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Institute News

Showcasing stellar scientists-in-training: The Rising Stars Symposium at Sanford Burnham Prebys

AuthorGreg Calhoun
Date

May 7, 2024

2024 Rising Stars speakers

The annual event brought 12 doctoral-degree candidates and postdoctoral fellows to the Institute to help nurture diversity in research and feature Rising Stars poised to move science forward.

Sanford Burnham Prebys recently hosted its third annual Rising Stars Symposium, a research meeting and networking opportunity for 12 postdoctoral candidates.

“If I could do another postdoctoral fellowship, I would do it here,” said David Brenner, MD, president, CEO and Donald Bren Chief Executive Chair at Sanford Burnham Prebys, during his opening remarks. “I hope you feel very welcome here as part of the family.”

Following Brenner’s introductory comments, Ani Deshpande, PhD, associate professor in the Cancer Genome and Epigenetics Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys and associate director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the Institute’s NCI-designated Cancer Center, introduced the symposium’s keynote speaker, Thomas Martínez, PhD, assistant professor of Biological Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California, Irvine.

“I have read all the participants’ biographies, and it is clear you all truly are rising stars,” said Martínez. “Every journey in science is unique, but if you find great mentors, adopt an attitude of service and seek to engage with your community, that will carry you a long way.”

The 12 Rising Stars were then invited to give presentations on research they conducted during their graduate school training.

“I was really excited to share my research at Sanford Burnham Prebys,” says Rebecca Mello, a 2024 Rising Star and graduate student at the Scripps Research Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences. “It was an amazing opportunity to participate in such a prestigious event.”

Thomas Martinez, PhD, headshot

Keynote speaker, Thomas Martínez, PhD, assistant professor of Biological Chemistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the University of California, Irvine

Rebecca Mello headshot

Rebecca Mello, 2024 Rising Star and graduate student

In addition to the full-day symposium, the Rising Stars took tours of the Institute, learned about its core facilities and shared research resources, networked with Institute scientists, and gained a better understanding of postdoctoral opportunities at Sanford Burnham Prebys.

“It was really lovely to meet many members of the faculty and staff,” adds Mello. “It seems like a really welcoming community and a well-equipped research institution.”

“When you compare the symposium to a normal recruiting visit where you might go to one lab and some core facilities, this event allows you to have many more interactions and leaves you with a much more complete understanding of the Institute and its collaborative culture,” says Evelyn Sanchez Hernandez, PhD, a 2023 Rising Star who joined Sanford Burnham Prebys as a postdoctoral associate in the Bradley lab and the Cancer Metabolism and Microenvironment Program. Hernandez moderated a session at this year’s event.

The 2024 Rising Star Symposium was sponsored by the NCI-designated Cancer Center and was planned collaboratively by the Institute’s Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging (DEIB) Council; the Cancer Center’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) team; and planning and selection committees.

The planners are grateful for everyone who contributes to this Institute-wide effort, including workshop facilitators, panelists, the Communications team, the Research Administrative Services team and many volunteers.

“It made me proud to work here seeing the tremendous partnerships in action that make this symposium possible,” says Lauren Mitchell, MS, program manager for DEIB at Sanford Burnham Prebys. “I think we were successful in shaking up the standard recruiting process and opening the eyes of both the Stars and attendees to new potential opportunities.”

Hernandez says, “This event is really important because it helps promote and foster more diversity in the scientific community, which is something I want to contribute to and help make happen throughout my career.”

Institute News

Sanford Burnham Prebys’ Shadow Day supports diversity and inclusion in STEM education

AuthorSusan Gammon
Date

November 20, 2023

Caroline Kumsta speaking to STEM Shadow Day students in her lab

Creating an inclusive environment in STEM is crucial for ensuring a broad range of perspectives and ideas, ultimately contributing to the advancement of scientific research and innovation.

This month, Sanford Burnham Prebys’ DEI Education & Training Committee hosted more than 20 high school and college students from historically underrepresented backgrounds for a day of lab tours and workshops. The event was sponsored by the San Diego MESA alliance, and faculty, staff and current trainees came together to help make the event possible.

