2025-26 ARCS Northern California Scholars

ARCS Northern California Chapter is thrilled to recognize the work of our outstanding scholars for 2025-26

To view an archive of our 2024-25 scholars, click here.

To view an archive of our 2023-24 Scholars, click here.

To view an archive of our 2022-23 Scholars, click here.

To view an archive of our 2021-22 scholars, click here.

SAN FRANCISCO STATE UNIVERSITY

Seiham Alansary

Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry

Seiham’s research explores how to better support students in their study habits outside the classroom for chemistry, specifically aimed at exam preparation. With four years of experience teaching general chemistry, she is passionate about fostering inclusive, community-centered learning. Connected to her research, she currently works as an Instructional Student Assistant in SFSU’s studio-style general chemistry series, where she supports student engagement through collaborative, student-centered instruction. Outside the classroom, Seiham enjoys reading, cooking, and connecting with her Palestinian heritage—most recently learning to make Nabulsi cheese, a staple from home that isn’t easily accessible here in the West.

Marcello Garbo

Department of Chemistry
Clark & Carol Mitchell Scholar

Marcello has a strong interest in materials chemistry and nanoscience. His current research focuses on synthesizing near-infrared emissive quantum dots for tumor imaging and solar energy applications. An accomplished presenter, Marcello has shared his work at national ACS conferences and earned top honors at research symposia. He is the recipient of several prestigious awards, including an SEO Fellowship, McKinney Award, SACNAS Travel Award, and a $10,000 Climate Action Fellowship. Outside of research, Marcello is passionate about science communication and aims to pursue a PhD in Chemistry in Fall 2026.

Rizelle Jugarap

Department of Biology (Cellular & Molecular)

Rizelle is committed to using science to benefit all communities, and especially scientifically underserved communities. She has realized this commitment through academic excellence and leveraging of prestigious awards to link basic science to community health as both an undergraduate and Masters student in the Health & Equity Research (HER) Lab. As an undergraduate she earned Summa Cum Laude honors for her academic excellence, and participated in research as a Genentech Scholar to determine the efficacy of an educational intervention for urban middle school students. The biological goal of the intervention was to promote telomere health. Towards this goal, Rizelle’s work was pivotal to a publication illuminating educational approaches for remedying toxic school environments to protect telomeres of vulnerable students. She has extended this work as an Agent of Change Fellow and Masters student by leading research efforts to study a nature-based intervention aimed at protecting the telomere ends of BIPOC college students who are experiencing unprecedented levels of stress in these uncertain times. In this work she uses community-engaged research approaches, molecular techniques, data science and her insider knowledge as a fellow BIPOC college student to benefit this scientifically underserved community.

Fiona Lawler

Department of Geography (Resource Management & Environmental Planning)
Robert Lansdon Endowment Fund Scholar

Fiona is interested in the intersectionality of humans and the environment, and her desire is to educate and inspire others to take sustainable action. Her research focuses on determining the success and sustainability of the San Pedro Creek restoration project in Pacifica by analyzing the stream channel dimension, whether the restoration structures are still functioning as intended, and whether natural log and coarse sediment recruitment could support a process-based restoration. She also enjoys teaching the Introduction to Environmental Science lab at SFSU and being an embedded tutor for Geography classes at her former community college, where she gets to share her knowledge and passion about the subject with others. After completing her Master’s degree, Fiona would like to pursue a career in teaching. Her passion for geography is something that she aims to pass along to future generations.

Jessica Martin

Department of Biology (Integrative)
Jack Lund Endowment Fund Scholar

Jessica is interested in mechanisms of evolution, including how biodiversity is created and maintained at a population level and how environmental changes affect populations. Her research aims to sequence and assemble the first reference genome for the Galápagos endemic lava gull and conduct vital population genetic analyses to explore questions surrounding effective population size and population subdivision to inform species conservation and management. Jessica is an avid birdwatcher and loves to spend time outside with friends and family.

Jaden McCaffrey

Department of Biology (Integrative)
Arlene Inch Scholar

Jaden is interested in avian diversity, adaptive radiation, and how invasive species have impacted island ecosystems. Her thesis focuses on identifying sub-fossil material in the caves of different islands in the Galapagos. Her research will contribute to historic species assemblage knowledge of the archipelago and will aid in long-term restoration and rewilding of the islands. Jaden enjoys wildlife watching, adventurous hikes and spending time with her family.

Arthur Ramos Reyes

Department of Biology (Cellular & Molecular)

Arthur investigates how exposure to toxic metals, such as lithium and magnesium, impacts yeast cells’ ability to perform internal transport, specifically how it impacts vacuole inheritance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The vacuole, which shares homology with the mammalian lysosome, serves as a model for understanding how organelle dynamics function in eukaryotic cells under stress conditions. Arthur has been active in learning the techniques, such as microbial cell culture, yeast cell genetics, and fluorescence microscopy, and the background required to understand his experiments and push them in new directions.

Christopher Randall

Department of Statistical Data Science
Joan D. McCauley Endowment Fund Scholar

Chris’s research is in the field of algebraic statistics, a growing discipline where techniques from algebraic geometry, a deep and mature field within mathematics, is used for purposes of data analysis and statistical inference. The required background in algebraic geometry is the primary reason for the difficulty in entering this field. Fortunately, Chris is bringing his advanced knowledge in this field as an extraordinary student and his willingness to explore challenging mathematical ideas. His research in the maximum likelihood of algebraic Gaussian models shows the potential of unearthing deep connections between seemingly distinct fields of algebraic geometry and statistics.

Madison Raub

Department of Biology (Cellular & Molecular)

Madison is specializing in organelle inheritance in the Riggs Lab. Her current project focuses on understanding how mitochondria, an essential organelle for cell function, are inherited during cell division using the model organism Drosophila melanogaster. During her time at SF State, Madison has been a supplemental instructor for cell biology, a STEM tutor on campus, a volunteer researcher, vice president of the associated biology students club, and a lab instructor for human physiology. Beyond academics, she is an active mentor in the lab and uses her resources to recruit undergraduates who are interested in research to gain hands-on lab experiences. In her free time, she enjoys staying active in the gym, painting, and spending time with friends and family. Madison builds community wherever she goes and combines her creativity and curiosity both in and out of the lab.

