Education

[VIDEO] Igniting innovation: How CIRM is bringing new and diverse perspectives in regenerative medicine 

/ California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) / Leave a comment
CIRM has produced videos highlighting the experiences of participants from our educational and training programs.

At the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), we are passionate about catalyzing growth in regenerative medicine while championing inclusivity. One of CIRM’s strategic goals is to build a diverse and skilled workforce that represents the rich tapestry of California’s population.  
 
That’s why the CIRM—spearheaded by the Scientific Programs & Education team—is launching a set of videos to showcase the unique perspectives of CIRM’s educational and training program participants from across the state, including students, trainees, program directors, and CIRM leadership. Watch both videos on CIRM’s YouTube channel here and here.

Funding Training Programs for a Diverse California 

CIRM’s education and training programs support the next generation of regenerative medicine scientists, ranging from high school and undergrad students to doctoral candidates and clinical fellows.  
 
CIRM funds four unique internship programs, each with its own set of requirements: SPARK (high school), Bridges (Undergraduate and Masters), COMPASS (Undergraduate), and Scholars (Pre-Doctoral, Post-Doctoral, and Clinical Fellows). 

Each program offers hands-on experience to foster a workforce adept in stem cell science and the technical skills that are crucial for present and future scientific and medical advancements.  
 
Partnering with community colleges and universities, as well as research institutions and biotechnology companies, each program aims to attract diverse talent to regenerative medicine by offering varied career paths and accessibility across a broader educational spectrum.  

Aileen Nava is doctoral student at UCLA and a CSU Fullerton Bridges alumna from 2017

To date, CIRM’s educational and training programs have supported 3,800 interns and fellows, the majority of whom have achieved employment or chose to pursue further education in regenerative medicine or related fields.  
 
Alumni from these programs participate in a broad spectrum of rewarding careers. These range from traditional scientific disciplines to in-demand, complementary and/or ancillary pressions within education, community and patient advocacy, business development, and regulatory affairs. Over 70 institutions have joined CIRM in its mission to advance world class science, deliver real world solutions, and provide opportunities to all.  

Opportunities for People with Various Educational Backgrounds 

In addition to highlighting experiences of program participants, the videos emphasize that careers in regenerative medicine aren’t limited to those with advanced degrees like PhDs or MDs. There are diverse roles and job opportunities accessible to individuals with various educational backgrounds and skill levels.  

David Mendoza Bautista is a masters student intern at Novo Nordisk and a Cal Poly Bridges Trainee.

“Often [students] are first gen, [from] underrepresented groups, these are an amazing group of students who are getting their first opportunity both at the higher education and also the first in their families to do research in labs,” said Bridges Program mentor Samantha Butler, PhD. 
 
At CIRM, diversity fosters innovation. In addition to academic and industry research opportunities, CIRM aims to grow the entire regenerative medicine workforce pipeline, including opportunities in therapeutics manufacturing and clinical trials.  
 
To learn more about CIRM’s educational programs, including information on how to apply, visit our website at cirm.ca.gov/education. 

CIRM thanks all program participants, program directors, and CIRM leadership who made these videos possible. Video produced by CIRM’s Scientific Programs & Education team and Hartlove-Goodyear. 

Former CIRM Bridges Intern Receives Rising Black Scientist Award

/ California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) / Leave a comment
Image of Kevin Brown Jr. in a lab coat.
Photo Credit: California State University, San Marcos.

Cal State San Marcos cellular and molecular biology student and former California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Bridges intern Kevin Brown Jr. has been awarded the Rising Black Scientist Award from the journal Cell Press, Cell Signaling Technology (CST), and the Elsevier Foundation.

Brown was selected from a pool of more than 350 applicants in various sciences. In the application, Cell Press asked emerging black scientists to share their scientific vision, experiences that sparked their interest in science, how they want to contribute to a more inclusive scientific community, and how these all fit together on their journey.

The awards were created in 2020 to break down barriers and provide visibility and funds to support talented black scientists in the life or medical sciences on their career journey. The awards have since then been expanded to include the physical, earth and environmental, and data sciences.

In addition to the publication of their essays in the prominent journal Cell, Brown and three other winners will receive $10,000 to support their research and a $500 travel grant.