“The sponsorship by the San Diego MESA Alliance demonstrates the collaborative efforts between organizations to support diversity and inclusion in STEM education,” said Paula Checchi, PhD, administrator in the Institute’s Office of Education, Training and International Students and leader for our DEI Committee. “Such partnerships play a vital role in breaking down barriers and providing resources to underrepresented students to overcome challenges in pursuing careers in science and technology.”

STEM Shadow Day at Sanford Burnham Prebys serves as a model for other institutions seeking to enhance diversity in STEM fields. By actively engaging with students from underrepresented backgrounds and providing them with meaningful experiences, the Institute is contributing to a more inclusive and equitable future in science and research.

After the opening comments from Checci and Alessandra Sacco, Ph.D, Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Director and Professor of the Development, Aging and Regeneration Program at Sanford Burnham Prebys, high school students attended a workshop on networking skills and mentorship. Meanwhile, college students divided into groups and went on guided tours of labs across campus, where they saw firsthand how researchers are solving pressing problems in medicine.

“I’ve always known that I wanted to go into a biomedical research career,” said Owen Kelly, a high school student at High Tech High in Chula Vista. Kelly “Coming here and seeing how things really are in laboratories is very cool—it makes me even more excited to think about a future in science.”

The event ended with a networking lunch followed by a poster session, featuring work by graduate students and alumni of this summer’s SPARK internship program—a six-week, fully paid internship open to high schoolers from San Diego and Imperial Counties.

“Diversity is a huge resource, especially in scientific research,” Sacco said. “If you’re asking questions nobody has the answer to, and everybody in the room is from the same background with the same mindset, you’re less likely to less likely to find creative answers. Diversity enriches the scientific discussion, and we’re all part of the same research community.”

Institute News

Emily Wu awarded Melvin and Phyllis McCardle Clause Scholarship

AuthorSusan Gammon
Date

September 28, 2023

Emily Wu headshot

A scholarship program enabled by the Clause family’s generous donations to the Institute has been awarded to Jiaqian (Emily) Wu, a graduate student in the lab of Nicholas Cosford, PhD, co-director and professor of the Cancer Molecular Therapeutics Program.

“This award is special to me because it’s more than a scholarship—it’s inspiring and encouraging for early-stage scholars,” says Wu. “My research goal is to discover innovative treatments of Alzheimer’s disease and enhance our understanding of the disease. Receiving this honor from a family who was affected by this devastating disease makes me even more motivated to advance my research. I sincerely appreciate the support.”

The McCardle Clause Scholarship was established in honor of Phyllis McCardle Clause who passed away after a long struggle with Alzheimer’s disease in 2008, in San Diego, California. The award supports graduate student education in neurodegeneration and aging within the Graduate Program for Biomedical Sciences.

Wu’s research focuses on a brain-specific enzyme called STEP, whose levels are increased in the human prefrontal cortex of AD patients. Genetic and pharmacological evidence from mouse studies suggest that targeting STEP, a signaling molecule involved in the initial synaptic dysfunction that occurs prior to the loss of neurons, may provide an early treatment option for Alzheimer’s disease.

“We are using a bold approach to screen for potential drugs that modulate STEP,” says Wu. “The strategy holds great potential in overcoming the historical challenges of drug potency, selectivity and blood-brain barrier penetration efficacy for Alzheimer’s disease.”

“More approaches to stemming Alzheimer’s disease are desperately needed. I’m hopeful that our research will contribute to the field and help people suffering this disease.”

Institute News

Scientific leaders of tomorrow present at 2023 Annual Trainee Symposium

AuthorSusan Gammon
Date

September 22, 2023

People at 2023 Trainee Symposium poster session

An accomplished group of early-career researchers including postdoctoral scholars, graduate students and staff scientists showcased their work at Sanford Burnham Prebys’ 22nd Annual Trainee Research Symposium on Thursday, September 21st.

After introductory remarks by Sanford Burnham Prebys Professor Guy Salveson, PhD, former dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, the scientists gave 20-minute podium presentations about their research, which were judged by a panel of Sanford Burnham Prebys faculty and staff.

