The OETIS Chronicle
Office of Education, Training
2025 ConneX Industry Site Visits
By: Kokila Shankar, PhD (Postdoctoral Associate, Sheffler Lab; Sanford Burnham Prebys-Science Network Co-Chair)
San Diego is one of the major biotech hubs of the country, with hundreds of startups, biotechs, contract research organizations, and pharmaceutical giants located in a short radius. At Sanford Burnham Prebys, we are lucky to be in the center of that hub. As many of our postdocs, graduate students, and staff scientists are interested in industry careers, we want to give them the opportunity to really understand what it looks like to work at some of these companies.
Sanford Burnham Prebys- Science Network (SBP-SN) has revived the ConneX program, in which early-career PhDs can visit local biotech and pharma companies in the area and learn about the various roles that PhD scientists can hold in industry. These visits provide multiple benefits:
Tour companies to see their research facilities, collaborative spaces, and work environments
Hear from scientists in different career roles within the company about their journey and advice for transitioning from academia
Build a professional network through connecting with company employees
Continued to next page
For each visit, SBP-SN coordinates with the host company to set a time and date, and then the host company plans an agenda and group of employees to participate. Each visit is structured slightly differently, but generally 10-20 Sanford Burnham Prebys participants take advantage of a lab tour, Q&A panel, and a networking reception or lunch sponsored by the company. For first few visits, we’ve also included postdocs from Scripps Research, which provides the added benefit of networking with peers on the Torrey Pines Mesa (and likely our future colleagues in industry!).
Part of SBP-SN’s mission is to foster professional growth, and these visits support that mission through quite literally expanding one’s “science network”. Site visits are an experiential learning opportunity – for a couple hours, graduate students and postdocs can put themselves in the shoes of an industry employee and see what these careers actually look like
Furthermore, the San Diego industry scientist community is extremely wellconnected, so being able to grow one’s professional network through practicing elevator pitches and learning industry terminology can ultimately help our graduate students and postdoc as they seek external mentors and industry jobs
We’ve had a blast so far on our first three visits of the year, to Pfizer, Eurofins Discovery, and Primrose Bio! Being able to see the differences in goals, workflows, and culture of big pharma, CROs, and assay development companies has been an awesome experience, and provides unique insights into working at these companies that you don’t get from websites or social media SBP-SN will be hosting more visits in the summer/fall, so we hope graduate students and postdocs at Sanford Burnham Prebys will join us and take advantage of this exciting program
Half-Day Retreat Paves Way for Education Innovation
By: Diane Klotz, PhD
The Institute recently convened a dynamic half-day education retreat, bringing together faculty and key administrative departments to collectively chart the future of our academic programs The gathering underscored our commitment to inclusive decision-making, creating a forum where all stakeholders contributed diverse perspectives toward advancing our education and training excellence
During the retreat, participants engaged in thoughtful discussions about differentiation strategies to set the Institute apart from peer institutions and ensure our programs position us at the forefront of graduate education and postdoctoral training. The group explored innovative ways to leverage our unique institutional strengths to prepare the students and postdocs who will drive tomorrow's research breakthroughs
A popular segment of the retreat examined how strategic philanthropy can catalyze these educational initiatives. Attendees outlined plans to cultivate meaningful partnerships with individuals and organizations who share our vision and can help us implement innovative programming that addresses critical gaps in biomedical education.
The retreat culminated with 4 highimpact action items:
1. Identify ways to better integrate the Institute's renowned drug discovery expertise into educational programs;
2. Explore the possibility of creating a pioneering program to bring more clinical expertise to campus, enriching the research-medicine interface;
3. Establish strategic partnerships to strengthen PhD pathway programs, enhancing our ability to attract and develop exceptional research talent; and
4. Expand resources to support faculty in mentoring the students and postdocs of today and the future
This collaborative planning approach reflects the Institute's dedication to stakeholder engagement as we pursue educational innovation that will prepare the next generation of scientific leaders to transform the research landscape.