How an Operating Table Experience Inspired Brown’s Passion for Science 

Brown’s essay “From the operating table to global science: How a near-death experience sparked my passion for life” details his experience receiving surgery for a heart condition as a child.

“The surgeon, a tall man with a cascade of dark hair framing his sharp facial features, not only put my anxiety to rest but also planted a seed of curiosity in my mind as he gracefully explained how he intended to ‘fix my heart,’” Brown wrote in his winning essay.

“The day I left the hospital, I told myself I’d leave my positive impact on the world through science and medicine, and I haven’t stopped striving for that since.”

Image of Kevin Brown Jr.

He further explains his goal toward developing a robust stem cell model to explore personalized approaches into modern medical practice.

“My personal exploration into how stem cells can help us grapple with Alzheimer’s disease has sparked my interest in a blended neuroscience-regenerative medicine path. However, as someone who has had a lifelong battle with personal and familial cardiac complications, I’m deeply inspired by the possibility of understanding how to utilize stem cells to face the growing number of diverse patients with cardiovascular issues.” 

Sparking Curiosity in CIRM’s Bridges Internship Program 

In his Cell essay, Brown also details his experience joining the CIRM Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy Program, which prepares California’s undergraduate and master’s graduate students for careers in stem cell research and therapy development.

In the program, he studied for one year in Dr. Hollis Cline’s neuroscience lab at The Scripps Research Institute, which he says sparked his curiosity even further.

Image of Kevin Brown Jr. in the lab.

“Surprisingly, I left her office with a fresh slate of objectives and a newfound confidence to allow my imagination to be the precursor for innovation,” Brown writes. “It was at that moment that my goal of blending science and medicine, in hopes of creating change, was finally materializing.”

Brown has been very forthcoming in sharing his story. Last year, he detailed his Bridges experience in a blog for The Stem Cellar and CIRM’s 2023 annual report, in which he highlighted his passion for medicine in neuroscience and the challenges he faced in science communication.

To read the official press release about the Rising Black Scientists Awards, click here. Learn more about Kevin Brown Jr. in a feature from Cal State San Marcos.  

Celebrating Black Joy and Spreading Awareness 

/ Katie Sharify / Leave a comment

The streets of Oakland were alive with vibrant colors, infectious energy, and a powerful sense of community as the 2024 Black Joy Parade took center stage on Sunday, February 25. 

Black Joy Parade-goers with colorful noisemakers walking down Franklin and 19th St.

The Black Joy Parade is a yearly celebration of the Black community and its contributions to history and culture. The event started with a parade and culminated in a celebration featuring local businesses, community-based organizations, and musical artists.  

CIRM outreach manager, Aditi Desai highlighting resource materials about Sickle Cell Disease.

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) was present at the event, engaging with attendees and spreading awareness about Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). With approximately 100,000 Americans impacted by this disease, primarily from black and brown communities, raising awareness and funding research is crucial. 

At the event, CIRM’s booth drew crowds of all ages eager to learn more. With individuals stopping by to chat and collect materials and countless others exposed to CIRM’s mission through strategic placement, the impact was felt throughout the parade. 

CIRM marketing and communications director, Esteban Cortez, in a discussion with a parader-goer.

But it wasn’t just about spreading awareness; it was about fostering connection and joy. Attendees embraced CIRM’s presence, participating in activities like the Blood Cell Plinko board, which became an instant hit!

CIRM medical affairs & policy project manager Emily Crotti, MPH, explains the game Blood Cell Plinko!

To learn more about CIRM’s investments in sickle cell research, explore this page on our website. To learn more about Oakland’s Black Joy Parade, visit their official website.

CIRM’s Annual SPARK Conference Showcases the Trailblazers of Tomorrow

/ California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) / Leave a comment

More than 110 student scientists from around California showcased their enthusiasm, passion and “spark” for regenerative medicine and stem cell research at this year’s annual CIRM SPARK Conference.  

Hosted by Cedars Sinai from Aug. 8-9 in Los Angeles, this year’s event showcased the extraordinary potential of high school students who are poised to become the trailblazers of tomorrow. 