Speakers included:

  • Patrick Hagan (Graduate Student, Cosford Lab)
  • Alessandra Cecchini, PhD (Postdoctoral Associate, Sacco Lab)
  • James Kent, PhD (Postdoctoral Associate, Osterman Lab)
  • Theophilos Tzaridis, MD (Postdoctoral Fellow, Adams Lab)
  • Jimmy Massenet, PhD (Postdoctoral Associate, Puri Lab)
  • Merve Demir, PhD (Postdoctoral Associate, Sergienko Lab/CPCCG)
  • Guillem Lambies Barjau, PhD (Postdoctoral Associate, Commisso Lab)
  • Michaela Romero (Graduate Student, Colas Lab)

After the first session of presentations, a keynote speech for the symposium was given by UC San Diego Professor Gene Yeo, PhD professor at UC San Diego titled, “Challenges and opportunities in RNA biology for understanding and treating human diseases.” Dr. Yeo is a leader in developing technology and algorithms to explore how RNA-binding proteins influence RNA processing and how dysfunction is associated with human disease.

Following closing remarks from Sanford Burnham Prebys CEO David A. Brenner, MD, a poster session was held where more than 25 early-career scientists were given the chance to present their work.

Cynthia Lebeaupin, PhD headshot in lab

A panel of judges selected the poster of Cynthia Lebeaupin, PhD (Kaufman Lab) for the top prize. Dr. Lebeaupin’s research focuses on how fatty liver disease—an increasingly prevalent health condition—leads to liver cancer.

Michaela Romero headshot

Winner of the judges’ selection for “Best Podium Talk” was awarded to Michaela Romero for her presentation, “Novel role of proteoglycan sulfation as a barrier to direct cardiac reprogramming.”

The event also featured the presentation of Sanford Burnham Prebys’ Mentor of the Year Award to Alessandra Sacco, PhD, who was recently named the new dean of the graduate school.

Congratulations to all the participants in this year’s Symposium, and a special thank you to the staff at the Office of Education, Training, & International Services (OETIS) for organizing the event.

Aaron Havas presenting Alessandra Sacco with Mentor of the Year award
Institute News

2023 Fishman Fund Award ceremony celebrates postdoctoral scholars

AuthorSusan Gammon
Date

September 15, 2023

From left to right: Brad Benter, Cheng-Ju Kuo, PhD, Theo Tzaridis, MD, Reena Horowitz and Sam Horowitz

Three talented early-career researchers were presented with prestigious Fishman Fund Awards at the 22nd annual ceremony on September 20.

More than 100 generous benefactors, past award winners, and family and friends joined the celebration held at the Sanford Consortium.

Fishman Fund co-founder Reena Horowitz greeted the audience and shared how she, along with Mary Bradley, established the Fishman Fund Awards in 2001 to honor Dr. William and Lillian Fishman, founders of Sanford Burnham Prebys.

The Fishmans were committed to fostering the careers of young scientists. The award ceremony honors our founders’ dedication to furthering the careers of promising scientists by gathering each autumn to celebrate exceptional postdocs.

Before the awards were presented to the winners, David Brenner, MD, CEO of Sanford Burnham Prebys, described how important postdocs are to scientific discovery and why investing in their careers is a vital step toward improving human health.

“The postdoc experience is important, as it provides more training, experience and skills, before entering a more permanent science career,” said Brenner. “Postdocs represent the next generation of imagination and innovation, which much be recognized, encouraged and emboldened.”

Meet this year’s Fishman Fund Award winners

The Reena Horowitz & Mary Bradley Fishman Fund Founders Prize
Cheng-Ju Kuo, PhD, a postdoctoral researcher in the lab of Dr. Caroline Kumsta, is studying the biology of aging. Dr. Kuo is unraveling the molecular mechanisms linked to a cellular recycling process that declines with age. His findings could open up new possibilities to treat age-released diseases. Dr. Kuo’s goal is to establish his own laboratory where he will study aging and train the next generation of scientists.

Jeanne Jones and Kathryn Fishback Fishman Fund Prize
Alicia Llorente, PhD, a postdoctoral associate in the lab of Dr. Brooke Emerling, is investigating how breast cancer cells become resistant to therapy. Dr. Llorente combines her expertise in lipid kinases with cancer biology to open possibilities for novel therapeutics for therapy-resistant breast cancer. Her career goal is to combine research with teaching by obtaining a faculty position at a university.