Ryan Thong

Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics
Debbie Wreyford Scholar

Ryan's research contributes directly to the Giant Radio Array for Neutrino Detection (GRAND) collaboration, an international team focused on identifying the sources of ultra-high-energy cosmic rays and neutrinos. His research addresses the critical challenge of accurately reconstructing energy fluence from radio signals produced by particle cascades, particularly under low signal-to-noise ratios. Traditional standard methods often introduce biases and underestimate uncertainties, leading to arbitrary exclusion of valuable data. Ryan is addressing this issue by developing a Bayesian noise characterization approach, which precisely estimates uncertainties and reduces biases. His method, which focuses on frequency-domain analysis, improves signal characterization and removes the need for arbitrary data exclusion. This work is integral to GRAND’s mission, enhancing our ability to detect cosmogenic neutrinos and cosmic rays to understand their astrophysical origins.

Jakob Woodall

Department of Biology (Integrative)

Jakob is a first-generation college student broadly interested in herpetofauna conservation and research. His interest in herpetofauna is life-long, and he has published several peer-reviewed natural history notes on species such as the Pacific newt salamander and the California kingsnake. His master's research investigates the impacts of a deadly fungal disease on the western spadefoot toad (Spea hammondii), a threatened species endemic to the central valley of California. Jakob also mentors SFSU undergraduates who are conducting conservation projects on a cryptic legless lizard (Aniella pulchra), and a high alpine salamander (Hydromantes platycephalus). Outside of research, Jakob enjoys playing board games, new restaurants, and local markets.

STANFORD UNIVERSITY

Lexie Mae Adams

Department of Chemical Engineering

Lexie is a chemical engineer drawn to the challenge of designing molecular tools for better healthcare. She is studying short, single stranded DNA molecules called aptamers, which exhibit a unique ability to form complex tertiary structures and bind to molecules, much like antibodies. Using aptamers, she hopes to solve challenges in biosensing and diagnostic applications by developing novel biorecognition elements. Alexandra earned her B.S. in Chemical Engineering from Miami University of Ohio, about an
hour north of where she grew up outside of Cincinnati. She was involved in undergraduate research that engineered E. coli to produce psilocybin. Outside of her academics, she enjoys traveling, wine tasting, and running.

Christina Bell

Department of Physics

Christina has a deep interest in the development and characterization of superconducting quantum devices for applications in astrophysics and quantum computing. As an undergraduate, she spent two summers conducting research at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, where she characterized an unconventional thin-film superconducting material for applications in THz device technology. In addition, she has worked at Arizona State University's CXFEL Lab on the low-level RF system to enable the world's first compact X-ray free electron laser. Christina is also dedicated to extending opportunities to underrepresented students in physics; she co-founded ASU's first Association of Women in Physics, which motivated her and united a growing community of like-minded women. Outside of research, she enjoys weight lifting, sketching, and staying active outdoors.

Ian Coates

Department of Chemical Engineering

Ian’s research centers on advancing additive manufacturing to solve critical challenges in drug delivery and tissue engineering. He has developed novel microfluidic microneedle platforms for controlled transdermal delivery and engineered microvascular scaffolds using iCLIP to replicate the complex architecture of native vasculature. This work bridges fundamental polymer engineering with translational biomedical applications. Ian has received multiple honors for his research and actively contributes to mentorship of up-and-coming scientists. Outside of the lab, he enjoys playing beach volleyball and exploring new challenges at the interface of engineering, medicine, and design.

Johannah Farner

Department of Biology

Johannah is a disease ecologist who studies how rapidly changing environmental conditions shape disease risk for humans, domesticated animals, and wildlife. Her research combines extensive field surveys with experiments and mathematics to investigate how factors such as temperature, heat waves, and land use shape host–parasite interactions and species distributions in the mosquito species of western North America. She earned her BS in Biology at Stanford University; her undergraduate thesis focused on the ecology of plant fungal pathogens in California grasslands. Before starting her graduate studies, Johannah worked on conservation projects for threatened and endangered amphibians, fish,
and plants.

Will Hartog

Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences

Michael is a sedimentologist and geomorphologist who seeks to understand the ties between Earth’s geosphere, hydrosphere, and biosphere. He uses field work, remote sensing, theory, experiments, and machine learning to answer big, fundamental questions about the Earth’s surface. For instance, he uses modern environments to learn how rivers functioned before plants evolved, which gives insight into Earth’s surface conditions when life was first developing. He also uses machine learning to study how individual grains of sand can help us reconstruct ancient environments in the rock record. Michael has been recognized both for his scientific work, through several invited seminars, and his pedagogy, through a teaching award. When not in the field or lab, he spends his time in the mountains and climbing.

Emma Kerr

Department of Materials Science & Engineering

Zach develops theoretical models for structural transitions in DNA with applications in protein expression and cancer therapies. His current work models the transition from right-handed DNA to left-handed DNA which can occur during RNA transcription. Previously, Zach was awarded the Stanford EDGE fellowship and the Stanford Graduate Fellowship. He has also served as the treasurer for Stanford's Black Engineering Graduate Student Association over the past two years. Outside of school, he loves reading, drawing, playing guitar, and spending time outdoors.

Zachary Montgomerie

Department of Materials Science & Engineering

Christian Serio

Department of Mathematics

Christian’s interests lie at the intersection of probability theory and mathematical physics. His current focus is to understand the large-scale behavior of random interface models and growth models arising in statistical mechanics. Many of these objects, although seemingly very different on small scales, are conjectured to share certain universal scaling limits in the so-called Kardar-Parisi-Zhang universality class. Some of Christian's recent work has focused on proving limit theorems and verifying this universality for random surfaces arising from physical models of magnetism. Outside of math, Christian enjoys playing guitar, cooking, and weightlifting.

Adithya Sriram

Department of Physics

Adithya is interested in problems in computer science, information theory and quantum error correction and their connection to problems in statistical physics. He has worked on various problems in error correcting codes, neural networks and associative memories, and in quantum dynamics. Outside of research, he can often be found rock climbing, distance running, playing the violin or learning languages.