Spotlight on Student Leadership: A Conversation with the GSA President and Vice President
By: Aashna Lamba (Graduate Student; Colas Lab) Megha Raghunathan (Graduate Student; Haricharan Lab)
Graduate school can be a whirlwind of research, coursework, and personal growth— and behind the scenes, the Graduate Student Association (GSA) plays a vital role in supporting students throughout their academic journey Aashna Lamba, President of the GSA, and Megha Raghunathan, Vice President, share what motivated them to get involved, what their roles entail, and the exciting initiatives currently underway. They also reflect on how the GSA fosters community on campus and offer insight into how students can stay connected and engaged.
What motivated you to get involved with the GSA?
Aashna: I saw how the senior graduate students who were part of GSA were very welcoming and helpful when I first joined. It made a big difference in how comfortable I felt starting grad school, and I wanted to do the same for other students and be part of creating that supportive community I also liked that GSA gives students a platform to voice their concerns, get involved in decision-making, and organize fun events that bring everyone together outside of research
What role do you currently hold in the GSA, and what does that involve?
Aashna: I currently serve as the President of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) for the 2024-2025 year. In this role, I help lead and oversee all GSA activities, making sure our events, initiatives, and communication run effectively and prioritize student needs I also work closely with the GSA officers to help organize student socials, bonding activities, and happy hours. I also attend monthly Graduate Program Executive Committee (GPEC) meetings with GSA Vice President, Megha Raghunathan, to represent graduate student perspectives, and bring forward their concerns and ideas especially from our annual Town Hall meeting Ultimately, I aim to help foster a supportive and engaging environment where students feel connected and heard.
Megha: As Vice President, I like to think of us as the bridge between students and the Institute whether that means pushing for better resources, championing student wellness, or just making sure grad life includes the occasional celebration (or dance party).
Continued to next page
Aashna Lamba Graduate Student Colas Lab
How can students get involved with the GSA or stay informed about upcoming events and opportunities?
Aashna: Students can stay connected by keeping an eye out for our regular email announcements about upcoming events, volunteer opportunities, and ways to get involved. We’re always looking for students to help out with event planning, share new ideas, or even apply for leadership positions within GSA We will soon be looking for new officers to join the GSA leadership team for the next term — if you’re interested in getting more involved, feel free to reach out or apply at GSA@sbpdiscoveryorg! It’s a great way to meet people, develop leadership skills, and make a positive impact on the student community
Megha: The GSA isn’t just a committee it’s a crew. And we’re always looking for new ideas and energy, so come say hi, bring your boldest suggestion (or your weirdest), and let’s make this grad experience unforgettable
Haricharan Lab
GSA President Megha Raghunathan Graduate Student
GSA
Vice President
How does the GSA support graduate students on campus, and what initiatives are you most excited about right now?
Megha: Think of the Graduate Student Association (GSA) as the unofficial hype squad for all grad students! We’re here to make sure your voice is heard, your questions get answers, and your time here is more than just thesis deadlines and caffeinefueled marathons We advocate for your needs, organize events that bring us together (yes, with food and drinks), and build a sense of community across departments.
Aashna: The GSA organizes a wide range of events focused on student bonding, networking, and wellbeing. Some of our key events include:
New Student Welcome Happy Hour
Monthly Data Club Happy Hours
Annual Vendor Show (which helps fund GSA)
Student Bonding Events at the Retreat and Spring Social
Graduate Student Town Hall meeting
Distributing custom GSBS SWAG
During our annual Town Hall meeting in the fall, we provide a space for the students to share feedback directly with GSA and GPEC. I’m particularly excited about our continued efforts to build community through spring student bonding events and the graduate retreat bonding event that foster crosslab interactions these small moments really add to the grad school experience
A Day of Discovery: 2025 GSBS Recruitment Day Highlights
By: Sara Sandoval, MS
The Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences hosted an in-person Recruitment Day for prospective students on Friday, March 21st. This event gave students a chance to explore our campus, learn about our cutting-edge cores and centers, and connect with current graduate students. Before visiting our campus, prospective students attended a welcome dinner with our Graduate Student Association (GSA)
leadership. As key advocates within our graduate community, GSA played a pivotal role in welcoming prospective students andoffered valuable insights from their own graduate journey at Sanford Burnham Prebys.
