Adding to the family is always a cause for celebration, whether it’s a new baby, a puppy, or, in our case, a new Board member. That’s why we are delighted to welcome City of Hope’s Linda Malkas, Ph.D., as the newest member of the CIRM Board.
City of Hope
Dr. Malkas has a number of titles including Professor of Molecular and Cellular Biology at Beckman Research Institute; Deputy Director of Basic Research, Comprehensive Cancer Center, City of Hope; and joint head of the Molecular Oncology Program at the Cancer Center.
Her research focuses on cancer, and she has an impressive track record in human cell DNA replication/repair, as well as cancer cell biomarker and therapeutic target discovery. As evidence of that, she discovered a molecule that can inhibit certain activities in cancerous cells and hopes to move it into clinical trials soon.
A Chiang appointment
California Treasurer John Chiang made the appointment, saying Dr. Malkas is “extraordinarily well qualified” for the role. It’s hard to disagree. She has an impressive resume:
• She served five years on a National Cancer Institute subcommittee reviewing cancer center designations.
• She has chaired several NCI study panels and recently advised the FDA on drug approval policy.
• She has published more than 75 peer‑reviewed articles.
• She serves on the editorial boards of several high‑profile medical journals.
In a news release, Dr. Malkas said she is honored to join the Board:
“The research and technologies developed through this agency have benefited Californians, the nation, and the world. I am excited to see what the future holds for this work.”
Despite her demanding career, she maintains a full life outside the lab. She enjoys riding her four horses, spending time with family and friends, and caring for her dogs and cats. She is also a devoted fan of Star Trek, vintage sci‑fi films, and Harry Potter.
She’s a wonderfully well‑rounded addition to the CIRM team, and we look forward to hearing her views on which is the greater villain: Klingons or Death Eaters.