Daniel Troyetsky

Department of Aeronautics & Astronautics

Daniel is interested in contributing to the advancement of space technology. His doctoral research focuses on developing physics-based and data-driven models of ionized gases (plasmas) for spacecraft electric propulsion systems. These models represent a multipronged approach towards improving predictive engineering capabilities which can aid in the design of new devices. Zach was a recipient of the NASA Space Technology Graduate Research Opportunities (NSTGRO) Fellowship. In addition to research, he has organized the Stanford Young Astronauts outreach program for the past several years, developing curriculum and teaching aerospace-related lessons to elementary school students in the Bay Area. Outside of research, Daniel enjoys hiking, climbing, and watching Formula One.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY

Anusha Bishop

Department of Environmental Science, Policy & Management
Chris Simpson Brent & Bruce Brent Scholar
Bailey & Chris Meyer Scholar

Anusha studies how evolution shapes genetic diversity across landscapes. Genetic diversity is crucial for population health and adaptation and determining its drivers is key for assessing vulnerability to environmental change. In her research, Anusha builds and applies tools for understanding genetic diversity and works with the California Conservation Genomics Project to inform the conservation of hundreds of species across the state. Passionate about making data science accessible to everyone, Anusha is also a consultant for the Berkeley D-Lab where she helps Berkeley researchers with coding and statistics.

Colette Brown

Energy & Resources Group
Susan & James Acquistapace Scholar

Colette’s current work is focused on quantifying post-fire vegetation recovery in the Arctic tundra. She has combined field data and remote sensing imagery using machine learning to extend the spatial and temporal resolution of recovery patterns following this novel disturbance. More broadly, she is interested in combining data sources to catalogue the impacts of climate change on terrestrial ecosystems. Outside of research, she is a dedicated teacher and received a UC Berkeley and department award as an outstanding instructor.

Akirah Epps

Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering

Akirah’s research focuses on the intersections of air quality and race, class, and social justice. She leverages satellite and ground-based measurements to examine the spatial and temporal distribution of air pollutants, with a focus on uncovering systematic and distributive inequalities. Her main goal is to support community-driven initiatives that make environmental science more accessible and responsive to the needs of marginalized communities, while grounding scientific work within its broader social and historical context. She is the lead author of a recent publication in Environmental Science & Technology, and the paper examines spatial inequalities in concentrated animal feeding operations in North Carolina.

Anthony Ozerov

Department of Statistics
Rhoda Goldman Memorial Scholar

Anthony’s research focuses on statistics in the physical sciences. Over two internships at the SETI Institute, Anthony used Bayesian modeling to understand the global distribution of large meteor impacts. At Berkeley, Anthony is currently involved in a project on using deep learning to accurately simulate fluid dynamics at low resolution, and another project on fusing different data sources to learn more about glaciers. He believes in the importance of statistics outreach and mentors undergraduate students. Outside of work, Anthony likes ice skating, miscellaneous sports, reading, and writing.

Jessica Zhao

Department of Industrial Engineering & Operations Research
NVIDIA Scholar

Jessica is interested in optimization and machine learning and is currently investigating scalable algorithms for decision making. Her research develops scalable algorithms that integrate optimization for decision-making directly into machine learning pipelines, enabling large-scale models to learn predictions optimized for downstream decision quality. In the past, she has worked on algorithms for team assignments, recommender systems, and research in atmospheric science. Jessica also enjoys teaching and has served as a TA for undergraduate courses in programming and optimization. Outside of academics, her hobbies include baking and hiking.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS

Aishwarya Bhusal

Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology
Carol Henwood Scholar
Susan & Dennis Mooradian Scholar

Aishwarya’s research focuses on how environmental pollutants influence the risk and/or severity of neurological disease. Her current project is focused on examining how particulate matter in traffic-related air pollution (TRAP) contributes to Alzheimer’s disease. She also plans to investigate how inhaled PM enters the brain, either through the olfactory nerve or via systemic circulation, in order to better understand the exposure pathways that drive neurotoxicity. Honors received while in graduate school include NIH-funded predoctoral fellowships and several travel awards. Prior to graduate school, Aish worked as a lab assistant in an environmental toxicology lab. Aishwarya is committed to advancing equity in STEM through her leadership in the Diversity in STEM Coalition and her service on multiple program committees. Outside of science, Aishwarya enjoys hiking, watching movies, and spending time with loved ones.

Brett Borman

Center for Neuroscience
Jill H. Kramer Scholar

It is unclear why people with equivalent hearing ability have a dramatically wide range of speech perception in noisy environments. Brett is investigating the neural (EEG) and cognitive factors behind speech perception to better identify those who might struggle more than others in a “cocktail party” environment. In addition, he is a part of a team creating a rapid brain-based diagnostic tool to better identify hearing loss using machine learning trained on clinical, behavioral, & neurological (EEG) data. In parallel to his work in neuroscience, Brett is passionate about teaching at UC Davis and performing pedagogical research. When not in the lab or the classroom, he enjoys hiking all across Northern California or spending time relaxing at home reading and watching movies with his cats.

Lee Burrows

Ecology Graduate Group

Lee’s research focuses on invasive species management, spatial analyses, and applied conservation strategies to support at-risk wildlife in California. Their current project focuses on conserving the state and federally threatened Giant Gartersnake (Thamnophis gigas) in California’s Central Valley by integrating invasive species management with land, habitat, and water management in agricultural landscapes. They contributed a chapter to a major interdisciplinary report on rice field management for biodiversity and they have worked with collaborators on habitat suitability modeling and long-term invasive species removal projects. As a queer, low-income, first-generation student, Lee is deeply committed to equity in science. They earned an NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Honorable Mention and the UC Davis GGE Fellowship, and they engage in public science outreach, conservation volunteering, and mentoring of students from underrepresented backgrounds.

Andras (Andy) Domokos

Department of Chemistry
Elizabeth & Clark Callander Scholar

Andy’s interests lie at the interface of synthetic chemistry and neuroscience. He develops novel chemical tools and probes for understanding the mechanisms by which psychedelics impact brain function, and he uses this information to try and engineer therapeutics for neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders with improved safety profiles. While at UC Davis, Andy has received numerous honors including the Bradford Borge Fellowship, the David and Ruth Volman Graduate Fellowship, and the Robert K. Brinton Award in Chemistry for his outstanding work. In his free time, he enjoys powerlifting.

