All conversations and communications with TAA members are
58
confidential. The only exception is for certain faculty
5c
members of TAA that are also mandatory reporters (indicated
5a
below in bios). By University policy, mandatory reporters
56
are required to report any alleged incident of sexual
59
misconduct (sexual harassment or sexual violence) to the
59
Title IX Officer. Mandatory reporters do not investigate
5d
such allegations and do not share information outside of the
52
Title IX Office. Mandatory Reporters can maintain
58
confidentiality for all other matters. Other than these
5b
specific circumstances, TAA members will share information
5b
with others only if the trainee has given explicit consent
41
for the TAA member to do so.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
175
Helping talented young scientists overcome the challenges and difficulties of graduate school to thrive and succeed has been the most satisfying aspect of my professional life. I am committed to the success and wellbeing of every BGS student and joining TAA was a natural continuation of this focus in my role as a teacher, advisor, mentor and graduate group chair.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
126
I have served as CAMB graduate group chair for over 12 years, and as chair for the DSRB program of CAMB for the prior 5 years. I have partnered with and advocated for students facing all manner of challenge and difficulty to define solutions that allowed students to succeed and thrive.
1
123
Research Interests & Experience: I am a developmental biologist with an interest in the regulation of cell lineage regulation in the early vertebrate embryo, with a specific focus on transcriptional, signaling, genomic, and epigenetic regulatory mechanisms.
All conversations and communications with TAA members are
58
confidential. The only exception is for certain faculty
5c
members of TAA that are also mandatory reporters (indicated
5a
below in bios). By University policy, mandatory reporters
56
are required to report any alleged incident of sexual
59
misconduct (sexual harassment or sexual violence) to the
59
Title IX Officer. Mandatory reporters do not investigate
5d
such allegations and do not share information outside of the
52
Title IX Office. Mandatory Reporters can maintain
58
confidentiality for all other matters. Other than these
5b
specific circumstances, TAA members will share information
5b
with others only if the trainee has given explicit consent
41
for the TAA member to do so.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
19d
As a Korean-American adoptee, I have never fit into the generalized Asian-American stereotypes placed upon me. Throughout my career, I have been able to share my AAPI narrative and pursue my STEM-related goals with the endless support from my past mentors and professors. I would like to join TAA with the hopes of giving back that same mentorship while creating a safe and inclusive scientific community.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
1cf
In undergrad, I was a member of Presidential Envoys, a student ambassador organization, at the University of North Florida and served as Vice President of Marketing where I focused many social media efforts towards informing students about our organization as an opportunity to network and grow professionally within the Jacksonville community. I also worked as a lab assistant where I was able to mentor and train students from a local community college!
1
10e
Research Interests & Experience: Currently, I am interested in understanding ways to design DNA-encoded monoclonal antibodies as a therapeutic for protection against infectious diseases. I am also interested in DNA vaccine design.
1
60
Fun Fact: I own 14 berets and counting! All different colors!
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
f4
It is my belief that - above all else - the goal of academic science is to empower human flourishing. This requires that trainees feel valued, validated, and supported, and I am proud to be part of TAA's mission to achieve this at Penn.
1
6c
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
1fc
My journey as a scientist has been nonlinear with several "wrong turns" and "setbacks" (including but not limited to dropping out of my first Ph.D. program). Because of this, I've gained valuable insight into the importance of supportive mentorship and leadership and the need to cultivate emotional well-being in academic science. I have extensive experience with leveraging community support to help trainees navigate their journeys through graduate school with a particular focus on mental health.
1
fb
Research Interests & Experience: My long-term research interest is to understand how innate immune cells sense and integrate metabolic cues in their environment to orchestrate host defense against bacterial pathogens.
1
58
Fun Fact: I have run several marathons and ultramarathons!
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
e4
We need new systems to support trainees experiencing adversity in academia, and to protect young scientists during a vulnerable period in their careers. I joined TAA because I want to be a part of creating those systems.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
142
I am a cis queer woman in STEM with a lot of experience mentoring trainees of all levels, from high schoolers to PhD students. I got involved in activism during graduate school, and I'm especially passionate about supporting trainees who are struggling with their mental health or with mentor/mentee relationships.
1
1ca
Research Interests & Experience: I study CAR T cell immunotherapies to treat pediatric cancer. I'm interested in figuring out how to make a patient's CAR T cells more persistent and resistant to dysfunction, using patient correlative studies and immunoengineering. I earned my PhD in cellular and molecular biology from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and am now a postdoctoral research fellow in the Weber Lab at CHOP.
1
97
Fun Fact: I studied both biology and music during college. If I didn't love research so much, I would be an opera singer!
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
ec
Throughout my education I have been supported by programs that provided an oasis on campus for underrepresented minorities navigating the field of science. As a TAA member, I would like to foster similar support systems at Penn.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
e9
I have mentored fellow students from underrepresented minorities in science and have experience planning community service events that encouraged peers to not only care for but also interact with the members of our community.
1
128
Research Interests & Experience: My research focuses on using gene therapy to restore vision in individuals with inherited retinal diseases and blindness. My current focus is validating a treatment for gyrate atrophy and investigating photoreceptor regeneration.
1
56
Fun Fact: I am Chamorro (the indigenous people of Guam).
All conversations and communications with TAA members are
58
confidential. The only exception is for certain faculty
5c
members of TAA that are also mandatory reporters (indicated
5a
below in bios). By University policy, mandatory reporters
56
are required to report any alleged incident of sexual
59
misconduct (sexual harassment or sexual violence) to the
59
Title IX Officer. Mandatory reporters do not investigate
5d
such allegations and do not share information outside of the
52
Title IX Office. Mandatory Reporters can maintain
58
confidentiality for all other matters. Other than these
5b
specific circumstances, TAA members will share information
5b
with others only if the trainee has given explicit consent
41
for the TAA member to do so.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
76
Encountered issues in my own training, have maneuvered them, and want to mentor and encourage others to do so.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
a2
Junior faculty so close to training, I am a URM in a male dominated surgical specialty, continue to take leadership and group leading sessions personally.