Known as the Summer Program to Accelerate Regenerative Medicine Knowledge, the culminating event featured a trivia night, keynote speakers, 2-minute research presentations from each participant and poster sessions where students could expand upon their research projects.  

UC Riverside SPARK program interns

Throughout their summer internships, participants had an opportunity to work in cohorts on cutting-edge stem cell projects at research labs throughout the state. Under the guidance of experienced mentors, the diverse group of early-career scientists had access to resources and hands-on-training experiences.   

“This experience introduced me to people in my lab that became my family. I have met so many extraordinary people through CIRM SPARK. I am excited to share my work from the lab,” said Neena Gowda, a high school student who participated in the SPARK program at UC Riverside. 

About CIRM’s SPARK Program

The SPARK program is one of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine’s (CIRM) many educational programs dedicated to building a diverse and highly-skilled workforce to support the growing regenerative medicine economy right here in California. 

CIRM’s paid summer program offers diverse high school students unique opportunities in stem cell research—particularly students who might not otherwise have the chance to take part in internships due to economic constraints. 

To date, 736 students have participated in the SPARK program across the state. Currently, there are 11 active sites throughout California, each with its own eligibility criteria and application process.

Innovation on Display   

From exploring the potential of stem cells in treating degenerative eye diseases and blood cancers to studying novel regenerative therapies for cardiovascular conditions, the projects spanned a wide range of exciting areas within regenerative medicine.  

Students displayed projects that involved gene expression analysis and advanced techniques such as CRISPR, a novel gene-editing technology. 

“I love being able to explore neurological disorders and bring my discoveries back to my friends and family. It was an honor to be in the lab and to have an opportunity to discuss the science of neurological disorders free of stigma. I truly love science,” said Shaylyn Carthen, a high school student who interned in UC Davis’ SPARK program.  

Shaylyn Carthen, UC Davis SPARK intern

Natalie Alvarez from the SPARK program at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science explored stem cell colorectal cancer markers during her summer, but also developed a strong bond with undergraduate students who served as mentors during her SPARK internship.  

“That is me crying in the picture on the last day at the lab,” she said, pointing to her final slide of her presentation, explaining how influential the entire experience had been.  

Check out other photos from the SPARK two-day conference.  

The enthusiasm displayed by these budding scientists show that the brightest minds—even if only in high school—have the potential to rise as leaders in regenerative medicine. Congrats to all the SPARK participants and their program directors on another successful summer!  

If you are interested in learning more about SPARK, visit CIRM’s education programs page or email education@cirm.ca.gov. See more student photo submissions via Instagram by following the official SPARK hashtag #CIRMSPARKLab.

Meshing a passion for medicine with stem cell research

/ California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) / Leave a comment

Kevin Brown is an adventurer at heart. He was a pre-med student when he found a unique way to combine his passion for medicine in neuroscience with his natural inclination to explore and discover through scientific research.

A 2022 graduate of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine’s (CIRM) Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy Program, Kevin says the experience was a great opportunity to mesh his passion for medicine with his instinct for research in the stem cell/regenerative medicine field.

“I recognized the vital importance of having basic scientific training and thinking skills in relationship to being a good physician,” Kevin said, noting that these factors inspired him to apply to the Bridges program.

Started in 2009, the CIRM Bridges program provides paid regenerative medicine and stem cell research internships to students at universities and colleges that don’t have major stem cell research programs. Each Bridges internship includes thorough hands-on training and education in regenerative medicine and stem cell research, and direct patient engagement and outreach activities that engage California’s diverse communities. 

A Growing Field with Many Opportunities

Kevin recognizes that regenerative medicine is a growing field that offers great opportunity for exploration and discovery. It also is likely to have a strong impact on patient care in the field of neuroscience and many other areas of human health. Participating in the program has helped Kevin find a career path that excites both his passions for exploration and for patient care.

During his time in the Bridges program, Kevin attended California State University, San Marcos and he completed his program training at the Dorris Neuroscience Center at The Scripps Research Institute in San Diego.

“Medicine was all that was on my mind but as I got deeper into my research I fell more and more in love with the process of science and began seeing myself as a leader in this field in the future,” Kevin said. “I am now considering taking the MD-PhD path to satisfy both my yearning to leave a positive impact on the world through healthcare and continue venturing through the unknowns to hopefully create meaningful breakthroughs in science in the future.”