Lenka Finci and Erna Viterbi Fishman Fund Prize
Theo Tzaridis, MD, is a postdoctoral associate in the lab of Dr. Peter Adams, where he focuses on aggressive brain tumors. His research led to the identification of a key checkpoint molecule widely expressed in brain tumors, which is a significant step toward improving immunotherapy as a treatment for brain tumors. Dr. Tzaridis plans to become a leader in translating research findings into clinical trials.

Fishman Fund winners undergo a rigorous selection process that includes a personal interview and a presentation to the selection committee. All winners receive a $10,000 career development award that can be used to attend workshops, network and travel to national and international conferences to learn about the latest developments in their research fields.

A special thank-you to the Fishman Fund donors who make these awards possible.

Institute News

SPARK interns ignite their passion for research at Sanford Burnham Prebys

AuthorMiles Martin
Date

August 2, 2023

2023 SPARK interns

The SPARK program aims to train tomorrow’s experts in regenerative medicine.

Sanford Burnham Prebys welcomed its second cohort of SPARK interns this summer. SPARK, which stands for Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge, is an initiative by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) to provide research opportunities for high schoolers from underrepresented groups throughout California. The SPARK interns completed a six-week project under the supervision of a faculty mentor and presented their work to scientists at the Institute.

“It was great connecting with everybody in the lab and learning about their background, why they came here, and what they’re trying to learn,” says SPARK intern Katelyn Gelle. “Getting to compare their experiences with mine was really inspiring, because there’s so much to learn from other people who love science.”

Sanford Burnham Prebys is one of 11 institutions throughout California that hosts SPARK interns, and the program was funded by a grant from CIRM. This year’s interns were the second cohort of five to be supported by that grant.

“Last year’s SPARK program was a great success, and we’re so happy to be able to keep up the momentum with another group of bright, talented interns,” says Program Director Paula Checchi, PhD Checchi is an administrator in the Office of Education, Training and International Services at Sanford Burnham Prebys. Paula developed and oversaw the educational components of the internship program.

SPARK students worked in labs learning the hands-on techniques that scientists use to study degenerative diseases—with the goal of finding new approaches to treat the millions of people affected by these conditions. Completing an individual project with a faculty mentor gave interns the chance to experience the real-life ins and outs of research.

“It was really unexpected how much refining and editing it takes to get a result from experiments” says SPARK intern Medha Nandhimandalam. “You don’t cure cancer in a day.”

The internship also included other educational opportunities, such as a tour of the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine and a Diversity in Science seminar series. The program culminated in a final celebration at the Institute where students had the chance to share the results of their work and what they’ve learned from their time in the lab.

“The lab itself was my favorite part of the experience – not just the academic side but the whole lifestyle and experience of working with the scientists and spending time with them day to day” says SPARK intern Rini Khandelwal.

As a final capstone to the internship experience, the students will travel to Los Angeles August 8–9 for CIRM’s annual SPARK conference, where they presented their work and networked with interns from other Institutions across the state.

Institute News

Preuss internship celebrates 15 years of inspiring young scientists

AuthorMiles Martin
Date

August 2, 2023

2023 Preuss Interns

“I liked how hands-on everything was,” says Preuss intern Amayrani Calderon “The scientists would show us how to do the experiment but then let us do it ourselves. I’d never had that type of experience in a lab before.”

Each year, Sanford Burnham Prebys welcomes a cohort of high school interns from the Preuss School, whose students strive to be the first in their family to graduate from college. This year’s Preuss interns learned hands-on research skills from scientists at the Institute’s NCI-designated Cancer Center and about career possibilities in STEM beyond research.

“My favorite part of the program and about Sanford Burnham Prebys is all the diverse people I met,” says Alejandra Ruiz Ramirez, who is first-generation Mexican American. “I had mentally prepared myself not to see any scientists that look like me, or to potentially be stereotyped as a Mexican American woman, but that isn’t what happened at all. Everybody I met was very welcoming.”