1
a4
Research Interests and Experience: Vision research, induced pluripotent stem cells, eyes, and retinal ganglion cells.
1
61
Fun Fact: I bake my own bread with a 20-year-old sourdough starter.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
f3
To be a more effective mentor and help grad students and post docs navigate this difficult time of their lives. There are a lot of hard decisions to make. I've made enough mistakes for all of us. No need to re-invent that broken wheel.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
ed
I've experienced "good" and "terrible" mentoring, so at the very least I can relate to various situation and share what I've tried to do to improve my situation. I'm also first gen and was low-income during school, so "I get it".
1
a1
Research Interests and Experience: Reproduction/Meiosis (Cornell PhD) and Cancer/Embryo/Transposons (UC Berkeley).
1
73
Fun Fact: I live in the oldest* home in the United States. (*more details in person!)
All conversations and communications with TAA members are
58
confidential. The only exception is for certain faculty
5c
members of TAA that are also mandatory reporters (indicated
5a
below in bios). By University policy, mandatory reporters
56
are required to report any alleged incident of sexual
59
misconduct (sexual harassment or sexual violence) to the
59
Title IX Officer. Mandatory reporters do not investigate
5d
such allegations and do not share information outside of the
52
Title IX Office. Mandatory Reporters can maintain
58
confidentiality for all other matters. Other than these
5b
specific circumstances, TAA members will share information
5b
with others only if the trainee has given explicit consent
41
for the TAA member to do so.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
6b
To support equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts within the Biological Graduate Studies program.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
163
I have and have healthy knowledge and understanding of several training opportunities in bioinformatics on Penn's Campus. I serve at the chair of the Genomics and Computational Biology Graduate group, and also the Director of the Bioinformatics concentration for the MSTR program. I also co-direct GCB/CIS/MSTR535 (Introduction to Bioinformatics).
1
246
Research Interests and Experience: I am a statistical and population geneticist interested in characterizing the relationship between DNA sequence variation and susceptibility to complex traits. Over my career, I have mapped thousands of genetic loci influencing susceptibility to complex traits, particularly type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular, and liver disease. My group also develops methods for population genomics inference problems, focused on characterizing variation in mutation rate and genomic targets of natural selection in human populations.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
147
Having been a trainee for many years spanning undergraduate, med school and grad school, plus a postdoc, I have seen and experienced many of the challenges and stumbling blocks that arise. I would love the opportunity to take those lessons and use them to ease the way and benefit and help others advance their careers.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
1af
I think some of the strengths I bring to the TAA stem simply from the fact that the physician scientist track has been long and offered both a range and diversity of experiences and challenges along the way. I've worked in many different environments and with broad array of people and personalities. I hope those years of experience can be of value to others who are now taking similar paths and facing similar challenges.
1
1a3
Research Interests & Experience: The Capell Lab seeks to understand how epigenetic and epitranscriptomic gene regulatory mechanisms contribute to disease, and in particular, cancer. By combining the incredible accessibility of epithelial tissues like human skin, with the most cutting-edge epigenetic and epitranscriptomic techniques, we aim to identify novel targets to treat disease.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
131
Throughout my 19 years at Penn, I have advised CAMB students formally. In recent years, many BGS students from other graduate groups have sought my counsel based on recommendations of CAMB students. I joined TAA to make myself formally and visibly available to any PSOM student or postdoc trainee.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
161
I bring 19 years of experience in advising graduate students about diverse topics including complex and sensitive issues negatively impacting their personal, academic, and/or professional well-being. My advising strengths include persistent and follow-through advocacy of trainees, particularly in encouraging and empowering their self-advocacy.
1
190
Research Interests and Experience: My research interests are in elucidating molecular mechanisms that govern lymphocyte antigen receptor gene diversification processes to establish effective adaptive immunity while suppressing autoimmunity and oncogenic genomic lesions. I have 25 years of experience in this aspect of molecular and cellular immunology.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
199
To be any form of a mentor, one needs to continuously learn and grow in proficiencies as an educator which includes fostering DEI awareness and support. I joined the TAA because I see a need for trainee mentorship that has been lacking in academia for far too long and I wanted to be properly trained to provide an open space for communication while cultivating an inclusive community in our programs.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
183
As a first-gen, non-binary, mixed individual navigating my training and career I have experienced and witnessed a variety of challenges. My personal goals are focused on maintaining wellness with positive solutions for progress. I hope my experiences aid in mentoring and echoing the voices of the next generation of researchers to create an inclusive and supportive environment.
1
e0
Research Interests & Experience: The Conn Lab studies post-transcriptional, dynamic responses during disease progression with a focus on mRNA translational regulation for oncogenic survival.
All conversations and communications with TAA members are
58
confidential. The only exception is for certain faculty
5c
members of TAA that are also mandatory reporters (indicated
5a
below in bios). By University policy, mandatory reporters
56
are required to report any alleged incident of sexual
59
misconduct (sexual harassment or sexual violence) to the
59
Title IX Officer. Mandatory reporters do not investigate
5d
such allegations and do not share information outside of the
52
Title IX Office. Mandatory Reporters can maintain
58
confidentiality for all other matters. Other than these
5b
specific circumstances, TAA members will share information
5b
with others only if the trainee has given explicit consent
41
for the TAA member to do so.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
105
Graduate school - and life - is filled with new and sometimes difficult challenges. My sibs and I were first generation to go to college - we didn't know what we didn't (but needed to) know in order to be successful. Happy to support, encourage, listen.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
86
I don't know - but everyone needs and deserves help and support at some time. I value the opportunity to gives this to others.
1
ae
Research Interests and Experience: Rare genetic diseases of extra-skeltal bone formation - mechanisms and pre-clinical studies.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
52
I chose to join TAA to support trainees in their professional development.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
95
I have mentored trainees from diverse backgrounds and at various levels since 2003 as a graduate student, and since 2016 as a faculty member.