Eleanor Fadely

Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering
Nordstrom Stores Endowment Fund Scholar

Eleanor is passionate about connecting fundamental scientific concepts and applied engineering tools to better understand complex environmental processes. Her research focuses on microbial manganese oxidation, or biomineralization, which is ubiquitous in natural and engineered porous media (e.g., soils, sediments, water treatment systems). The resulting Mn oxide nanoparticles mediate nutrient cycling and attenuate toxicant metals. Eleanor uses “soil-on-a-chip” microfluidic reactors combined with optical microscopy and X-ray spectroscopy to assess mechanisms governing manganese biomineralization at the pore-scale. Eleanor has won several awards for her work, including a DOE Office of Science SCGSR Award to support her ongoing collaboration with beamline scientists at the Stanford Synchrotron Radiation Lightsource. Prior to beginning her Ph.D., Eleanor worked for a consulting company specializing in water quality monitoring at waste disposal sites. Outside of the lab, she enjoys running, rock climbing, and exploring California.

Mohammad Hashemian

Department of Chemistry

Mo’s research integrates molecular biology, structural biology, and enzyme biochemistry, with a focus on understanding cancer-associated variants of the DNA repair enzyme MUTYH, particularly those surrounding its metal cofactors. The human DNA glycosylase MUTYH plays a critical role in preventing mutations caused by reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, and inherited germline variants of MUTYH are linked to increased cancer risk. Mo’s present work focuses on uncovering the structural and functional features of MUTYH to better understand its role in carcinogenesis, addressing key unanswered questions about its structure and the mechanisms of disease-associated variants. Mo’s work has contributed to publications in Nucleic Acids Research and Nature Communications. He has received several competitive awards and has presented at multiple conferences, winning a poster award at the 2025 R. Bryan Miller Symposium and delivering a talk at the 2024 EMGS meeting. Outside of research, Mo trains and competes in Olympic-style weightlifting at local and national events.

Caleb Huntington

Integrative Pathobiology Graduate Group
Ramsay Family Foundation Scholar

Caleb is researching pre-emergent viral diversity in wildlife (specifically, bats) and new tools for studying these systems. His work draws on fieldwork, lab work, and bioinformatics to explore questions that have relevance for viral surveillance and pandemic prediction. Before beginning his PhD, Caleb found his passion for research through an NSF-funded research experiences for undergraduates (REU) position in an influenza lab and an independent study project on spectacled bears in Ecuador. After graduating from college, he worked as a public health associate at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) where he was paired with the Minneapolis Health Department to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. During his time at UC-Davis, Caleb has been recognized for his ability to communicate his research effectively by being awarded best speaker for his graduate group symposium and advancing as a finalist in the UC-Davis Grad Slam.

Doreen Joseph

Department of Computer Science

Doreen’s research interests include the design of cyber-resilient systems, applications of machine learning in cyber security, and securing the Internet of Things (IoT). Currently, she is pursuing research in binary security analysis for embedded systems. As an active student leader, she has served on the Chancellor’s Graduate and Professional Student Advisory Board, the Graduate Student Association, and has led in student organizations like the Black Graduate and Professional Student Association, and the Graduate Scholars of Color+ organization. Doreen is committed to public service and is eager to empower students who are underrepresented and marginalized in STEM. She aims to be a global advocate for accessible, inclusive, and equitable high-quality education for all. In her free time, she enjoys flying planes, learning new skills, reading, traveling, exploring nature, and exercising.

Virginia Krause

Department of Agricultural & Environmental Chemistry
Eileen D. & Lisa C. Ludwig Endowment Fund Scholar

Virginia’s research in the Poulin Lab focuses on mercury fate and transport, including methylmercury production in rivers and reservoirs. Mercury poses significant threats to freshwater ecosystems, particularly in regions impacted by historic gold mining, where it may undergo a microbially mediated transformation to neurotoxic methylmercury that bioaccumulates and biomagnifies up aquatic food webs. The focus of this research is to assess the fate and transport of mercury and its conversion to neurotoxic methylmercury in freshwater systems to assist in the development of total maximum daily loads for mercury and reduce concentrations of mercury in fish. Beyond research, Virginia has honed her teaching skills through multiple Teaching Assistant roles and was nominated for the Outstanding Graduate Student Teaching Award (Winter 2025). She also leads STEM Squad, an after-school science outreach program serving socioeconomically disadvantaged schools in Yolo County. She aims to pursue a public-sector career in water quality and community science.

Emma (MJ) Marshall

Department of Molecular, Cellular & Integrative Physiology

MJ is a DVM/PhD student interested in the intersection between aquatic animal health and molecular and developmental biology. Her dissertation research probes the role of canonical transcription factors involved in neural crest cell development during formation of their peripheral nervous system derivatives using Ambystoma mexicanum as a model. Understanding the mechanisms underlying their development could be informative for understanding diseases that affect the PNS (congenital and acquired) and developing therapeutic strategies to treat these diseases. MJ was awarded fellowships in both the Pharmacology and enhanced Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology T32 training programs at UC Davis as well as several academic merit-based awards. She has a strong clinical background in veterinary medicine, having worked in small animal private practice as a veterinary technician starting in high school, but she has excelled in her transition in the research world due to her enthusiasm and strong work ethic. When she’s not in the lab, MJ enjoys spending time outdoors hiking with friends or doing cozy hobbies like crocheting and reading at home with her cat, Caspian.

Yingratana (Belle) McLennan

Integrative Pathobiology Graduate Group

Yingratana is studying the pathology of white matter degeneration in Fragile X-associated Tremor/ Ataxia Syndrome (FXTAS). Her current project investigates how astrocytes and oligodendrocytes contribute to neurodegeneration in FXTAS, a disorder caused by CGG repeat expansions in the FMR1 gene. Using postmortem human brain tissue, she utilizes histology techniques to investigate glial inclusion pathology and white matter integrity in the prefrontal cortex. She has over a decade of experience in clinical research and has co-authored multiple scientific publications. Outside the lab, Yingratana mentors undergraduates and enjoys drinking coffee while making artwork.

Alice Michel

Animal Behavior Graduate Group
Marie & Barry Lipman Scholar

Alice’s research is focused on long-distance communication in western lowland gorillas. Using passive acoustic monitoring in a community reserve in the tropical peatland forests of northern Republic of Congo, she aims to disentangle how different selective pressures contribute to this signaling behavior. Her objective is to shed light on the social and ecological lives of elusive wildlife, through developing noninvasive methods, while providing scientific training and working in collaboration with local communities. Outside her dissertation work, she is a technical advisor for the gorilla conservation organization GRACE, a mentor to undergraduate interns, a GSR for the Road Ecology Center, and a column editor for the UCD Animal Behavior blog, The Ethogram. In her spare time, Alice enjoys outdoor adventures and spending time with friends.