He credits his mentors—graduate student Anna Verduzco and principal investigator Dr. Hollis Cline—for helping him discover his future career path. The program and his mentors, he said, have made him a better student, a better scientist, and a better person overall.

“They helped mold the way that I approach scientific and life problems—curiosity at the forefront followed by openness to try something new.”

Overcoming Challenges

Kevin said one challenge of the internship was learning how to think, write, and communicate scientifically.

“The conventional way of learning and thinking in school is vastly different than the scientific way of thought,” Kevin said. “However, my lab partners were extremely helpful in helping me cultivate these skills by having me consistently talking through my experiments with them, do periodic write-ups on my progress, and give lab meeting presentations.”

Kevin clearly was an apt student of these lessons because at the conclusion of his internship, he offered a poster presentation at the Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minoritized Scientists and won the 2022 Outstanding Presentation Award.

Paying It Forward

Today, Kevin is a full-time student at CSU San Marcos completing his Bachelor of Science in Biology with a concentration in Physiology. He is still a part-time research intern at The Scripps Research Institute in the Cline lab working toward understanding how stem cell derived brain cells can be used to study the intricacies of Alzheimer’s Disease in a genetic and cell-signaling context.

And he’s paying it forward for other students. “I am building a mentoring network to provide CIRM’s SPARK high school program interns with the necessary help and tools to transition into their college career feeling empowered and confident in their ability to succeed.”

Image courtesy The Cline Lab

He offers important advice regarding the field of stem cell and regenerative medicine research, and strong words for future explorers everywhere: be courageous, adaptable, and resilient.

“A lot of the work being done, especially within the context of regenerative medicine and neuroscience, has never been done before,” he said, noting that young pioneers in this space should be creative in their approach and not easily dissuaded by failure.

Kevin urges more people to become pioneers.

He adds, “Stem cell research is vital to the development of understanding how we can address the vast amount of diseases and conditions that impact humans.”

About the Bridges Program

The Bridges program is proud to claim 1,735 Bridges alumni, and more Bridges trainees are completing their internships in 2023. CIRM has 15 active Bridges programs throughout California, each with its own eligibility criteria and application process.

If you are interested in applying, please visit this web page for more details about each program. If you have questions about the Bridges program, please email the CIRM Bridges director, Dr. Kelly Shepard at education@cirm.ca.gov. 

High school SPARK intern presents stem cell research to academic audience 

/ Esteban Cortez / Leave a comment

Earlier this year, CIRM welcomed many energetic and enthusiastic high school students at the 2022 SPARK Program annual conference in Oakland. The SPARK program is one of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine’s (CIRM) many programs dedicated to building a diverse and highly-skilled workforce to support the growing regenerative medicine economy right here in California.   

At the SPARK conference, a handful of students presented the stem cell research they did over the summer. It was a great opportunity to share their experiences as well as findings to their high school peers. 

Just recently, Simran Ovalekar—a 2022 SPARK program intern—had the unique opportunity to share her research and findings with a wider audience, including undergraduate and PhD students at STEM Shadow Day in San Diego. The event aims to provide college prep students from San Diego and Imperial Valley counties with a unique experience to witness the “real world” of work in an engineering or scientific environment. 

“At first I was nervous because I understood that I would be presenting not only in front of high school students, but also undergraduates and PhD candidates,” Simran says. “After reviewing my research, I felt solid and excited to present. I absolutely loved working in the lab so I knew all I had to do was be myself and show my enthusiasm.”

During the SPARK summer internship, Simran joined the Sacco Lab to study Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and how stem cells can be used to provide treatment. DMD is a progressive muscle wasting disorder with life expectancy of approximately age 20. There are around 17,000 people, the vast majority of them boys, diagnosed with DMD in the US. 

Dr. Sacco’s lab—which has also received CIRM funding—is researching ways to generate healthy adult muscle stem cells using the patient’s own cells to generate healthy skeletal muscle. 

For Simran, conducting research for DMD was personal, as her sister was born with a defect affecting the heart.  