1
12b
Research Interests & Experience: The Heller Lab studies transcriptional regulation by exposure to drugs of abuse and stress, in mouse models of addiction and depression. Our goal is to elucidate the mechanisms underlying the perseverative nature of these disorders.
Fun Fact: I am a huge fan of hip-hop. I grew up listening and going to shows, including tons of roots shows when I first lived in Philadelphia from 1998-2002 as a Penn undergrad.
All conversations and communications with TAA members are
58
confidential. The only exception is for certain faculty
5c
members of TAA that are also mandatory reporters (indicated
5a
below in bios). By University policy, mandatory reporters
56
are required to report any alleged incident of sexual
59
misconduct (sexual harassment or sexual violence) to the
59
Title IX Officer. Mandatory reporters do not investigate
5d
such allegations and do not share information outside of the
52
Title IX Office. Mandatory Reporters can maintain
58
confidentiality for all other matters. Other than these
5b
specific circumstances, TAA members will share information
5b
with others only if the trainee has given explicit consent
41
for the TAA member to do so.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
a9
To support trainees from marginalized groups who might experience bias incidents, and to foster an environment of inclusivity within the Penn research community.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
cd
I bring a commitment to the ideals of equity, inclusion, and diversity, and the desire to ensure that no trainee has to go through instances of microaggression or bias feeling alone or unsupported.
1
13a
Research Interests and Experience: My lab is interested in understanding innate immunity to bacterial pathogens. We study how activation of cell death signaling pathways promote control of bacterial infection using a combination of in vitro and in vivo model systems.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
35
To support the next generation of scientists.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
183
I understand the challenges that come with navigating academic settings as a minoritized scientist and first generation scientist. I work at being an ally and support for other minoritized groups. I also have first hand experience in successfully navigating challenging workplace environments and pivoting to more supportive workplace environments that foster success and growth.
1
27e
Research Interests and Experience: The Precision Immunology and Microbiome Medicine laboratory that aims at understanding immune health, through a multi-systems approach that explores the dialogue between the human immune system and the microbial exposome. The lab uses high-throughput, high-dimensional profiling approaches and multimodal computational methods to study clinical and model systems data. One of the lab long-term goals is to better define immune health and contribute to the development of precision microbiome-medicine therapies to improve immune interventions for patients.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
242
Everyone deserves to feel safe, accepted, respected, seen, and supported! I want to help provide this for students whether it be giving them a safe space to vent, offering connection by relating on common interests, experiences and struggles, or helping them navigate these struggles and grad school in general. Importantly, I want to provide this by also being an ally and advocate in cases of experiences that I can’t personally relate to. It’s important to me that I exercise my forms of privilege to uplift, support, and advocate for others that don’t have it!
1
6c
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
23c
I come from a low-income background and grew up in a disadvantaged region that lacked access to resources and quality education. This led to me experiencing major imposter syndrome in grad school, as well as feeling a bit isolated in the environment of a private, prestigious institution such as Penn. I also experience life with invisible disabilities/chronic illnesses. Beyond my personal experiences, I can offer empathy and support in whatever form you find helpful! I’m aware of various helpful resources at Penn and am connected with other DEI initiatives.
1
ad
Research Interests & Experience: I study the role of IP3 receptor-mediated calcium release in synaptic plasticity and neurological disease.
1
94
Fun Fact: I LOVE animals! All animals. Seriously, I once had a pet alligator (to be fair, I lived in South Louisiana).
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
10d
Graduate school is hard enough when everything is going well, and can be overwhelming when challenges are added to the mix! I would like to help trainees navigate the challenges and create a welcoming, inclusive environment for future generations of scientists.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
b7
I have had various training experiences in college, med school, grad school, and as a postdoc, and hope to help others navigate the bumps along the road to these career paths.
1
10f
Research Interests and Experience: I am an ophthalmologist who specializes in genetic blinding diseases. My lab studies the developmental biology of the eye and develops gene and cell therapies for inherited retinal disease.
All conversations and communications with TAA members are
58
confidential. The only exception is for certain faculty
5c
members of TAA that are also mandatory reporters (indicated
5a
below in bios). By University policy, mandatory reporters
56
are required to report any alleged incident of sexual
59
misconduct (sexual harassment or sexual violence) to the
59
Title IX Officer. Mandatory reporters do not investigate
5d
such allegations and do not share information outside of the
52
Title IX Office. Mandatory Reporters can maintain
58
confidentiality for all other matters. Other than these
5b
specific circumstances, TAA members will share information
5b
with others only if the trainee has given explicit consent
41
for the TAA member to do so.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
132
I chose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance because I think it is important to feel supported throughout all levels of educational attainment. I wanted to be a part of a network of individuals committed to providing that support for others, especially for those from underrepresented communities.
1
6c
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
16f
Being a Black Woman in science, I believe I experience and relate to the experiences of other minorities and can offer the support necessary for others enduring hardships during their time at Penn. Through my own experiences navigating difficult conversations and conflict in certain spaces, I believe I can be helpful to those experiencing something similar.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
9b
I am committed to empowering trainees and supporting them through their challenges to build a more compassionate and inclusive environment for all.
1
6c
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
19b
As an international researcher and a cis woman, I know how it feels trying to understand and succeed in a foreign academic environment. Also, during my undergrad I was an advocate for increasing accessibility in higher academic institutions for people with disabilities, as a member of a European volunteer organization. I am always interested in ways I can foster a more inclusive academic environment.
1
23b
Research Interests & Experience: As a postdoc at the Penn Center for Neuroaesthetics, I am interested in how art and design can be used to promote wellness and facilitate emotion regulation in general and clinical population. My research interests include among others the influence of expertise and psychophysiological characteristics in aesthetic and emotional experiences. Before joining the lab, I was in the Laboratory of Cognitive Neurosciences of CNRS in Marseille. I received my PhD in Psychology from City, University of London.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
3c
I hope to ensure the success of all of our trainees.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
40
I am organized, a good listener, honest, and respectful.