Nicholas Peoples

Population Biology Graduate Group
Katherine Hellman Black Endowment Fund Scholar

Nick is interested in how the evolution of innovations (important organismal traits) have shaped the diversification of species. His work combines phylogenetic comparative methods, high-speed videography, and functional morphology to answer questions across a broad scale, with a focus on the evolution of complex teeth in fishes. Outside his dissertation work, Nick makes frequent trips to Kenya to study the biodiversity of Lake Victoria in collaboration with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute. Nick is an avid fly fisher and soccer player, keeps aquariums of exotic fish, and enjoys camping.

Tyler Singer-Clark

Department of Biomedical Engineering
Mary Ann Peoples Scholar

Tyler graduated from MIT in 2014 with a degree in Computer Science and Engineering. After 5 years in industry developing business software, he joined the BrainGate research team at Brown University as a Research Engineer, with a focus on delivering an intracortical brain-computer interface (iBCI) that can be used continuously by a paralyzed user in their own home to control their personal computing devices. At the UC Davis Neuroprosthetics Lab, Tyler’s research focus is on how to restore speech for people who have lost speech due to neurological injuries or diseases such as ALS. He is studying how to decode movements of articulators (tongue, lips, jaw, larynx) from neural activity in the brain. Tyler completed a project to decode attempted tongue movements from neural activity in the brain in order to control a computer cursor, and now he is building an artificial (software) vocal tract to create a speech neuroprosthetic device. In addition to sports like soccer, table tennis, and pickleball, Tyler enjoys playing and reading about chess.

Tanner Stevenson

Neuroscience Graduate Group

Tanner’s research lies at the intersection of cognitive, systems, and computational neuroscience. Tanner worked in neurotechnology and software engineering before joining the Hanks Lab at UC Davis for his PhD. His current project uses advanced biosensors, targeted manipulations, computational modeling, and novel rodent decision-making tasks to uncover how dopamine release in the striatum and prefrontal cortex supports behavioral flexibility. Tanner’s work has already revealed novel regional differences in dopamine dynamics that offer intriguing insights into the mechanistic role of dopamine in flexible behavior. Outside the lab, Tanner enjoys getting outdoors by hiking, running, biking, or swimming, and he loves spending time with his wife and son.

Nikki Williamson

Ecology Graduate Group

Nikki’s research interests focus on looking at the effects of warming on plant functional traits such as phenology and leaf nutrient concentrations to understand how anthropogenic climate change can influence herbivore populations. More specifically, she is interested in quantifying spatiotemporal shifts in nutrient quality of plant tissues that are available for caribou populations in West Greenland. This project aims to use multi-spectral drone surveys coupled with ground sampling to develop novel methodology for the evaluation of spatiotemporal variation in caribou forage quality at the sub-landscape scale. This research aims to elucidate potential declines in caribou abundance and offspring production.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, MERCED

Victor Duran Arroyo

Department of Chemistry

Before entering graduate school, Victor worked for an agricultural product testing facility located in his hometown of Oxnard, California. His current research interests are the design, synthesis, and application of a new generation of catalysts using earth-abundant transition metals to offer greener, more sustainable alternatives to current precious-metal catalysts used in chemical industries. His published works have helped expand the transformation scope of manganese (Mn) and nickel (Ni) catalysts for the synthesis of pharmaceutically relevant molecules, in addition to offering substantive mechanistic elucidation into the underlying chemistry so as to enable later rational modification for further improvement of Mn and Ni catalytic systems. Outside of the lab, Victor loves to watch films, listen to music, cook, and practice photography.

Yasemin Gokcen

Department of Cognitive & Information Sciences
Charlie Campbell Scholar
Carmi & Darrell Ticehurst Scholar

Yasemin spent time in her undergraduate career in a developmental cognitive neuroscience research lab, which inspired her interest in learning about the brain and cognition. She became passionate about using a wide range of methodology, from neuroimaging techniques to computational modeling, to understand how brain structure reflects function. Yasemin’s current work involves building computational neuroscience models to understand language and sentence processing. Outside of her research, Yasemin has served on the CIS Graduate Student Group as the Social and Community Chair and mentored incoming PhD students within her department. She also enjoys cooking for close friends and hiking in national parks.

Genevieve McKeown-Green

Department of Environmental Systems

Genevieve’s research investigates zero-emission vehicle adoption across California. Through her research, she talks with local policymakers and stakeholders to learn first-hand about the intricacies of California's shifting energy landscape. Additional research interests include extreme weather emergency planning and developing strategies for community engagement. Throughout her graduate work at UC Merced and undergraduate work at UC Berkeley, Genevieve has been dedicated to supporting fellow students, including as a science and mathematics tutor for Berkeley’s Summer Bridge program. Outside of the lab, she enjoys camping, music, and hosting graduate student board game nights.

Micah Oeur

Department of Physics
Jane Fuller Gillespie Memorial Scholar

Micah began her academic career at Cal State Long Beach, earning a B.S. in physics. At UC Merced, she uses cosmological zoom-in simulations to study the structure and content of Milky Way–like galaxies, applying a novel technique that combines stellar kinematics and chemistry to recover the Galactic mass distribution and probe dark matter. She enjoys teaching, mentoring, and building community. As a Center for Advancing Diversity in Engineering Fellow, she was instructor of record for a course on Inclusive Innovation, where she applied pedagogical practices learned as a Cal-Bridge doctoral scholar. She also founded Equi-Tea, a forum to empower women in physics. Micah is pursuing the professoriate, aiming to continue researching, mentoring students, and fostering inclusive academic spaces.

Andrew Silverstein

Department of Environmental Systems
Edina Jennison Scholar

Before beginning research in Agrivoltaics, Andrew first worked at UC Merced under VISTA, doing remote sensing and large data analysis. While there, he also worked on wetlands restoration projects and an invasive species study in the California Delta. He now utilizes this experience in his Ph.D. research to expand knowledge of how solar panel shading impacts water use efficiency, plant phenology, and soil properties in California’s central valley. Andrew believes that bringing multiple disciplines together has tremendous potential for innovation and the nexus between renewable energy and water conservation provides exactly that opportunity. He enjoys playing the saxophone, board games, and backpacking in his spare time.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SAN FRANCISCO

Andoni Asencor

Department of Neuroscience

Andoni’s current research focuses on understanding the biological mechanisms of the transcobalamin receptor (CD320) in and beyond vitamin B12 uptake into the central nervous system. Prior to joining UCSF, Andoni completed his BA in neuroscience at Boston University, and worked as a research associate in Nirupa Chaudhari’s lab at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. Andoni is also a 2024 Marine Biological Laboratory SPINES Fellow and a 2024-2026 Society for Neuroscience NSP Fellow. As a proud Jamaican-Spanish American from Miami, Andoni uses his visibility as a neuroscientist to recruit more Caribbean-American students into neuroscience research and to highlight the work of other Caribbean-American scientists already in the field.

