Meet Sara Sandoval
- GSBS Program Manager
Welcoming our new Ph.D. Students
DEIB Summer Book Club
Faculty ProfileAlex Colas, Ph D
Women in Science Panel Discussion
National Postdoc Appreciation Week
Graduations
Postdoc & Graduate
Student Highlights
By: Nisha Cavanaugh, Ph D
Postdoc & Graduate Student Counts
The Fishman Awards, established in 2001 to honor Dr. William and Lilian Fishman, support career development for postdoctoral scholars at Sanford Burnham Prebys Previously, three awards were granted annually along with a 2-year fellowship. In 2024, thanks to increased philanthropic gifts, the program expanded to include an additional career development award.
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Additionally, a new Fishman award, the Cynthia Schwartz Shenkman Research Excellence Award, was introduced to recognize a Sanford Burnham Prebys postdoc for their exceptional biomedical research contributions and demonstrated track record of research excellence. This award provides $20,000 to offset rising living costs for the selected postdoc Thanks to those who applied and presented a research seminar on their scientific impact for the inaugural award
The Fishman Awards are made possible through the generous donors who give to the Fishman Fund. The Office of Education, Training, & International Services and the Philanthropy teams are thankful to work with the community to provide these awards to foster the next generation of scientific leaders. Congratulations to all our exceptional awardees!
Learn more about the Fishman Awards:
Fostering the Next Generation of Scientists
Ceremony celebrates recipients of 2024 Fishman Fund awards honoring exceptional postdoctoral scholars
Sara Sandoval joined the OETIS team in late August 2024, in a new role focused on creating an outreach and recruitment strategy to support longterm graduate school student enrollment goals and focused on developing and implementing pathway programs designed to encourage the pursuit of STEM Ph D 's Prior to joining Sanford Burnham Prebys, Sara worked as an Education Outreach Specialist at The Salk Institute for Biological Studies. Get to know a little more about our newest team member!
Tell us about yourself.
I’m from Palm Springs, California, which if you didn’t know, our summer temperatures can hit up to 120 degrees! Thankfully, UC San Diego gave me the chance to move to San Diego where the weather is extra nice I received my bachelor’s and master’s degree in biology at UCSD with a focus on Ecology, Behavior & Evolution. I studied native bees and their behaviors on flowers in an insect lab. This meant that I spent half my time outside looking at plants/insects and half my time on a bench analyzing behavioral data. I loved research, but while I was an instructional assistant, I realized that a lot of my passion was tied to supporting students in STEM! I took the leap into higher education and have enjoyed every minute of it since
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What excites you about working at Sanford Burnham Prebys, GSBS, and contributing to the Education & Training mission of the institute?
I love bringing students to the research (and vice-versa!) and it’s great to see that Sanford Burnham Prebys does that with the many programs and internships offered. I’m excited to see what programs I can assist in developing to expand our reach to new communities. My current goal is to recruit students for the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences through tabling at events and conferences I’m looking forward to connecting with prospective students and sharing what Sanford Burnham Prebys can offer them.
What led you to pursue a career in higher education?
After multiple part-time positions during my graduate studies (that included working at a middle and high school!), I was given the opportunity to run a Department of Education funded support program that served first-generation students who declared themselves STEM majors at California State University San Marcos. I am a first-generation student that had difficulty navigating higher education, so it was a full circle moment for me to work with students who needed some extra guidance. Previously, I worked at the Salk Institute running a few education outreach programs I loved being in between” worlds;” I was the liaison between scientists and students, connecting communities with
scientists’ research. With my research and education background, I hope to show students that they don’t have to be a “cookie-cutter” scientist to be successful. What is an accomplishment you are most proud of?
Defending my Master’s thesis in front of my faculty, peers and parents It was a long and difficult journey for me to even attend and graduate from UCSD. When I decided to do a master’s, it was like climbing up the side of a huge hill, and then realizing at the top of that hill that I was sitting at the base of a mountain I had to gain new skills quickly and relied on my PI and graduate mentor when I got stuck I highly value their mentorship and still stay in touch to this day. Presenting to everyone who supported me throughout my masters was great but seeing my parents in the front row listening intently to every word I said, that was amazing I’m so proud that I could make them proud!
What is one thing about you that would surprise people (or perhaps a fun fact)?
I have always loved journaling and preserving keepsakes. Over the past year or so, I’ve kept a scrap journal where I collect things from my everyday life and used it as decoration Blink182 concert tickets, a Verbatim Books bookmark, cutouts of the San Diego Zoo’s iconic map, a cute boba tea receipt, anything you can think of It allows me to be creative but also makes me take time to reflect
By: Angelica Rocha, Ph.D. & Megan Elyamani
We are excited to welcome 10 new graduate students to the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences who are already making great strides in their coursework and lab work. In early September, they participated in a four-day orientation week that featured a program overview, and sessions on student support services and community resources They also received invitations to networking opportunities that included a happy hour hosted just for them by the Graduate Student Association and an Institute-wide Happy Town Hall, where President and CEO, Dr David A Brenner personally welcomed them As you see our newest graduate students around campus, we encourage you to get to know them and help them feel at home. They represent the innovative biomedical scientists of the future, and we look forward to supporting them on their journey toward the Ph D !