1
f9
Research Interests & Experience: I am a collaborative statistician with a primary focus in mental health and behavioral modification interventions for asthma, insomnia, weight management, and HIV/STD risk reduction.
All conversations and communications with TAA members are
58
confidential. The only exception is for certain faculty
5c
members of TAA that are also mandatory reporters (indicated
5a
below in bios). By University policy, mandatory reporters
56
are required to report any alleged incident of sexual
59
misconduct (sexual harassment or sexual violence) to the
59
Title IX Officer. Mandatory reporters do not investigate
5d
such allegations and do not share information outside of the
52
Title IX Office. Mandatory Reporters can maintain
58
confidentiality for all other matters. Other than these
5b
specific circumstances, TAA members will share information
5b
with others only if the trainee has given explicit consent
41
for the TAA member to do so.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
da
I am committed to changing the environment at Penn for our underrepresented graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, so that it is one where all trainees can thrive to become the best scientists they can be.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
1ee
I am active in racial justice efforts here at Penn, including co-chairing the BGS and BPP Combating Racial Inequities Committee (CRIC), and co-leading the Research Pillar of Action for Cultural Transformation in PSOM. I am also active as the graduate program chair of DSRB in educating our students and faculty about systemic racism and how we can change it. As a woman scientist I understand the feeling of not fitting the mold and I want to change that to make STEM inclusive for all.
1
176
Research Interests & Experience: My lab studies how a BMP morphogen signaling gradient forms, is maintained, and is interpreted to specify multiple cell types along the embryonic dorsal-ventral axis. We also study the membraneless Balbiani body organelle in oocyte polarity and maternal regulation of embryonic development in the zebrafish.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
5f
To help foster inclusivity and diversity within the Penn biomedical research community.
1
e
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
d2
Assistant professor with perspective of having recently been a postdoc and started a research lab at Penn. Participated in diversity recruitment for CAMB through outreach lectures at local universities.
1
f4
Research Interests & Experience: My lab is interested in the unique cell biology of early development. We study mechanisms regulating the maternal-zygotic transition and the assembly of membraneless organelles.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
a5
As a recent Penn Medicine PhD student and post-doc myself, I am eager to contribute to the community's health from the other side as a junior faculty member.
1
9b
Research Interests & Experience: My research program principally focuses on the design and analysis of randomized trials.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
f4
I liked the fact that TAA grew out of a student-initiated peer support network, and I welcomed the opportunity to work side-by-side with these students to support our community. There is so much that faculty can learn from our students.
1
e
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
11d
As a female scientist from an immigrant and mixed race family, I have navigated complicated issues of culture and identity in my personal life. I also have administrative experience as a former chair of the G&E graduate program and former PI of the Genetics training grant.
1
e
1
96
Research Interests & Experience: My lab uses C. elegans to study mechanisms that shape and protect epithelial tubes.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
138
I am committed to training the next generation of neuroscientists and geneticists including fostering a supportive, inclusive, and collaborative environment for trainees at all levels and from all backgrounds, instilling rigorous research values, and promoting a general passion for learning and science.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
142
As a young LGBTQ+ faculty member, I have a strong connection with positive and negative experiences I had as a student and postdoc. These experiences make me want to work hard to create an environment where the voices of current trainees are listened to and supported during both positive and negative experiences.
1
162
Research Interests & Experience: My lab studies the role of genes associated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders in the plasticity of neuronal circuits and behaviors. I did my PhD training in the Neuroscience Graduate Group at Penn and my postdoctoral training at Columbia University in New York City.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
64
I was previously in the Minority Student Network and I'm thrilled to have joined this group.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
ae
Supporting trainees, both in my lab and in the graduate programs more broadly, is a fundamental part of being a faculty member and I'm eager to help in any way I can.
1
b6
Research Interests & Experience: My lab studies the impact of chronic inflammation and inborn errors of immunity on T cell immunometabolic function.
All conversations and communications with TAA members are
58
confidential. The only exception is for certain faculty
5c
members of TAA that are also mandatory reporters (indicated
5a
below in bios). By University policy, mandatory reporters
56
are required to report any alleged incident of sexual
59
misconduct (sexual harassment or sexual violence) to the
59
Title IX Officer. Mandatory reporters do not investigate
5d
such allegations and do not share information outside of the
52
Title IX Office. Mandatory Reporters can maintain
58
confidentiality for all other matters. Other than these
5b
specific circumstances, TAA members will share information
5b
with others only if the trainee has given explicit consent
41
for the TAA member to do so.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
d9
I want to take a more active role in helping address systemic discrimination and inequality within academia, in hopes it can help make the Penn research community a safer and more inclusive space for trainees.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
6c
I hope I can be an open, compassionate listener and strong advocate for trainees in need of support.
1
ba
Research Interests & Experience: The Bailis lab studies how metabolism and the compartmentalization of metabolic reactions control immune cell behavior.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
13a
As an IDEAL Research Fellow, I am very passionate about supporting, advocating for, and connecting with other underrepresented trainees. Being a part of the TAA allows me to extend the same support systems and resources that have been pivotal for my personal and professional growth during my time at Penn.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
18b
With my involvement in both Ernest E. Just Biomedical Society and by participating in the IDEAL Council with GAPSA over the last 3 years, I have been able to connect with graduate students, amplify the voices of student leaders, and advocate for marginalized graduate students with Penn administration. I hope that with these skills and connections, I can continue to do so with the TAA!
1
f8
Research Interests & Experience: My research focuses on cancer metabolism, specifically looking at how protein structure effects function and localization of a key moonlighting enzyme in adult soft tissue sarcomas.