The Preuss internship is an intensive three-week program designed to jumpstart the careers of the next generation of scientific researchers. This year, the first two weeks were spent learning state-of-the art research techniques, such as staining cells for immunohistochemistry and separating proteins with gel electrophoresis.

“Seeing a real lab was a lot different than what I expected,” says Preuss intern Mohamed Haghi-Mohamed. “At school we just do labs on our desks, but seeing the incubators and other machines really changed my perspective and on how science works in the real world.”

For the final week of the program, interns shadowed staff scientists working in various labs throughout the Cancer Center, where they saw the research process firsthand.

“Consuming a lot of media makes you see science as always exciting and fast-paced, but it’s a very different experience actually working in the lab day to day,” says Preuss intern Juan Lomas Hoeung. “Sometimes there’s a lot of downtime but other times things are hectic.

The Preuss internship program also included activities outside of the lab, including panel discussions with scientists, a tour of the Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics, and a workshop on diversity and equity and STEM. The interns also had lunch with Institute staff each day, where they had the chance to learn and ask questions about varied STEM careers such as research administration, science communication, and philanthropy.

“We wanted the students to see that there are varied paths to a career in STEM, and that these paths aren’t always linear,” says Victoria Carrillo, senior program administrator for the Cancer Center, who oversaw the Preuss internship along with faculty organizer Svasti Haricharan, PhD

The program culminated in a celebratory luncheon with students, researchers and Institute staff, where the interns had the opportunity to share what they’ve learned from their experience at Sanford Burnham Prebys.

“This was the best environment to learn in because the people here are some of the most expressive and passionate people I’ve met when they’re in the lab talking about what they do,” says Hoeung. “Everybody was so enthusiastic.”

Institute News

Sanford Burnham Prebys graduate student selected for prestigious Women in Science scholarship

AuthorMiles Martin
Date

June 20, 2023

Katya Marchetti, a young woman with brown hair against a background of yellow flowers

Katya Marchetti has had her heart set on research since childhood. Today, she’s a bright, confident scientist making her dream a reality at Sanford Burnham Prebys.

Katya Marchetti, a first-year PhD student in the lab of Karen Ocorr, PhD, was recently awarded an Association for Women in Science (AWIS) scholarship. This competitive award encourages outstanding women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields at San Diego colleges and universities.

“Receiving this recognition highlights the importance of advocating for women’s empowerment in STEM and fostering an inclusive and diverse scientific community,” says Marchetti.

Marchetti grew up in Bakersfield California and finished her undergraduate degree from UC San Diego in just three years. Last year, she enrolled as a graduate student at 21 years old, making her one of the youngest PhD students to ever join the Institute. For her, the AWIS award is a culmination of a lifelong enthusiasm for science, inspired and encouraged by her family.

“I’m a very curious person,” says Marchetti. “I just inherently have to know how everything works, and my dad is the one got me inspired and interested in exploring things. I am so grateful for the opportunities that he fought for me to have, because he gave me everything that he didn’t.”

With the enthusiastic support of her family, Marchetti began her research career at the ripe age of nine years old. 

“My first-ever science project was heart research,” she says. “My favorite song was “Kickstart My Heart” by Mötley Crüe, and I wanted to see if it would raise blood pressure. I tested myself and my family, and we actually found that it did, obviously.” 

Today, Marchetti’s heart research is a bit more sophisticated. She studies hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), a rare disease in which the left side of the heart is underdeveloped and unable to effectively pump oxygenated blood to the rest of the body. HLHS is a congenital disease that is nearly always fatal without heart surgery. Marchetti’s research focuses on uncovering the genetics that underpin this disease to find new ways to prevent and treat it.

“Researching heart disease is very rewarding in and of itself, but it’s also really motivating to work on a disease that occurs in one of the most vulnerable populations,” says Marchetti. 

Marchetti is also heavily involved on campus at the Institute, as one of just two graduate students to serve on the Institute’s Education and Training committee, part of the Institute’s Diversity Equity and Inclusion Council. She has also mentored interns for the Institute’s CIRM-sponsored SPARK program, which provides research experiences to high school students from underrepresented backgrounds.