Christine Boutros

Department of Neuroscience

Christine, a California native, attended Northeastern University in Boston and graduated in 2017 with a BS in Behavioral Neuroscience. During her time in Boston, Christine worked at Boston Children’s Hospital studying the neuroscience of motivation and later studied novel therapeutics for HIV treatment at Massachusetts General Hospital. Christine is now an MD-PhD candidate in UCSF’s Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP). She is combining her interests in neuroscience and infectious diseases by studying coccidioidomycosis (aka “Valley Fever”) to better understand the factors that influence dissemination to the central nervous system as a means to improve patient outcomes and clinical care. Valley Fever is a pulmonary disease caused by Coccidioides, a fungal pathogen found in the soil in the southwestern United States that can disseminate to the central nervous system and cause coccidioidal meningitis.

Stephanie Brener

Department of Bioengineering

Stephanie is a neural engineer passionate about developing novel deep brain stimulation (DBS) therapies to treat mood and motivation disorders in Parkinson’s Disease. Her research focuses on decoding the neural signals of motivated decision-making and identifying how DBS affects apathy and impulsivity. She received her M.Sc. in Computational Neuroscience from the Weizmann Institute of Science, where she developed algorithms to identify humans by the smell of their ear. Pre-PhD, she was a product manager at a health tech startup. Steph is a committed mentor to aspiring researchers through outreach programs aimed at increasing diversity in academia. Outside the lab, she plays violin in a jazz ensemble, creates crochet and macrame artworks, and enjoys propagating plants.

Belmaliz Cardona Rodriguez

Department of Oral & Craniofacial Sciences

Belmaliz completed her BS in Industrial Microbiology in the University of Puerto Rico of Mayaguez in 2022 and then joined the NIH postbacc program, where she worked on immune factors related to periodontal disease susceptibility in mice. She arrived at UCSF with research interest in oral immunology and recently joined Dr. Mark Ansel’s lab for her dissertation. Her research focuses on uncovering the effects of genes post-transcriptional regulation in Sjogren’s disease. Her outside interests include the outdoors, gym, sports, and music.

Micah Fernando

Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Micah is studying the role of Rab GTPases in cellular trafficking and disease by developing the first pharmacological tools to study their function. GTPases are crucial regulators of cellular homeostasis yet are still considered ‘hard to drug’. Micah’s project will shed light on basic and translational questions regarding how the cell achieves specificity in trafficking its cargo and ultimately maintains homeostasis Micah was awarded the Discovery Fellowship and has helped lead the Triathlon Club at UCSF. He also volunteers with the Science and Education Partnership at UCSF, visiting local elementary schools to share his passion for science.

Gyuna Kim

Department of Biophysics

Gyuna is interested in probing how biological systems adapt and respond to external pressures, specifically in the context of our innate immune system. Prior to coming to UCSF, Gyuna received her BS in chemistry and biology at MIT and later worked in several biotechnology companies in Boston and Seattle. Through her experiences in industry, she developed an appreciation for high-throughput approaches and their potential to answer complex biological questions at scale. At UCSF, she is excited to combine her scientific and technical interests. Outside of the lab, Gyuna enjoys playing music, video games, and trying out new hobbies.

Benjamin Lesch

Department of Bioengineering

Ben’s research aims to make lab-grown blood a reality. He uses genome-wide CRISPR screens in blood stem cells to identify genetic strategies that overcome key bottlenecks in transfusion medicine. Before graduate school, he trained at Stanford University through the CIRM Bridges Program, applying genome editing to correct disease-causing mutations in blood stem cells. Now he harnesses these tools to enhance cellular functions beyond wild type, aiming to make red blood cell manufacturing more scalable and cost-effective. Outside research, Ben is passionate about mentorship and science communication, believing that helping society understand the value of science is just as important as the science itself. In his free time, he enjoys weightlifting, cooking, and relaxing at home with his cat.

Mikaela Matera-Vatnick

Department of Developmental & Stem Cell Biology

Mika is an MD-PhD student exploring how the gut microbiome shapes responses to obesity treatments and regulates energy balance. She earned her BS in Biological Sciences from Cornell University and was a Cancer Research Training Award Fellow at the NIH. She is a dedicated advocate for underrepresented communities in science through SACNAS. Mika is also a passionate science communicator, using her Instagram @mika.biome to combat misinformation and share gut microbiome research. Outside the lab, she enjoys training for triathlons, backpacking in National Parks, and immersing herself in cultures around the world.

Faye Orcales

Department of Biological & Medical Informatics

Faye graduated summa cum laude from San Francisco State University, where she earned a Genentech-PINC scholarship and was awarded an NIH Diversity Supplement, which funded her post-baccalaureate research at UCSF. She is interested in using multi-omics approaches to study the mechanisms of complex human diseases. In her prior research she utilized machine learning techniques on RNA and cell surface protein sequencing (CITE-seq) data to detect biomarkers that distinguished patients with hidradenitis suppurativa from healthy individuals. Faye is looking forward to learning new computational skills, along with strengthening her communication and leadership skills as a PhD student at UCSF. Outside of the lab she enjoys playing video games and trying out different restaurants.

Sham Rampersaud

Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences & Pharmacogenomics

Sham has a long standing and prolific track record of understanding the mechanisms of cancer, as well as a passion for developing new therapies. He joined UCSF with several years of experience culminating in multiple fellowships, awards and publications. Currently, Sham aims to design best-in-class therapies to treat the deadliest blood cancer, acute myeloid leukemia, for which there is an unmet clinical need for highly safe and broadly efficacious therapeutics. In his free time Sham enjoys jazz clubs, comedy shows, exploring new films and theater.