Pictured left to right: Joshua Minyard, B S , Point Loma Nazarene University (Cosford Lab); Laurence Haddadin, B S , UC Riverside (Sun Lab); Erik Hultenius, B.S., UC San Diego (Tian Lab); Jessica Wang, B.S., UC San Diego (Chavez Lab); Lauren Molony, B.S., UC San Diego (Cosford Lab); Brightany Li, B S , M S , UC Davis (Sacco); Aaliyah Balagtas, B.S., UC Los Angeles (Commisso); Alisha Kirkland, B.S., UC Davis (Spruck Lab); Alyssa Cruz, B.A., University of Colorado, Denver (Ranade Lab); Carolina Cano Macip, B S , San Diego State University (Tian Lab)
By: Lauren Mitchell, M S
This summer Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging partnered with the Library to host a series of monthly book club meetings to discuss National Book Award Winner Interior Chinatown, by Charles Yu. The goal of the DEIB Summer Book Club is to foster a culture of understanding and empathy by providing a platform to engage in meaningful discussions on topics related to diversity, equity and inclusion through literature By exploring diverse perspectives, experiences and narratives, participants broaden their understanding of social issues, challenge biases, and cultivate a more inclusive environment where all employees and trainees feel valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique voices to the Institute Institute Librarian, Trista Tabanico, M.M.L.I.S., M.B.A, curated this book list for further reading.
By: Sara Sandoval, M S
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences is excited to welcome Dr. Alexandre Colas as our new Associate Dean of Admissions. Dr. Colas is an Associate Professor of the Development, Aging and Regeneration program, as well as a member of the Cancer Molecular Therapeutics program Get to know more about Dr. Colas, his research, and why he’s thrilled to be a part of the vibrant scientific community here at Sanford Burnham Prebys by reading the interview on the following pages
Where are you originally from/ where did you grow up?
I’m originally from France and grew up in Strasbourg, near the German border, before moving to Paris I completed both my undergraduate studies and Ph.D. at Université Pierre et. Marie Curie, where I had the daily privilege of seeing the stunning Notre Dame Cathedral Truly beautiful!
What excites you about working at Sanford Burnham Prebys and within the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences?
What led you to pursue a career in biomedical research?
I’ve always been fascinated by understanding how life works. My scientific journey began with studying the mechanisms that mediate cell differentiation during embryonic development As I was nearing the completion of my Ph.D., Dr. Yamanaka (Nobel Laureate) and his colleagues made a groundbreaking discovery: differentiated cells could be reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which could then be transformed into any cell type in the body. This opened the door to the possibility of regenerating organs using iPSCderived cells. It was at that moment that I discovered biomedical research and realized I wanted to contribute to the collective effort of addressing the unmet medical need for adult organ regeneration.
Sanford Burnham Prebys is an incredible environment for academic research, home to over 50 world-class scientists It features disease-focused and technology-enabling centers, such as the NCI-Designated Cancer Center and the Center for Computational Biology, Chemoinformatics and Artificial Intelligence With advanced core facilities, including proteomics, genomics and viral cores, Sanford Burnham Prebys fosters a unique collaborative culture where every lab and student is part of a vibrant community, enriched and empowered by the expertise and innovation of their peers
I completed my postdoctoral training at Sanford Burnham Prebys, where I thrived in its highly stimulating and opportunity-rich environment. The GSBS program leverages all of the institute’s strengths, offering an exceptional curriculum centered on disease modeling and drug discovery, supported by the Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics This program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in top academic and industry positions
What are the major goals of your research and lab?
The primary focus of my lab is to develop novel therapies that promote heart regeneration in adults. Currently, we are dedicated to uncovering and characterizing new transdifferentiation mechanisms aimed at enhancing heart repair following myocardial infarction (heart attack).
What is a hobby or interest you have outside of science?
Outside of science, my main focus is my family, and we love to travel together! I'm also an avid tennis player and enjoy competing in leagues and tournaments whenever I have the time
By: Lauren Mitchell, M.S.