1
b2
Fun Fact: I make a Spotify playlist for every occasion (even failed experiments!). I am slowly curating the soundtrack to my graduate school career.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
102
I was hoping to work within the Penn community in order to help students feel safer and more connected to their surroundings. I think it's fundamental to use my own privileges to support those who do not have access to the same privilege that I have.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
112
As a medical student, I worked in community clinics where I learned trauma informed care, and worked with patients from disadvantaged backgrounds. This experience taught me skills of resilience, patience, and dedication to those with different backgrounds than mine.
1
fb
Research Interests & Experience: Broadly, I am interested in metabolic circuits between host and pathogen, and am studying how intracellular bacterial pathogens re-program host metabolism to create a niche for growth.
1
66
Fun Fact: I've sung on Broadway! To an empty audience, but still counts!
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
b2
As a graduate student with a disability, I wanted to find a safe space where I could find community support as well as help other trainees navigating similar experiences.
1
6c
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
30b
I identify as LGBTQ+/queer and trans/nonbinary—which fundamentally shapes the way I interact with the world. I also developed a disability right before applying for graduate school—suddenly, I needed to make a major life transition by starting graduate school while learning how to navigate accommodations in a classroom and research setting at Penn. This experience has reshaped the way I think about science and accessibility—and I now work with Disabled Coalition and other students with disabilities to help advocate for students with disabilities on campus. I hope to bring the lessons I’ve learned from my personal experience to help others who may be going through something similar as well as empathy for those who may be experiencing something different.
1
269
Research Interests & Experience: I’m super fascinated by the liver—specifically polyploid hepatocytes, the major cell type in the liver. Unlike most other cells in the human body which are diploid (two copies of genome) and have one nucleus per cell, hepatocytes can be polyploid (more than two copies of the genome) and two nuclei per cell--but it is unknown if polyploidy impacts cell function or may contribute to liver disease. I’m applying spatial transcriptomics and metabolomic techniques in the Shaffer Lab to better understand hepatocyte polyploidy in the human liver.
1
b8
Fun Fact: I have too many animals for a Philly apartment – 2 dogs and 1 cat—and I “rescued” my second dog when she was abandoned at my front door.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
166
I wanted to join TAA to help create a more welcoming, inclusive and diverse environment for students and other members of the research community. I was also interested in being a part of a group that works to develop and foster a sense of community and pay forward some of the incredible advice and mentoring I've received throughout my time at Penn.
1
6c
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
20a
I really enjoy talking to people and getting to know them! I am originally from Puerto Rico and am the first person in my family to pursue a PhD so I have some experience with having to move away from home, adjusting to the challenges of grad school, navigating professional environments in a different language and culture, etc. I’ve been lucky in finding people who have made me feel part of the community and have advocated for me so I’m looking forward to doing the same for other members of the community!
1
183
Research Interests & Experience: I did my undergraduate degree in chemistry so I have experience working in nucleic acids chemistry and structural biology. At Penn, I worked in labs doing neuroscience research and joined the Jordan Sciutto lab to study some of the genetic risk factors and mechanisms relevant in HIV associated neurocognitive disorders.
1
80
Fun Fact: I worked as an English teacher for a year! I also taught myself how to play bass guitar.
Research Interests & Experience: My research interests include better understanding the relationship between the immune system and the microbiome, and how pathologies can potentially develop when their communication pathways are disrupted.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
68
I want to help others navigate conflicts and make Penn a more welcoming place for every trainee.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
124
I know from personal experiences how frustrating and daunting it can be to reach out for the support needed when discrimination happens, especially in the academic setting/workplace. At Penn, I was able to get the help I needed from my lab and I would like to provide that for others.
1
cd
Research Interests and Experience: I'm studying the epigenetic mechanisms and 3D genome architecture that promote expression of key oncogenes in triple-negative breast cancer.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
a0
I chose to join because I feel there should be a lending hand and open ears available for anyone seeking help of any kind throughout their time at Penn.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
ce
I bring previous experience from managing a biology honor society and small research team from my community college and believe I can listen as well as be a guide for those seeking help of any kind.
1
fb
Research Interests & Experience: My research interests have always revolved around microbiology and infectious diseases, particularly with virology. I have experience working with bacteriophages and mammalian viruses.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
1d6
I chose to join TAA because my time at Penn hasn't been a completely positive experience. My first year was very lonely - I am naturally a shy and introverted person when you first meet me, so making new friends and connections was difficult. It was also my first time on the East Coast and living in a big city. I never want another student or person to feel this way. Through TAA, I hope to remind students that they matter and SO deserve a spot at this table.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
1e7
I am Mexican American and Native American (Piro-Manso-Tiwa). I am the first in my family to pursue a PhD. Neither of my parents hold a degree and pushed me to excel in my academics so that I would not struggle as they have. Family and community is very important to me, so leaving all my friends and family 2,000+ miles behind to go to grad school was difficult. I am a very empathetic and caring person who loves to meet and help people, so please don’t hesitate to reach out!
1
168
Research Interests & Experience: I love immunology and cell biology! I am in the Linette/Carreno lab, and my project is focused on creating a Universal CAR T cell therapy. I actually have previous experience in plant biology as my undergrad project involved genetically editing chile pepper plants to overcome fungi pathogens.
1
6a
Fun Fact: My soul mate is my dog Percival (Percy). He is a rescue greyhound.
Research Interests & Experience: I am investigating vaccine response in transplant patients, and chronic graft versus host disease (a complication of allogeneic transplant) pathogenesis.
Research Interests & Experience: My lab studies the interception of chromatin biology and cancer. I am interested in the mechanisms of how chromatin modifiers regulate oncogenes and the possibility of targeting them to ameliorate cancer phenotypes.
1
7b
Fun Fact: I currently own 23 different types of house plants and I'm always looking for more.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
181
Having a support system of scientists of color and people who value diversity, who understand the trials of earning a PhD and give a safe space for me to express the unique stresses of being a Black Woman in STEM has been extremely beneficial to my mental health throughout graduate school. I would like to be a part of and expand that support system for other students in BGS.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
17a
I have experience mentoring students who identify within underrepresented groups in STEM, as well as students who have mental health struggles. I also have a good knowledge of Penn resources for academic, wellness, and discriminatory intervention. Additionally, I will use skills learned in my Psychology degree for empathetic listening and the creation of a safe space.
