Q. What aspects of your MCB degree program best helped you prepare for your career?
A. Studying immunology provided me with a deep understanding of how the immune system responds to infections, which inspired me to pursue a research career focused on developing innovative treatments for emerging viral diseases. Through this major, I gained critical knowledge in using advanced immunological techniques, equipping me with the tools to study pathogenic mechanisms of viral diseases. This interdisciplinary training in immunology, spanning cell biology, genetics, and molecular biology, fueled my passion for biotechnology.
Q. How did you decide on your current career path?
A. At UC Berkeley, I developed a fascination with immunological research and its potential for medical innovations. The 2015 Zika virus outbreak heightened my desire to make a difference through biomedical research, leading me to join the Arumugaswami Infectious Disease lab at UCLA. There, I worked on a project to develop an attenuated vaccine candidate using recombinant genetic technology. Through my research, I learned about the disproportionate impact the virus had on medically underserved populations. This experience deepened my passion for translational research and strengthened my resolve to make a meaningful impact as a future physician-scientist. Now, I am leading Veergen Inc., a new biomedical company developing new biomedical therapeutics against emerging and pandemic potential diseases.
Q. Share your favorite Berkeley lunch place, coffee shop, landmark study spot...etc.
A. VLSB Library for studying, Cafe Milano for coffee