“I really love mentoring people who don’t have a lot of lab experience,” says Marchetti. “It’s my favorite thing I’ve done in graduate school so far. I think that’s kind of my way of paying forward the opportunities that I’ve had.” 

Marchetti will use the funds from the AWIS scholarship to further support her HLHS research. She also maintains that even after finishing her PhD, her long-term goal is to continue working in the San Diego research community. 

“If were to describe myself as a city, it would be San Diego,” she says. “It’s really the perfect place for me.” 

Institute News

Back by popular demand: The Rising Stars Symposium at Sanford Burnham Prebys

AuthorMiles Martin
Date

May 17, 2023

Group photo of the 12 rising stars againt a backdrop that reads

The annual event aims to foster greater diversity in biomedical research and shine a spotlight on the next generation of scientific leaders.

Sanford Burnham Prebys recently hosted its second annual Rising Stars Symposium, an event that showcases the biomedical research of exceptional postdoctoral and junior faculty candidates from across the country.

“This was such a valuable learning experience for me,” says Rising Star Laura Menocal, currently a PhD candidate at Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. “Participating in the Rising Stars Symposium gave me an important opportunity not only to share my own scientific accomplishments, but also to network and connect with other scientists who share the same passions at an institution that actively fosters inclusivity.”

The 12 Rising Stars were invited, all expenses paid, to the Institute to present their research, network and learn more about postdoctoral and junior faculty opportunities there. 

“This year’s Stars shone bright with their promise and dedication to science,” says Angelica Rocha, PhD, diversity officer, head of the DEI Council at Sanford Burnham Prebys and one of the key organizers of the Symposium. “Their work could lead to the scientific breakthroughs that change the way we view and treat disease. They are at a pivotal stage in their careers, and we would be thrilled if they made our Institute their new home.” 

The event was hosted by the NCI-designated Cancer Center’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Team and the Institute’s DEI Recruiting Committee, who strive to create an inclusive workforce through equitable hiring, recruitment, and retention practices. 

Laura Menocal

Laura Menocal, PhD candidate, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences

“Many organizations use diversity and inclusion as buzzwords without taking any concrete steps to actually create inclusive systems and environments,” says Menocal. “Sanford Burnham Prebys is breaking this mold by hosting the Rising Stars Symposium, and I am so proud to have been able to participate.”

After a brief introduction from President and CEO David Brenner, MD, UC San Diego professor JoAnn Trejo, PhD, opened the day of presentations with a keynote address discussing her research on cellular signaling and her experience as a first-generation college student. She also spoke about her years of experience promoting diversity in the biomedical scientists and mentoring early-career scientists.

“I didn’t grow up in a family of scientists. I actually grew up in a family of migrant farmworkers,” said Trejo during her talk. “I had no immediate role models and no one to guide me into what I was going to do. It was mentors who helped me get there—crossing paths with the right people, making connections, and getting good advice and guidance.”

In addition to presenting their work, the Stars were the guests of honor at an afternoon reception celebrating diversity in science. They also participated in professional development workshops, toured the laboratories and core facilities of the Institute, and met with faculty to learn more about career opportunities.

Institute News

Presenting The Conrad Prebys Foundation fellows

AuthorMiles Martin
Date

May 15, 2023

Prebys fellows group photo

Thanks to a generous grant from The Conrad Prebys Foundation, a diverse group of early-career researchers will gain hands-on experience in drug discovery and translational medicine.

A new educational program at Sanford Burnham Prebys has welcomed a diverse group of early-career scientists to learn how to transform research discoveries into treatments for human diseases. The program was made possible by a generous grant from The Conrad Prebys Foundation as part of its mission to increase the diversity of San Diego’s biomedical workforce.

“Our mission at The Conrad Prebys Foundation is to create an inclusive, equitable and dynamic future for all San Diegans,” says Grant Oliphant, CEO at The Conrad Prebys Foundation. “San Diego is one of the top areas in the country for biomedical research, and we’re pleased to partner with Sanford Burnham Prebys to help strengthen the pipeline of diverse talent in life sciences research.”