“When I began this program, I had a superficial understanding of what a stem cell was. Now, however, I am amazed at the possibilities stem cells provide, and with certainty, can say stem cells are the future of medicine.” 

After her presentation at STEM Shadow Day, Simran says she received a positive response from attendees and was reminded why she loves science and of her passion for pursuing a career in stem cell research.  

“I am looking forward to continue skeletal stem cell research and am even open to experimenting with other avenues of molecular medicine,” Simran says. “I am eager to have the opportunity to pursue the hands-on research I enjoyed this past summer.” 

CIRM has also funded a clinical trial for people with DMD. We blogged about that work and how the impact it is having on some people’s lives.  

 

A timeless message about stem cells

/ Kevin McCormack / 1 Comment

Dr. Daniel Kota

The world of stem cell research is advancing rapidly, with new findings and discoveries seemingly every week. And yet some things that we knew years ago are still every bit as relevant today as they were then.

Take for example a TEDx talk by Dr. Daniel Kota, a stem cell researcher and the Director, Cellular Therapy – Research and Development at Houston Methodist.

Dr. Kota’s talk is entitled: “Promises and Dangers of Stem Cell Therapies”. In it he talks about the tremendous potential of stem cells to reverse the course of disease and help people battle previously untreatable conditions.

But he also warns about the gap between what the science can do, and what people believe it can do. He says too many people have unrealistic expectations of what is available right now, fueled by many unscrupulous snake oil salesmen who open clinics and offer “treatments” that are both unproven and unapproved by the Food and Drug Administration.

He says we need to “bridge the gap between stem cell science and society” so that people have a more realistic appreciation of what stem cells can do.

Sadly, as the number of clinics peddling these unproven therapies grows in the US, Dr. Kota’s message remains all too timely.

Why the future of regenerative medicine depends on students getting a living wage

/ Kevin McCormack / 1 Comment

The headline in the journal Nature was intended to grab attention and it definitely did that. It read: ‘The scandal of researchers paid less than a living wage’ The rest of the article built on that saying “The cost-of-living crisis is a fundamental threat for PhD scholars and early-career researchers. They need to be paid properly.”

So, just how poorly are these researchers – PhD candidates and postdoctoral students – paid? Well, according to one survey salaries for PhD students in the biological sciences are below the cost of living at almost every institution in the United States. And imagine trying to live on a sub-standard income in a state as expensive as California?

The outrage is fueled by a survey of more than 3,200 students, three quarters of whom are PhD candidates. Around 85% of the students said inflation is making things even worse and almost half said it was making it hard to complete their courses.

The situation isn’t any better in other countries. In the UK, PhD students often get the equivalent of just $20,400, and that’s after getting a recent big boost of more than $2,000 per year. It’s no wonder English students organized protests calling for better funding. Students in Ireland also staged protests, saying the money they get simply isn’t enough.

The Nature Editorial said this isn’t just a matter of inconvenience for the students, it’s a threat to the future of science: “If students don’t have the resources to support themselves, they can’t put their full efforts into their training and development. And if their stipends aren’t keeping pace with rising rents and the cost of groceries and fuel, any gaps will only grow with time — with devastating results for the ability of research to attract the best talent.”

That’s one of the reasons the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) tries to make sure all the students in its internship programs have enough money to live on. We know it’s hard to focus on work if you are hungry or worried that you don’t have enough money to pay your bills.

When our Board approved a new internship program, called COMPASS (Creating Opportunities through Mentorship and Partnership Across Stem Cell Science) they made sure that enough money was included to cover students living expenses, course fees and even travel to scientific conferences. The Board allocated more than $58,000 a year to support each students, many of whom will come from poor or low-income communities and might not otherwise be able to afford to stay in school.

For our Bridges students, many of whom are also from low-income communities or are the first in their family to attend college, the Board allocated each one around $72,000 worth of support per year.

We know that the future of regenerative medicine in California depends on having a skilled, well-trained, diverse workforce. That doesn’t just mean PhDs doing the research, it also means the technicians and support staff that can help with manufacturing etc. Without a living wage that makes this possible many students will drop out and the field as a whole will struggle. Those most affected will be students from poor backgrounds or from disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities.