Vanna Tran

Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology

Vanna is interested in cell division mechanics, essential to understand multicellular life. Specifically, her dissertation project asks how a large protein complex called the kinetochore maintains its structure and function under force during mitosis. Vanna’s background in cell biology and biochemistry, stemming from her time at UT Southwestern, got her excited about exploring the cellular biophysics space during her PhD. Alongside research, Vanna strives to be a community member by doing science outreach in local schools. Outside of academia, Vanna enjoys traveling, photography, tea, and spending time with her cat, Nobu.

Jerry Wang

Department of Biomedical Sciences

Jerry is an aspiring physician-scientist passionate about the blood-brain barrier and its importance in brain health. He first developed an interest in neurogenomics and bioinformatics as an undergraduate at UCLA, culminating in a thesis implicating cellular transport pathways in the genetics of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. After a brief industry stint developing quality control assays for drug screening, he joined UCSF’s MD-PhD program. Jerry’s graduate research explores the molecular diversity and spatial organization of blood-brain barrier cells in both normal states and vascular malformations such as arteriovenous malformations (AVMs)—a leading cause of hemorrhagic stroke in youth. He aims to advance clinical decision-making and precision therapies for AVMs and related stroke disorders. Outside the lab, Jerry enjoys hiking and exploring San Francisco’s many parks.

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, SANTA CRUZ

Jordan Diaz

Department of Astronomy & Astrophysics

Jordan is working on developing novel astronomical instrumentation to observe exoplanets (planets outside our Solar System) directly. In his research, he is investigating the use of photonic technologies to probe for young forming planets around other stars. After earning a B.Sc. in Physics and an M.Sc. in Optics in Ensenada, Mexico, he decided to follow his passion for astronomy by pursuing a Ph.D. Upon admittance to UCSC, Jordan was awarded the merit-based Cota-Robles Fellowship and later became an Osterbrock Fellow. As a first-gen Latino, he is interested in contributing to bridging the gap between science and society, particularly for underrepresented communities. In his free time, he enjoys swimming, surfing, going to the movies, and reading sci-fi and comic books.

Jessica Gagliardi

Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences

Jessica is a geochronologist and geochemist who analyzes Antarctic subglacial chemical precipitates to characterize past hydrologic activity of the Antarctic Ice Sheet and investigate its sensitivity to different parts of the climate system such as atmospheric temperature, ocean temperature, and sea level. Her ongoing projects include studies of precipitates and corals from both Antarctica and Poland that date back to the last Ice Age. Jessica was recognized for her commitment to teaching with a Graduate Pedagogy Fellowship in 2025, and volunteers at the Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History leading geology programs for the public. Outside of being a scientist she enjoys gardening, yoga, hiking and art.

Pierce Giffin

Department of Physics

Pierce’s research focuses on high energy particle physics phenomenology and searches for dark matter. He is especially interested in new ways to look for dark matter using techniques in particle physics. His dissertation uses particle-in-cell simulations to explore dark matter plasmas in the Bullet Cluster. Additionally, he performs collider phenomenology studies for the PIONEER and DarkQuest experiments. Pierce has a strong passion for teaching and was awarded the Graduate Pedagogy Fellowship in 2022. He aided in founding the Santa Cruz Organization for Outreach in Physics and created a graduate-run physics help room, mentoring students across levels. Beyond the university he enjoys weightlifting and all things Star Wars.

Kari Goodbar

Science Communication Master’s Program

Originally from Buford, Georgia, Kari followed a career in marine mammal science to Oahu. She has assisted with numerous research projects involving the development of technology that improves understanding of cetacean physiology and behavior while also helping to translate complex scientific concepts into engaging educational material for diverse audiences. Beyond her work with marine mammals, she has also committed substantial time to environmental non-profits in Hawaii that center Native Hawaiian and ocean management practices in community conservation and education programs.

Mira Mastoras

Department of Biomolecular Engineering

Mira’s research focuses on developing computational methods to improve the accuracy of genome assemblies, essential for understanding the underlying biology of organisms. Specifically, she is working on a transformer model for diploid assembly polishing, reducing genome assembly errors in high-quality reference genome assemblies. She has led the development of DeepPolisher, a sequence-to-sequence transformer model, and co-created PHARAOH, a method for phasing HiFi read alignments. Mira's work demonstrates her expertise in bioinformatics tools and applications, and has been presented at major conferences. She is also dedicated to mentoring junior researchers.

Olivia Maule

Science Communication Master’s Program

Olivia’s interest in science led her to the Ecuadorian Amazon, where she studied butterfly evolution in the Andes. She now uses podcasting, video production and writing to highlight environmental and conservation efforts across the Americas. Her work in both Spanish and English allows for science to reach audiences beyond the lab bench and mobilize environmental consciousness throughout diverse communities. Olivia finds great joy in documenting the synergy between people and landscapes, fulfilling her passion for exploring new destinations and meeting people around the globe.

Maya McElfish

Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Maya’s dissertation research explores sensory morphology and behavior of kelp forest fishes. Her field work takes place on Santa Catalina Island, where she works with rocky reef fishes, particularly the California moray eel. She combines laboratory and field experiments to observe sensory-mediated foraging behavior, supplementing with morphological and anatomical perspectives to compare sensory structures between species. She is passionate about creating more hands-on opportunities for teaching STEM that center on empowering student curiosity. Outside of school, Maya loves to bike, snorkel, and geocache.

Nathan McGregor

Department of Earth & Planetary Sciences

Nathan is a planetary scientist who studies how planetary interiors evolve and influence surface deformation and atmospheric formations. His current project investigates true polar wander of Venus by using mantle convection simulations to explore how internal mass redistribution may have driven large-scale reorientation of the planet’s surface over time. Nathan has served on organizing committees for the Venus Exploration Analysis Group and the AAS Division for Planetary Sciences. He teaches GED math test prep courses with the Project for Inmate Education and volunteers as a subject matter expert with the NASA Community College Network. Nathan currently serves on the UCSC Committee on Teaching and speaks at local high schools about STEM careers.

Cade Mirchandani

Department of Biomolecular Engineering

Cade is developing innovative bioinformatic methods for evolutionary and population genomics research. His current projects focus on developing computational tools for large-scale genomic analysis, as well as investigating evolutionary dynamics of host-symbiont interactions. His methods work has enabled analysis of the California Conservation Genomics Project's 200+ threatened species, while his symbiont research has important implications for vector-borne disease control through Wolbachia. Cade is first author of publications in PLOS Pathogens and Molecular Biology and Evolution, demonstrating exceptional research capabilities. His significant contributions to Snakemake, an open-source scientific workflow system essential for reproducible research, have earned him recognition as a project maintainer. In the lab, Cade actively mentors new students, maintains shared resources, and collaborates on multiple projects. Outside the lab, Cade enjoys hiking with his dog, playing video games, and practicing martial arts.