1
e2
Research Interests & Experience: My thesis research studies how axon guidance proteins at the growth cone membrane are regulated during midline crossing in the embryonic mammalian spinal cord.
1
92
Fun Fact: I once skipped school and flew to Vegas for a tattoo consult, only to get turned down for being too young.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
b5
I think it's important that we show up for each other and maintain our community as a safe, inclusive, and inviting space to do the best we can-- scientifically and humanly.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
68
I really care about promoting a positive work culture within Penn BGS and in academia generally.
1
a5
Research Interests & Experience: I study epigenetic mechanisms that prevent T cells from fighting off viral infections and cancers.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
66
I joined TAA to help Penn's biomedical research community become healthier and more inclusive.
1
6c
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
292
I bring a deep commitment to fostering inclusive academic environments, particularly for the Latinx and LGBTQ+ communities. Drawing from personal experiences and a passion for equity, I actively contribute to initiatives that promote diversity and well-being within academic spaces. As a member of the Trainee Advocacy Alliance, my strengths lie in my dedication to promoting inclusivity, facilitating dialogue, and implementing tangible strategies that enhance the academic experience for underrepresented groups. I am driven to contribute to a culture where all individuals feel welcomed, valued, and empowered to thrive in their academic pursuits.
1
b2
Research Interests & Experience: My research interests include nuclear dynamics, transcription factors, advanced microscopy, and image analysis.
1
58
Fun Fact: I have a secret love and talent for tap dancing!
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
6c
As an Ideal fellow, I am committed to provide additional support for my peers in any way that I can.
1
6c
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
164
I am an immigrant, woman, first generation, ESL, black student. I believe that with the experiences that I have faced due to these labels, I can relate to different groups of students. I also serve in several leadership roles and am willing to advocate for students and helping them find the proper support even if I am unable to provide it myself.
1
6e
Research Interests & Experience: Neuroinflammation, TBI, microglia, behavior
1
59
Fun Fact: I am unapologetically obsessed with "The Office".
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
141
I believe that great science requires a supportive community. When we don't feel we belong or are being properly supported, we can't be expected to put out great research. I hope to help other trainees who are facing conflict and give them support so they can continue to do the science they are passionate about.
1
6c
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
128
I'm proud to be a queer woman in STEM. I've found a lot of support around these identities in the scientific community, but I've faced negative experiences while holding these identities as well. I feel that these experiences have driven me to advocate for queer people and women in STEM.
1
108
Research Interests & Experience: I am co-mentored by Drs. Kellie Jurado and Colin Conine. My project sits at the intersection of virology, immunology, epigenetics. Before coming to Penn, I completed my BS and MS at Loyola Chicago.
1
78
Fun Fact: I've been certified to scuba dive since I was 11. I've completed over 300 dives!
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
142
I want to use my time in graduate school to not only advance myself professionally, but also give back to the profession. I want to help empower fellow students, regardless of ethnicity, background or creed, to feel supported by their community, able to shape their own graduate experience and find ways to thrive.
1
e
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
116
I enjoy listening to others and bringing smiles to people I meet. I feel I have much to learn from the stories and experiences of others. I volunteered with similar student advocacy programs at my undergraduate university, and have always found the work very fulfilling.
1
e
1
11f
Research Interests & Experience: I am interested in RNA binding proteins and how they effect post-transcriptional regulation of gene expression in T-cell biology and immune activation. Particularly studying how T-cells control and tune mRNA translation.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
a5
I am very committed to increasing and fostering diversity in science. I hope to help accomplish that by being an advocate and providing support for trainees.
1
6c
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
309
My career goals include becoming a Principle Investigator and mentoring research trainees toward achieving their own career goals in research and science. I understand that graduate and postdoctoral training can at times be both exciting and difficult. I have had many different positive and negative experiences in my career as an Asian woman, adopted from Korea and raised in America, with a visible physical disability and mother to two children. I make a point to continually solidify a foundation of skills so that I may be an effective mentor to a diverse community of trainees. By participating in initiatives like the TAA, I will be a listening ear and advocate to any trainees that need help navigating difficult times or situations in their lives and careers.
1
1bf
Research Interests & Experience: My graduate research used biochemical techniques and mass spectrometry to study glycobiology. I still am interested in glycobiology, but I made a decision in my postdoctoral training to jump into neuroscience and learn new methods. Now, I use genetic approaches and in vivo microscopy to study neural regeneration in zebrafish, specifically axonal regeneration of the optic nerve.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
e3
I want to develop the skills to help trainees navigate academia and promote a system in which they have access to resources and support that will allow them a safe and comfortable environment to focus on their training.
1
6c
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
19e
I have training and experience with equity in STEM education, specifically incorporating education practices that enable students from different backgrounds to succeed. I have been apart of trainee support systems and peer mentoring initiatives in my undergraduate and graduate universities and hope to apply skills I have previously gained and those that I develop via the TAA to support trainees at Penn.
1
22e
Research Interests & Experience: I study the regulation of cell fate and pattern formation in the embryo. My research focuses on embryonic signal transduction to both understand how signals are globally transduced to give rise to different signaling outcomes and to use this system to define how the same signaling pathway can be used to diverse signaling outcomes. Specifically, I am studying how BMP signaling in the Zebrafish embryo is regulated at the cellular and biochemical levels to patterning the dorsoventral axis.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
e0
Being one of the only Native Hawaiian/Indigenous students in my matriculation year, I am passionate about providing peer support for Indigenous/Native American students in their career progression. You are not alone!
1
6c
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
ee
I am a first-generation college graduate from low-income household Waipahu, Hawaiʻi. I moved from Hawaiʻi to Philadelphia and have faced the difficulties in adjusting to a new culture, environment, and dealing with homesickness.
