? Yes. Our in vivo expertise enabled joint studies with Emory University, including work on small molecules for pediatric brain tumors. We have also collaborated with Columbia University and the Dana Farber Institute. These multi-site projects help validate findings independently which is critical in pediatrics where patient numbers are limited.
How did the Fishman Awards affect your trajectory? The Fishman Career Development Award I received in 2023, and the Cynthia Schwartz Shenkman Research Excellence Fishman Award I recently received provided fuel at key moments. The Fishman Career Development Award sent me to the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) conference in 2024, where I met a company carrying the only clinical-grade antibody to my target; after an MTA, we’re now testing it here. I also attended the La Jolla Immunology Conference and received a best oral presentation award which is validation that stretching into complex immunology is worth it. Importantly, the Fishman Award application process itself which includes writing, presenting, getting feedback, built resilience and sharpened my vision.
Where do you want to take this next? I aim to lead an independent lab tightly linked to a clinical trials unit. Success requires basic scientists and clinicians at the same table from day one, plus rigorous preclinical “homework” to identify the subgroups most likely to benefit before launching trials. It’s harder, but in the long run it saves precious time and resources and gives patients better odds.
What is life like outside the lab? I’m a dad of two, so there is hardly time for anything, but we try to do hikes and some beach time. San Diego’s landscapes are a gift. Before kids I did theater; these days, I read when I can, and we take short family adventures (Anza-Borrego is a favorite).
Is there anything you’d like supporters to know? Your support is more than funding, it’s belief. At a time when the value of science may be questioned, you’re helping researchers communicate clearly, collaborate widely, and move ideas toward children who can’t wait. The Fishman Awards exemplify that: they strengthen science and the storytelling that brings people along. Thank you.
Institute News
Q & A with Postdoctoral Researcher Alicia Llorente Lope, PhD, from the Emerling Lab
Meet one of our early-career scientists at Sanford Burnham Prebys: Alicia Llorente Lope, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Brooke Emerling, PhD.
When and how did you become interested in science? I come from a family of scientists. Both my parents are biologists, and they are more on the zoology side of the spectrum.
I thought I might follow in their footsteps, but I grew older and became more interested in medicine. I didn’t know then if I wanted to be a physician or a biomedical researcher.
In the end, I felt that research was more my thing. I was more interested in understanding the mechanisms of disease than in treating it.
What are the key areas of research you focus on? I wanted to work on breast cancer during my postdoctoral fellowship because I had studied the disease while earning my PhD. Now I focus on a specific subtype of breast cancer noted for having high levels of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 protein, or HER2.
This HER2 subtype is known to be aggressive, but it initially responds very well to targeted therapies, which are drugs designed to block the HER2 protein. Unfortunately, most patients develop resistance over time to these drugs.
We are trying to explain why this resistance occurs and learn how to overcome it with new treatments.
What motivates you about your research? My grandmother died of breast cancer, so I have seen the disease from a very close and personal vantage point. It made me realize how much research is needed, even in cancer types that have a better prognosis now.
It’s clear to me how things have improved for breast cancer patients because of research, and that we can continue to enhance therapies and provide patients with better opportunities and outcomes.
What do you like about working here? I like that there are a lot of opportunities for us as postdocs to enhance our career development. I think that’s important, and I feel that that’s one of the best things about this institute.
They provide many courses and workshops, and it shows that they really care about our training. I feel that I’ve had the chance to improve professionally in a lot of different areas.
We also have the Sanford Burnham Prebys Science Network that organizes social and networking events. It helps us make new connections. As we make friends here and discuss our projects and interests, we also develop new scientific collaborations.
Have you had an influential mentor? My first research experience was actually the one that made me decide to get my PhD. I left my home in Barcelona and spent some time in Boston at a lab that studied lymphangioleiomyomatosis, a rare lung disease that my mom has.
Lisa Henske and her lab always treated me as if I was a part of the group, not just an undergraduate student that knows nothing. They would let me present in lab meetings. They would let me go to conferences.
I received outstanding training there, and Lisa’s mentorship was instrumental in my development as a scientist.
What do you enjoy doing when you’re not in the lab? I love scuba diving. The opportunity here to dive with sea lions is amazing.
In November, the sea lions have their pups, and you can dive with them. They are so playful! They even try to bite your fins, your camera. It’s a lot of fun.
Postdocs at Sanford Burnham Prebys are pushing the boundaries of science every day through curiosity, collaboration, and innovation. This series highlights their unique journeys, what inspires their work, and the impact they’re making across our labs.
The scholarship program for graduate students was created by the Clause family’s generous donation to Sanford Burnham Prebys
“I’m thrilled to receive this scholarship, which will help me continue contributing to our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease,” said Shahnaee.
The McCardle Clause Scholarship was established in honor of Phyllis McCardle Clause after her long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The award supports graduate student education in age-related neurodegeneration within the institute’s graduate school.
Shahnaee conducts research in the laboratory of Jerold Chun, MD, PhD, a professor in the Center for Neurologic Diseases at Sanford Burnham Prebys, with a focus on better understanding the effects of neurodegenerative diseases on brain cells.
“Since joining the Chun lab in 2021 and starting my PhD, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside a wonderful team and within the supportive Sanford Burnham Prebys community,” said Shahnaee. “I’m very grateful for this support and for the opportunity to keep pursuing my research with the guidance of my mentor and colleagues.”
As part of her thesis work, Shahnaee contributed to a study unveiling novel and diverse mRNA sequences transcribed from genes associated with neurodegenerative diseases (published in eNeuro 2024).
She will now characterize and study the function of the product of a specific novel human RNA isoform that she found significantly upregulated in disease-associated astrocytes in brain tissue from patients with AD.
“By focusing on the novel RNA isoform we discovered in astrocytes, my goal is to uncover how its translation into a protein alters brain function in Alzheimer’s disease, with the hope of identifying a new disease marker.”
“Contributing to this knowledge is both scientifically exciting and personally motivating,” said Shahnaee. “There is so much we still have to learn about the brain.”