Allison Payne

Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology

Allison is interested in combining biologging and passive acoustic monitoring to explore the ecology of the deep ocean. Her dissertation involves developing a novel instrument that is attached to Northern elephant seals in order to listen to the sounds of the deep ocean, including the elusive beaked whale species. In addition to being a field biologist, Allison is a science communicator, teacher, and mentor, and has published numerous papers with undergraduate mentees during her PhD.

Anna Schartman

Department of Ocean Sciences

Anna is a paleoclimatologist investigating the history and drivers of the savanna biome development through Earth’s past, in order to enhance our understanding of the response of these critical ecosystems to climate and environmental change. Her research aims to determine the origination and history of the iconic savanna ecosystem in Northwest Africa, as well as evaluate the climate and consumer (herbivory and fire) controls on its development and evolution in the Miocene Epoch (~23 – 5 Mya). Anna is a non-traditional, first-generation graduate student who pursued a career in English language teaching before making the transition into the geosciences, which she has funded with several prestigious and competitive fellowships including through the NSF. She also has a strong belief in the value of community and is intensely involved in supporting fellow graduate students through her years-long leadership as an organizer of the department’s peer mentor program, and her role as department steward for UAW 4811.

Søren Tornoe

Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering

Søren researches material science and thin film optics in the Nanostructured Energy Conversion Technology and Research Lab at UCSC. His areas of research include protective coatings for astronomical optics, green hydrogen from seawater electrolysis, and device electronics. His current focus is on atomic layer deposition of aluminum fluoride (AlFx) over various applications from protective thin films for astronomical telescope mirrors to depositing AlFx thin films on 2D materials.

John Tressel

Department of Chemistry

John is a materials chemist focusing on the design, production and characterization of high-performance catalysts for water purification, through the degradation of organic dyes and bacteria. This is done through porphyrin derived single atom catalysts which can help utilize minimal metal loadings while maintaining high production rates of disinfecting chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide and chlorine. John was previously awarded a Sigma Xi research grant for his work on copper chlorophyllin based catalysts. Outside of the lab he is a member of the UCSC rugby team where he plays lock and flanker.

Chloe Wohlenberg

Department of Molecular, Cell & Developmental Biology

Chloe’s current research is focused on understanding how small molecules impact the cell’s ability to recognize problematic mRNAs and how this critical process changes with age. Her academic achievements led her to receive a spot on the department’s competitive T32 training grant, and as a second-author on a recent publication. Chloe is also passionate about mentorship and teaching, and enthusiastically trains undergraduate in the lab. Beyond graduate school, Chloe aspires to lead her own research group focused on understanding the RNA biology underlying neurodegeneration and aging. Outside of lab, Chloe loves to craft, play board/tabletop games, and rock climb.

Jeremiah Tsyporin, University of California, Santa Cruz
“As I enter the final year of my PhD, I am beginning to look for mentors to oversee my post-doctoral training. One of the significant ways I can find a mentor is through the networking opportunities offered at conferences. Without this generous support, these opportunities to share my work with the greater neuroscience community would have been impossible for me. In addition to attending conferences and connecting with neuroscientists worldwide, support from ARCS has helped ease the economic burdens associated with the cost of living in Santa Cruz. Because I don’t have to focus so heavily on dealing with basic needs, I have the freedom to spend more time and mental energy focused on research and intellectual pursuits central to a successful PhD.”
Rachelle Stark, University of California, Berkeley
“I grew up in a low-income community in San Bernardino, California where I directly saw the harsh reality of how diet contributes to many diseases (diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, etc.). These preventable diseases tragically took the lives of many people in my community. For these reasons, doing research related to nutrition/metabolism is extremely important and fulfilling to me. The [ARCS Award] gives me more options for labs because I will not have to rely on the funding of the lab I choose and can instead choose a lab purely based on my research interests. The funding will also give me more time to work on the research that I find so important and fulfilling.”
Katherine Montana, San Francisco State University
“I will be pursuing my master’s degree in integrative biology at San Francisco State University and conducting my research at the California Academy of Sciences. I am thrilled to get started on my research and mentoring projects. … This combination of research activities will offer me the opportunity to build my technical lab skills, storytelling abilities, and capacity to help other students succeed in science. ... I am deeply honored to receive the [ARCS Award] and take great joy in starting graduate school. I thank you for making this possible for me. I am ready to get to work.”
Micah Swann, University of California, Davis
“I’m conducting applied limnological research on the pristine lakes of Northern Patagonia, in collaboration with Fundación Chile Lagos Limpios. This model will be used to investigate how the physics and water quality of these pristine lakes wi1l be impacted by climate change and watershed development over the course of the 21st century. In September 2019, I had my first opportunity to visit Northern Patagonia … but due to Covid-19 safety and travel restrictions, I have not had the opportunity to return to Chile. With your financial support, I will be able to return to the region in January 2022 and continue collecting data to improve the accuracy of the lake model under development.”
Julie Chang, Stanford University
“The ARCS Award will allow me to focus on my PhD studies without worrying about finances. My research focuses on understanding the physics of breast cancer cell migration using 3D hydrogels and time-lapse imaging. The PhD journey itself has been a rollercoaster and I’m excited to finally see the light at the end of the tunnel! After my PhD, I am hoping to land a role as a clinical scientist in the biotech industry in the Bay Area. In this role, I can help analyze and interpret clinical trial data to develop drugs that can cure human diseases. Thank you again for the ARCS award—funding the next generation of scientific thinkers is truly an impactful mission!”
Nicholas Elder, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF)
“I am grateful to earn my degree at UCSF which is world-renowned for its stem cell research. Likewise, it has been a pleasure to be supported by the ARCS Foundation and wider community. Research is a costly endeavor and being awarded this fellowship has given me the time and space to focus on impactful research while also sharing it with an interested group of donors and other scholars. The fellowship has also been a reassurance. This fall, my supervisor announced that he was leaving academia for an industry position. As I searched for a new supervisor and lab in which to complete my research, I knew that I had financial support to ease my transition.”