CIRM COMPASS scholar road to becoming a physician

Written by Holly Alyssa MacCormick Image Credit: Maya Singh Many paths can lead to a career as a physician. For undergraduate Maya Singh, the road to becoming a doctor begins at a laboratory bench in the University of California, Berkeley. “I believe that being a part of research is a huge step toward being a … Continue reading CIRM COMPASS scholar road to becoming a physician

20 Years of CIRM: Building the Workforce

In celebration of the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM)’s 20th anniversary, we have been reflecting on some of the early projects, particularly the education and training programs, that we supported and their outcomes. In the beginning Today, we’re looking at our first set of grants, which we awarded in 2006 to support training programs … Continue reading 20 Years of CIRM: Building the Workforce

How a childhood condition sparked a career in regenerative medicine

CIRM Scholar Dongwei Sun, PhD (left), with his mentor Huinan Liu, PhD, professor of bioengineering at the University of California, Riverside. As a child, Dongwei Sun received a medical treatment that left his lower limbs weak and sometimes numb. “This experience inspired my dedication to develop biomedical technologies to prevent, treat, and potentially cure debilitating … Continue reading How a childhood condition sparked a career in regenerative medicine

CIRM Bridges Program: Cultivating Future Scientists

Esmerelda “Esme” Ruiz-Garcia grew up in California in a Mexican-American family, where pursuing a career in healthcare is considered a family calling, but through CIRM's Bridges program she's now pursuing her Ph.D. focused on bioengineering and stem cell research.

Solano Student’s Life-Saving Bone Marrow Match Begins with One Swab

Image Source: Jose Solorio Jose Solorio, a Solano Community College student and participant in CIRM’s COMPASS training program, has firsthand experience in witnessing the power of stem cells as a donor after he became a bone marrow match. Hands-on research As part of CIRM's COMPASS program, which provides hands‑on research experience across 16 programs statewide … Continue reading Solano Student’s Life-Saving Bone Marrow Match Begins with One Swab

Next Generation of Regenerative Medicine Scientists and the Golden Era of Biomedical Innovation

CIRM CEO and President, Jonathan 'JT' Thomas speaking in front of conference attendees. During the first-ever California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Trainee Networking Conference, more than 400 students and postdoctoral fellows from CIRM's Bridges, COMPASS, and Scholars programs gathered from different parts of California for a three-day event at the University of Southern California … Continue reading Next Generation of Regenerative Medicine Scientists and the Golden Era of Biomedical Innovation

Ready, set, pitch!

The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) funds and provides valuable educational and training opportunities in regenerative medicine for students and young professionals from backgrounds that reflect the diverse communities across California. One of the goals of these work training programs is to inspire the next generation of regenerative medicine scientists. CIRM does that by … Continue reading Ready, set, pitch!

A CIRM Bridges Trainee’s Path into Regenerative Medicine

Josh Nelson, a former technical director for various theaters, tapped into CIRM's Bridges program at Cal Poly Humbolt to establish a career in regenerative medicine research.

A day in the life of SPARK interns

The CIRM‑funded SPARK program is one of CIRM’s educational initiatives that builds a diverse, highly skilled regenerative medicine workforce. This paid summer program gives diverse high school students valuable stem cell research opportunities, especially those who lack access due to economic barriers. This year, students across California participated again. To highlight their experiences, we asked … Continue reading A day in the life of SPARK interns

How CIRM’s high school internship program inspired this scientist’s career path 

Photos courtesy of Rashi Ranjan Each year, interns and trainees from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) education and training programs celebrate achievements, whether that’s making new discoveries in their cell and gene therapy research or advancing to the next phase of their professional journey.   This summer, Rashi Ranjan—a former SPARK high school intern—is … Continue reading How CIRM’s high school internship program inspired this scientist’s career path