1
1b1
Research Interests & Experience: My research interests broadly span the elucidation of biochemical mechanisms underlying metabolic disorders, such as type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cancer. Throughout my academic career, I have aimed to study metabolic flux, circadian regulation of metabolism, regulation of systemic glucose and lipid homeostasis, and substrate utilization.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
80
Inclusion and advocacy are important to me and I'd like to help make sure everyone has a place at UPenn and feels heard.
1
6c
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
c1
As a non-traditional student, I've often had to advocate for my own needs and the needs of my peers. I was president of a club, which had the purpose of diversity and inclusion in STEM.
1
105
Research Interests & Experience: I love the human microbiome and how it affects health and the progression of disease. I currently work in Dr. Joel Babdor's lab (Precision Immunology and Microbiome Medicine) studying just that.
1
8e
Fun Fact: I talk to turtles and lizards the way some people talk to dogs. I can't help it. They're just so cute.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
b8
I joined the TAA because I wanted to both learn how to support my peers with helpful advocacy methods, and contribute to providing encouragement and assistance to my community.
1
6c
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
293
I have a multicultural background; my father is a Chinese-Indonesian immigrant to the U.S. and my mother is from Appalachia; I am a first generation college student on my mother's side. Experiencing life with such a mixed background has given me a unique perspective on the challenges of "fitting in" and being understanding of the wide range of opinions and life experiences of others. As a postdoc, I also have experienced some of the challenges of both undergraduate and graduate education, especially in the biomedical sciences. As a mother to 2 young children, I also understand that there are particular challenges in being a parent in academia.
1
4f
Research Interests & Experience: Neuroscience
1
ac
Fun Fact: I am a Sci-Fi nerd whose favorite TV show is the 2000s Battlestar Galactica series. I have the full Collector's Edition Blu-ray set!
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
c0
I am a graduate of a Penn BGS PhD training program, underwent my own crises during graduate school, and view being a member of TAA as an opportunity to pay forward the debt I incurred.
1
6c
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
196
I am myself a graduate of a Penn BGS PhD training program and have been at Penn in various capacities for the past 20 years, so I am already familiar with the program and accessing additional support resources. I also bring perspectives as a first-generation PhD student, low-income family background, transition from living in rural to urban environment, crises of faith, and identify as LBGTQIA+.
1
16b
Research Interests & Experience: My lab uses cell and mouse model systems of rare genetic neurodevelopmental disorders that disrupt glycosylation (known as Congenital Disorders of Glycosylation, or CDG) to study glycosylation in the brain. I also perform clinical research with patients with rare genetic disorders (such as CDG).
1
77
Fun Fact: I grew up in Idaho and lived in Ukraine for a couple of after post-high school.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
a0
As a first-generation PhD student, I know how lonely navigating academia is and I want to be part of an initiative that looks out for graduate students.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
114
As a first-generation PhD student and proud Puerto Rican women, I bring forth my resilience and advocacy. I have been advocating in STEM for Latinx communities all my life, coordinating events, providing aid and support to students who want to pursue higher education.
1
103
Research Interests & Experience: I have most experience in cell biology, gene expression profiling and epigenetics. My research interests lie in understanding pathologic cell differentiation and regulation of gene expression.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
4b
I want to contribute to make Penn an inclusive and welcoming place.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
164
I am an international (Argentinian) researcher with experience in mentoring and teaching in multiple settings (academic, outreach, community) and languages (Spanish, English). I think a balanced researcher should develop both, abstract thinking/creativity and emotional intelligence, and so I aim to be a mentor that integrates and encourages both.
1
9c
Research Interests & Experience: Neurobiology, molecular neuroscience, synaptic transmission, and electrophysiology.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
d6
My previous mentor is a member of TAA and he gave me great support during my difficult times; I really appreciate the help from him and TAA and thus want to join TAA as well to offer help to others in need.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
a7
I'm an international student from Asia and have experiences in helping students accommodate to new environments. Also would love to support LGBTQIA+ community.
1
66
Research Interests & Experience: Cancer immunology & metabolism.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
207
I joined TAA to connect with and support trainees in the Penn community facing difficult situations in their academic or research experience. I am passionate about improving trainee experiences in and outside of the lab to enable them to reach their goals and enjoy their research experience. I believe that training is paramount to a healthy and productive research committee and hope to create a safe space within my lab(s), BGS, and the larger Penn Community to support trainee mental health and development.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
1df
I have had a variety of experiences in small, medium, and large labs, ranging from new labs to older, established research groups. Additionally, I have extensive experience in mentoring inside and outside of the lab, and believe that every individual can bring unique talents and perspectives to the research done at Penn. I have also dealt with the difficulties of balancing research with mental health and seek to support those finding themselves in similar situations.
1
bf
Research Interests & Experience: I am interested in the interrelationships between metabolism and epigenetics, especially as they relate to neurodevelopment.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
2eb
I knew I wanted to pursue higher education in high school but I had very limited resources to understand how to achieve my goals. I often felt alone and isolated in trying to pursue medicine and then research. However, post-undergrad, I was lucky to obtain an incredible support system in science that helped me be where I am today, and also learned how to advocate for myself. I want to be able to help and support trainees navigate academia/science. It was critical to be able to have such a support system for my training. And I want to be able to have an impact on trainees through supporting them the way that I have been supported. Additionally, the only way to create a welcoming and safe environment is to be a catalyst for change.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
1df
I was raised in a single-parent home and grew up in low-income/disadvantaged communities. It was extremely difficult to break into “high-achieving” environments and feel like I belong. However, I believe that it has made me stronger and more aware of the spaces that I occupy. Due to my adversity, I have been able to build strong self-advocacy and communication skills. Which allows me to be supportive and help people navigate difficult conversations or situations.
1
152
Research Interests & Experience: I started my research career as a post-bac trainee at the National Institute of Drug Abuse. In Dr. Hope's lab I studied social behavior in mice. For my graduate work, I am in Dr. Hart's lab where I am studying how does gene function affect behavior and neuronal circuits.