Graduate students and postdoctoral fellows selected for the program will complete projects at the Institute’s Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics (Prebys Center), the nation’s leading nonprofit drug discovery center. The Prebys Center specializes in finding new medicines for diseases with a substantial unmet medical need in order to develop better therapies. 

“Thank you to The Conrad Prebys Foundation. I am beyond grateful for their support,” says predoctoral Prebys fellow Michael Alcaraz, who will complete his project on the links between aging and brain disease with Professor Peter D. Adams, PhD, and Steven Olson, PhD, executive director of Medicinal Chemistry at the Prebys Center. 

To help fulfill the Foundation’s mission, Sanford Burnham Prebys students and postdocs from historically underrepresented groups were encouraged to apply for the new program.

“Promoting diversity in the biomedical workforce is a founding principle of our educational program,” says Alessandra Sacco, PhD, vice dean and associate dean of Student Affairs in the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Sanford Burnham Prebys. Sacco will oversee the new program alongside Dean Guy Salvesen, PhD, and Professor Michael Jackson, PhD

“Working actively to train people from all backgrounds gives opportunities to people who may not otherwise have had them—and it also improves the quality of the research itself,” she adds.

“Translational research is one of the biggest priorities in biomedicine right now because it’s how we turn discoveries into actual medicines,” says Sacco. “This program gives students and postdocs an opportunity to build the skills they need for translational research jobs in academia or industry.”

The fellowship will culminate in a final symposium next spring, where the fellows will present their research to their peers and to the wider community. 

“I’m looking forward to gaining more experience and making my contribution to the translational science at the Prebys Center,” says predoctoral Prebys fellow Merve Demir, who will complete a structural biochemistry project with Assistant Professor Jianhua Zhao, PhD, and Eduard Sergienko, PhD, director of Assay Development at the Prebys Center. 

The full list of fellows includes:
 

Postdoctoral Fellows

– Karina Barbosa Guerra [Deshpande Lab, Ed Sergienko co-mentor]
“SGF29 as a novel therapeutic target in AML”
 
– Merve Demir [Zhao Lab, Ed Sergienko co-mentor]
“Structural studies of MtCK and GCDH enzyme drug targets”
 
– Jerry Tyler DeWitt [Haricharan Lab, TC Chung co-mentor]
“Investigating the unique molecular landscape of ER+ breast cancer in black women” 
 
– Alicia Llorente Lope [Emerling Lab, Ian Pass co-mentor]
“Exploring PI5P4Kγ as a novel molecular vulnerability of therapy-resistant breast cancer” 
 
– Van Giau Vo [Huang Lab, TC Chung co-mentor]
“Identifying enhancers of SNX27 to promote neuroprotective pathways in Alzheimer’s disease and Down Syndrome”
 
– Xiuqing Wei [Puri Lab, Anne Bang co-mentor]
“Selective targeting of a pathogenetic IL6-STAT3 feedforward loop activated during denervation and cancer cachexia”

 

Predoctoral Fellows

– Michael Alexander Alcaraz [Adams Lab, Steven Olson co-mentor]
“Activating the NAMPT-NAD+ axis in senescence to target age-associated disease”
 
– Shea Grenier Davis [Commisso Lab, Steven Olson co-mentor]
“Examining PIKfyve as a potential therapeutic target in pancreatic cancer” 
 
– Patrick Hagan [Cosford Lab, Ian Pass co-mentor]
“Discovery and development of novel ATG13 degrading compounds that inhibit autophagy and treat non-small-cell lung cancer”
 
– Texia Loh [Wang Lab, Ed Sergienko co-mentor]
“Investigating the role of HELLS in mediating resistance to PARP Inhibition in small-cell lung cancer”
 
– Michaela Lynott [Colas Lab, TC Chung co-mentor]
“Identification of small molecules inhibiting ATF7IP-SETDB1 interacting complex to improve cardiac reprogramming efficiency”
 
– Tatiana Moreno [Kumsta Lab, Anne Bang co-mentor]
“Identifying TFEB/HLH-30 regulators to modulate autophagy in age-related diseases”
 
– Utkarsha Paithane [Bagchi Lab, TC Chung co-mentor]
“Identification of small-molecule enhancers of Honeybadger, a novel RAS/MAPK inhibitor”