Cristian Chavira
Howdy, I'm Cristian! I graduated from the University of Arizona with a B.S in Biochemistry. I am currently in Dr. Kampmann's lab where I am researching Tau, a protein associated with neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Pick's disease, and it's propensity to aggregate and mis-localize with RNA. This fall I will be applying to Biochemistry/Biophysics PhD programs where I hope to bridge the gap between the small world of single-molecule biophysics and the wider cellular environment. In the future, I hope to be a PI focused on both mentoring students and cutting edge research. Outside of the lab I enjoy cooking and anything outdoors from the mountains to the ocean: camping, climbing, hiking, skiing or surfing. Or even cooking while outdoors on a climbing trip, just to bring it all together.
Mason Klawitter
Hi, my name is Mason! I graduated from UC San Diego with a B.S. In Molecular and Cell Biology, and a minor in Chemistry. I work in the Sello Lab, where I am investigating the utility of small molecule antagonists in resensitizing chemotherapeutic-resistant cancers to treatment. My research interests lie in translational biochemistry and structural biology, and I am applying to PhD programs with a focus in those fields this Fall. In my future, I plan to be heavily involved in both scientific research and education, providing the high-quality mentorship that has guided my own development as a scientist. Outside of the lab, I enjoy rock climbing, all things beachy, and visiting aquariums!
Rhiannon Red Bird
Hi, My name is Rhiannon Red Bird and I graduated from Cal Poly- Humboldt with a B.S. In Cellular & Molecular Biology, and a minor in Chemistry. Currently, I work in Dr. Todd Nystul's lab investigating intracellular pH sensing in the Drosophila ovary and its contributions to cell fate specification. My interests lie in stem cell and developmental biology, endocrinology, physiology and reproductive biology. I hope to be able to investigate, address, and educate scientists of health disparities in research as a principal investigator someday. In my spare time, I love playing the violin, square dancing, baking, and reading!
Amelia Tsark
Hi, my name is Amelia! I graduated from UC Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Science in Cell and Developmental Biology. I am working in Dr. Paola Betancur's lab investigating the effect of a breast cancer-associated super enhancer on a long-noncoding RNA we believe to promote tumor immune escape. My research interests heavily lie in cancer immunology, and I will be applying to PhD programs in both of these fields this fall. In the future, I hope to lead my own lab and pursue teaching through an academic professorship. Outside of science, I love literature, drinking good matcha, and taking long walks with my dog.
2023 - 2024 Cohort
Spencer Danner Bocks - Neuroscience Graduate Program - UCSF
Jeremy Libang - Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program - UCSF
Kyle Magro - Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program - UC San Diego
Annette Mercedes - Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program - Pennsylvania State