1
78
Fun Fact: I am stuck in the 2000's-2010's music world. Music back then was just different.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
157
The organizational structure of academic research, while beneficial in some ways, creates a lot of power imbalances and opportunities for trainees to be mistreated and exploited. I think it's important to have an organization that can offer support to trainees in these situations, which most scientific trainees do not have access to.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
144
I've worked in environments where I've seen people be mistreated with little to no recourse from management or university administration. Because of this, I try to be informed of my rights as a student and worker, and stay vigilant about situations I or others could be in that could become problematic or dangerous.
1
90
Research Interests & Experience: Enteric nervous system, gut-brain interactions, and gastrointestinal biology.
1
5e
Fun Fact: I was born and raised in Washington DC (NOT Maryland).
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
214
I chose to join TAA because I had a difficult time navigating many unforeseen personal obstacles in my first semester in grad school, and at every turn I received so much support from the Penn community, including other students, faculty, and staff. All the expected challenges of moving to a new city and starting grad school is challenging enough without anything else life may throw your way, so I want to do my part to help create a supportive, safe, and welcoming environment for trainees at all levels in their career.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
1f7
As a minority woman in research, and the first in my family to purse this level of graduate education, I've had the privilege to be mentored by many others who also identify with similar underrepresented groups. Officially, prior to joining Penn, I've mentored younger students in a professional development and career advancement program at my undergraduate university, and unofficially have always advocated in favor of early stage trainees as a research technician at my previous institution.
1
114
Research Interests & Experience: I have a couple years of research experience studying the role of fibroblasts in modulating the stroma of pancreatic cancer, and more broadly am interested in the tumor microenvironment of solid-tumor cancers!
1
c5
Fun Fact: I love to hike! I've been on some really cool hikes on 3 different continents, my favorite being Mt. Fuji in Japan (but Laguna 69 in Peru is a close second)!
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
287
I joined the Trainee Advocacy Alliance because I have experienced, witnessed, and personally helped others navigate the challenges of biomedical research training. As an international researcher who has worked in three different institutes, I’ve seen firsthand how different environments shape the experiences of trainees, and I understand the unique struggles that come with adjusting to new academic and cultural settings. Having supported peers through these challenges before, I want to do more to ensure that all trainees—especially those from underrepresented or international backgrounds—have the support they need to succeed.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
280
Through my experiences in multiple research institutes, I’ve gained a broad perspective on the different challenges trainees face, from securing fair recognition to navigating institutional structures. I’ve actively helped others advocate for themselves and access the resources they need, and I bring a critical, solutions-driven mindset to addressing these issues. I believe in challenging barriers, fostering mentorship, and ensuring that no one feels isolated in their research journey. By contributing to TAA, I hope to use my background and experiences to create a more inclusive and supportive research community at Penn.
1
12e
Research Interests & Experience: At Penn, I study the genetic foundation of sex disparities in skin cancer. Prior to this, I investigated cell wall dynamics in stomata and root function, exploring the fundamental processes that govern plant development and physiology.
Fun Fact: I'm a philosophy lover who finds joy in deep thoughts, my cat's company, the art of Chinese calligraphy, a good makeup session, and quality time with friends.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
80
I chose to join the TAA to continue to stay in touch with best practices for advocating and supporting students in STEM.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
fe
For years I have designed programs aimed at increasing diverse perspectives in decisions that impact them. Historically the people groups that are most affected by decisions are excluded from from the discussion. I specialize in bridging the gap.
1
43
Research Interests & Experience:
1
a0
Enzymology, bioinformatics, Protein electrochemistry. PhD and Masters in Chemistry from Emory University. BS in chemistry from Georgia State University.
1
85
Fun Fact: I have the cutest black cat with huge cartoon eyes. Photographic proof provided upon request.
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
139
It is important to be able to lean on those who experienced and overcame the challenges of graduate school and careers in academia. We must unite to support each other so we are able to grow, prosper, and advance our respective fields. The TAA provides a platform to bring together likeminded individuals.
1
66
What experiences and strengths do you bring to the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
13a
I have mentored (and thus collaborated with) undergraduate and graduate students throughout my own training. Imposter syndrome grows deep in all graduate students and continues even as we advance in our careers. I hope to use the ups and downs, successes and failures, that I experienced to support others.
1
2b3
Research Interests & Experience: I did my undergraduate and graduate training at Rutgers University in the Department of Biomedical Engineering where I studied blood clot structure and clot degradation (read— lots of microscopy). My post doc work focuses on the mechanics of blood clots to study what makes some clots more susceptible to embolization (breaking off). Blood clotting can occur as a result of many diseases (ie COVID, cancer, diabetes) or environmental factors (ie obesity or smoking), explaining why cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. It is essential to understand clot properties to effectively treat patients!
1
2b
Link to Lab:
1
68
Fun Fact: I was once chased by an angry bull in the mountains of Colorado!
Why did you choose to join the Trainee Advocacy Alliance?
1
134
I struggled navigating difficult relationships in laboratory settings leading me to feel unsupported and alone. I want to be able to help others to make sure they feel safe in their work environment. Everyone should feel supported in their life and not have to question their worth to pursue science!
1
d4
Research Interests & Experience: I am studying the gut microbiome in its role in determining host-pathogen interactions with special interest in microbial ecology and metabolism.
All conversations and communications with TAA members are
44
confidential. The only exception is for certain faculty
48
members of TAA that are also mandatory reporters (indicated
46
below in bios). By University policy, mandatory reporters
42
are required to report any alleged incident of sexual
45
misconduct (sexual harassment or sexual violence) to the
45
Title IX Officer. Mandatory reporters do not investigate
49
such allegations and do not share information outside of the
3e
Title IX Office. Mandatory Reporters can maintain
44
confidentiality for all other matters. Other than these
47
specific circumstances, TAA members will share information
47
with others only if the trainee has given explicit consent
2d
for the TAA member to do so.
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