On Monday, August 12, 2024, Fishman Auditorium was filled to standing room only as individuals from across campus listened to four women faculty discuss their experiences in navigating a research career. The panel discussion was co-hosted by the Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (DEIB) and the Education & Training DEI Committee. The latter is co-chaired by Eric Wang, Ph.D., Assistant Professor in the Cancer Molecular Therapeutics Program and Shanshan Yin, Ph.D., a postdoctoral associate in the lab of Peter Adams, Ph D The committee organizes learning opportunities to address the needs of our trainee population and create an inclusive, equitable training culture that values diversity. Click here to read more about the insights and experiences shared by the panel of esteemed faculty (Faculty listed to right )
Linda Bradley, Ph.D. - Professor of Cancer Metabolism & Microenvironment; Faculty Advisor for Postdoctoral Training
Caroline Kumsta, Ph.D. - Assistant Professor of Development, Aging & Regeneration; Associate Dean of Student Affairs of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Alessandra Sacco, Ph.D. - Director & Professor of Development, Aging & Regeneration; Dean of the Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Xueqin (Sherine) Sun, Ph.D.Assistant Professor of Cancer Genome & Epigenetics
Pictured left to right: Rouven Arnold, Ph.D., Cheng-Ju Kuo, Ph D , Caroline Kumsta, Ph D , Kevin Tharp, Ph D , & Theophilos Tzaridis, M.D.
Pictured left to right: Bobby Lucero, Ph D & Peter Adams, Ph D
In celebration of National Postdoc Appreciation Week, OETIS held the 5th Annual Postdoc Town Hall followed by the Postdoc Appreciation BBQ lunch which included both postdocs and faculty mentors.
Pictured left to right: Aaron Havas, Ph D , Zinia D’Souza, Ph D , Kokila Shankar, Ph D , Jessica Proulx, Ph.D., Maira Rossi, Ph.D., James Marchant, Ph.D., & Luca Caputo, Ph.D.
Keynote speaker Dr Ye Zheng, Professor at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.
Graduate students, Michaela Romero (Colas Lab) and Daniel Rebibo (Yip Lab) presenting their posters to their peers and poster judges
Attendees of the symposium eating lunch enjoying the beautiful weather
Researchers of all levels at the Institute mingle during the poster session and happy hour.
Staff Scientist, Karl Miller, Ph D (Adams Lab) and graduate student, Tatiana Moreno (Kumsta Lab), ready to present their posters.
Dr Ryan Loughran successfully defended his Ph.D. thesis on September 24, 2024.
Dr Loughran conducted his thesis research “Noncanonical PI(4,5)P2 coordinates lysosome positioning through cholesterol trafficking,” under the mentorship of Dr Brooke Emerling.
Reflecting on your graduate school experience, what is a memory you’d like to share of your time in the GSBS?
“One of my favorite memories from my time in the graduate program was being awarded the T32 training grant that funded my studies and gave me the opportunity to attend and speak at the Keystone Cancer Metabolism and Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology Meeting ”
In August, Nahal Azimi, a graduate student in the Deshpande Lab, presented both an oral presentation and poster at the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Conference at USC on “Multimodal Investigation of Prognostic “Stemness” Attributes in AML ”
In August, Sviatlana (Lana) Zaretski, a graduate student in the Adams Lab, was awarded the second place poster prize at the Inaugural Judith Campisi Symposium at Buck Institute for her poster titled, “Damage-Associated Signaling from Senescent Cells: Secretion of cytoplasmic chromatin fragments (CCFs) via exosomes from senescent cells and their role in intercellular communication ”
In August, Yu-Ling Linda Chang, a graduate student in the Colas Lab, presented both an oral presentation and poster at the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Conference at USC on “Transcription Factor-Mediated Control of Chromatin Accessibility During Cell Fate Reprogramming”.
In September, Cristiana Dondi, Ph.D., a postdoc in the Ocorr Lab, presented her recent publication, “The nutrient sensor CRTC and Sarcalumenin/thinman represent an alternate pathway in cardiac hypertrophy,” at the International Cardiovascular Development, Anatomy and Regeneration Meeting at the First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University in Prague, Czech Republic.
In August, Katya Marchetti, a graduate student in the Ocorr Lab, presented both an oral presentation and poster at the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Conference at USC on “Identifying Molecular Mechanisms Underlying HLHS - the Roles of ETS Family Transcription Factors.”
In August and September, Gabriele Guarnaccia, a graduate student in the Sacco Lab, presented at the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Conference at USC and 21st Interuniversity Institute of Myology Meeting in Assisi, Italy on “Serum amyloid A1 (SAA1) impairs myogenesis and myotube size in pancreatic cancer cachexia.”
Diane Klotz, Ph.D. Chief Learning Officer Associate Dean, Administration & Professional Development
Education & Training
Nisha Cavanaugh, Ph.D. Associate Director, Career Development & Postdoctoral Programs
Nicole Villa, M.A. Program Coordinator, OETIS
International Services
Mitchell Furumoto Manager, International Services
Angelica Rocha, Ph.D. Associate Director, Institutional Research & Academic Planning
Megan Elyamani Academic Programs Specialist & Registrar
Susie Bolor Senior International Advisor
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging
Lauren Mitchell, M.S. Program Manager, DEIB
Leadership Support
Alessandra Sacco, Ph.D. Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Linda Bradley, Ph.D. Faculty Advisor, Postdoctoral Training
Sara Sandoval, M.S. Recruitment, Admissions, and Ph D Pathways Programs Manager