We need to support these students in every way we can. If we don’t provide enough financial support for these students to succeed, the field as a whole will be a lot poorer.

CIRM Board Approves Funding for New Clinical Trial Targeting Brain Tumors

/ Kevin McCormack / Leave a comment

The governing Board of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) has awarded almost $12 million to carry out a clinical trial targeting brain tumors.

This brings the total number of CIRM funded clinical trials to 83.  

$11,999,984 was awarded to Dr. Jana Portnow at the Beckman Research Institute of City of Hope. They are using Neural stem cells (NSCs) as a form of delivery vehicle to carry a cancer-killing virus that specifically targets brain tumor cells.

Glioblastoma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor in adults and each year about 12,000 Americans are diagnosed. The 5-year survival rate is only about 10%.

The current standard of care involves surgically removing the tumor followed by radiation, chemotherapy, and alternating electric field therapy. Despite these treatments, survival remains low.

The award to Dr. Portnow will fund a clinical trial to assess the safety and effectiveness of this stem cell-based treatment for Glioblastoma.

The Board also awarded $3,111,467 to Dr. Boris Minev of Calidi Biotherapeutics. This award is in the form of a CLIN1 grant, with the goal of completing the testing needed to apply to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for permission to start a clinical trial in people.

This project uses donor fat-derived mesenchymal stem cells that have been loaded with oncolytic virus to target metastatic melanoma, triple negative breast cancer, and advanced head & neck squamous cell carcinoma.

“There are few options for patients with advanced solid tumor cancers such as glioblastoma, melanoma, breast cancer, and head & neck cancer,” says Maria T. Millan, M.D., President and CEO of CIRM. “Surgical resection, chemotherapy and radiation are largely  ineffective in advanced cases and survival typically is measured in months. These new awards will support novel approaches to address the unmet medical needs of patients with these devastating cancers.”

The CIRM Board also voted to approve awarding $71,949,539 to expand the CIRM Alpha Clinics Network. The current network consists of six sites and the Board approved continued funding for those and added an additional three sites. The funding is to last five years.

The goal of the Alpha Clinics award is to expand existing capacities for delivering stem cell, gene therapies and other advanced treatment to patients. They also serve as a competency hub for regenerative medicine training, clinical research, and the delivery of approved treatments.

Each applicant was required to submit a plan for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion to support and facilitate outreach and study participation by underserved and disproportionately affected populations in the clinical trials they serve.

The successful applicants are:

ApplicationProgram TitleInstitution/Principal InvestigatorAmount awarded
INFR4-13579The Stanford Alpha Stem Cell ClinicStanford University – Matthew Porteus  $7,997,246  
INFR4-13581UCSF Alpha Stem Cell ClinicU.C. San Francisco – Mark Walters  $7,994,347  
INFR4-13586A comprehensive stem cell and gene therapy clinic to
advance new therapies for a diverse patient
population in California  		Cedars-Sinai Medical Center – Michael Lewis  $7,957,966    
INFR4-13587The City of Hope Alpha Clinic: A roadmap for equitable and inclusive access to regenerative medicine therapies for all Californians  City of Hope – Leo Wang  $8,000,000
INFR4-13596Alpha Stem Cell Clinic for Northern and Central California  U.C. Davis – Mehrdad Abedi  $7,999,997  
INFR4-13685Expansion of the Alpha Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Clinic at UCLA  U.C. Los Angeles – Noah Federman  $8,000,000
INFR4-13878Alpha Clinic Network Expansion for Cell and Gene Therapies  University of Southern California – Thomas Buchanan  $7,999,983  
INFR4-13952A hub and spoke community model to equitably deliver regenerative medicine therapies to diverse populations across four California counties  U.C. Irvine – Daniela Bota  $8,000,000
INFR4-13597UC San Diego Health CIRM Alpha Stem Cell Clinic  U.C. San Diego – Catriona Jamieson  $8,000,000

The Board also unanimously, and enthusiastically, approved the election of Maria Gonzalez Bonneville to be the next Vice Chair of the Board. Ms. Bonneville, the current Vice President of Public Outreach and Board Governance at CIRM, was nominated by all four constitutional officers: the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor, the Treasurer and the Controller.

In supporting the nomination, Board member Ysabel Duron said: “I don’t think we could do better than taking on Maria Gonzalez Bonneville as the Vice Chair. She is well educated as far as CIRM goes. She has a great track record; she is empathetic and caring and will be a good steward for the taxpayers to ensure the work we do serves them well.”

In her letter to the Board applying for the position, Ms. Bonneville said: “CIRM is a unique agency with a large board and a long history. With my institutional knowledge and my understanding of CIRM’s internal workings and processes, I can serve as a resource for the new Chair. I have worked hand-in-hand with both the Chair and Vice Chair in setting agendas, prioritizing work, driving policy, and advising accordingly.  I have worked hard to build trusted relationships with all of you so that I could learn and understand what areas were of the most interest and where I could help shed light on those particular programs or initiatives. I have also worked closely with Maria Millan for the last decade, and greatly enjoy our working relationship. In short, I believe I provide a level of continuity and expertise that benefits the board and helps in times of transition.”

In accepting the position Ms. Bonneville said: “I am truly honored to be elected as the Vice Chair for the CIRM Board. I have been a part of CIRM for 11 years and am deeply committed to the mission and this new role gives me an opportunity to help support and advance that work at an exciting time in the Agency’s life. There are many challenges ahead of us but knowing the Board and the CIRM team I feel confident we will be able to meet them, and I look forward to helping us reach our goals.”

Ms. Bonneville will officially take office in January 2023.

The vote for the new Chair of CIRM will take place at the Board meeting on December 15th.

How this scientist changed paths to become a stem cell researcher

/ Esteban Cortez / Leave a comment

Aaliyah Staples-West didn’t originally envision becoming a stem cell researcher. As a student at San Diego State University, she admits that she sometimes struggled with reading protocols or finishing experiments on time. She also was originally studying chemistry, a very distinct scientific field from regenerative medicine. 

But when she saw a post on Instagram about the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Bridges to Stem Cell Research and Therapy internship program, she did a bit of research about it and ultimately stepped up to pursue the opportunity.   

“Everything I was looking for aligned with what I wanted to do,” she says. “I applied and I was greeted with open arms to an acceptance about a week later.” She even stayed in college for an extra semester so she could enroll in the CIRM internship program.

During the year-long internship—which took place at UC San Diego in the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine—Aaliyah studied and modeled a rare disease called Cockayne Syndrome B (CSB). CSB is a rare disease which causes short stature, premature aging, severe photosensitivity, and moderate to severe learning delay. 

In the lab, Aaliyah worked with stem cells to derive brain organoids, which are three-dimensional, organ-like clusters of cells. She also researched vascular endothelial cells, which form a single cell layer that lines all blood vessels. She tested and observed these to further understand the causes of CSB.  

Aaliyah also had opportunities to do work outside of the lab, traveling to various scientific conferences across the state to explain her work to other scientists.

She enjoyed sharing her findings, but Aaliyah says it was a challenge at first to learn all the complex science and terminology relating to stem cells. She overcame that obstacle by asking lots of questions and putting in extra effort to understanding the biology and reasoning behind her work.  

“I would write down all the terms my mentor would say that I didn’t understand and look them up,” she says. “I would even practice using them in a sentence. I made it very intentional that if I wanted to continue researching in this field I needed to be on the same page.”

Aaliyah and her Bridges cohort at the CIRM Bridges conference in San Diego.

Now that her internship is over, Aaliyah is much more confident and has learned various techniques to successfully complete research projects. She now works for biotechnology company Resilience as a research associate working with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and hematopoietic stem cells. Though she originally intended to go to medical school, she is now looking into MD/PhD programs where she can apply all that she’s learned in her training and education.  

“I never thought I would have a love for stem cell research until participating in this program,” she says. “Stem cell research and regenerative medicine provide infinite opportunities for developing, understanding and potentially curing diseases. It’s important to continue this type of research to ensure science is quickly evolving and to make an impact on overall health.” 

To date, there are 1,663 Bridges alumni, and another 109 Bridges trainees are completing their internships in 2022.  Learn more about CIRM’s internship programs here. 

All photos courtesy of Sarah White/SDSU and Aaliyah Staples-West.