The event kicked off with an introduction from our Dean of the Graduate School, Dr. Alessandro Sacco, who shared the unique aspects of science and graduate education at Sanford Burnham Prebys Students then embarked on a series of guided tours, each highlighting valuable resources that could support them in their academics and research. We visited Trista Tabanico, our librarian, who highlighted online databases, publication information, and how to use the library space and technology. We then met with Dr. Ian Pass for tour of the Conrad Prebys Center for Chemical Genomics where he showcased the latest technologies, knowledge, and partnerships needed for drug discovery and translation research Our final stop was the Cell Imaging Core where Dr Leslie Boyd demonstrated the high-level microscopes for digital imaging as well as image capture systems and analytical software. Students were also given the opportunity to meet with faculty to learn more about the lab and meet their potential future lab mates. This was followed by a lunch with current graduate students who shared their personal experiences, giving prospective students a preview of the challenges and rewards of graduate school We ended the day with a Q&A with the graduate school team to share more about our curriculum, training opportunities, and our community
On behalf of all of us in the Graduate School, we thank all those who have supported the admissions process this year We look forward to introducing you all to the incoming Fall 2025 class!
Holidays Around the World Celebration & Education for Persian New Year
By: Lauren Mitchell, MS
Twice a year, the Institute comes together to celebrate a different holiday from various cultures and countries around the world. Each celebration provides an opportunity for all members of our community to share a meal, meet new people from different labs and departments, and learn about the customs and traditions of our global workforce (representing over 30 countries!). Continued
Pictured from left to right: Aashna Lamba (Colas Lab), Cray Minor, Kyle Alvarez, Zichen Gao, Yufei Deng, Rachel Khoury, Ashley Neil (Bang Lab), Patrick Hagan (Cosford Lab), Islah Zareef-Mustafa, Neha Niranjan
Our Nowruz, or Persian New Year, celebration was held on March 21, 2025, and was organized by volunteers from across the Institute. This group of volunteers included postdoctoral associate, Mehran Ghafari, PhD (Tian Lab) and several graduate students—Nahal Azimi (Deshpande Lab), Daniel Rebibo (Deshpande Lab), and Anis Shahnaee (Chun Lab) These trainees coordinated an authentic Persian meal catered by a local restaurant, educational materials to help attendees understand the significance and symbolism of the holiday, traditional egg-painting craft activities, and live entertainment thanks to the musical talents of Dr. Ghafari. It was a great reminder of the many ways Sanford Burnham Prebys trainees contribute to the scientific community in a multitude of ways
Recent Postdoc & Graduate Student
Accomplishments
In February, New Village Arts launched, Illuminating Women in Science: Celebrating San Diego’s Trailblazers, an initiative dedicated to honoring 25 extraordinary women in science and engineering, seven of which are from Sanford Burnham Prebys!
Recen
Along with th Illuminating Wom Science Program, wh associated with the play Half-Life of Marie Curi New Village Arts in Carl Katya Marchetti and Eisemann, PhD were fea as panelists in a discu held after the play a women in S
In J p
Hypophosphatasia Research Grant from Soft Bones Foundation!
In March, Patrick Hagan, a graduate student in the Cosford Lab, was awarded the NCI-Designated Cancer Center at Sanford Burnham Prebys Trainee Travel Award to attend the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025 in Chicago this April!
Upcoming Workshops & Events
GRADUATE STUDENTS
Office of Education, Training & International Services
Diane Klotz, PhD Chief Learning Officer
Associate Dean, Administration & Professional Development
Education & Training
Nisha Cavanaugh, PhD
Associate Director, Career Development & Postdoctoral Programs
Nicole Villa, MA Program Coordinator, OETIS
International Services
Mitchell Furumoto
Associate Director, International Services
Angelica Rocha, PhD Associate Director, Institutional Research & Academic Planning
Megan Elyamani Academic Programs Specialist & Registrar
Susie Bolor Senior International Advisor
Workforce Engagement & Belonging (WEB)
Lauren Mitchell, MS Director, WEB
Leadership Support
Alessandra Sacco, PhD Dean, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
Linda Bradley, PhD Faculty Advisor, Postdoctoral Training
Sara Sandoval, MS Recruitment, Admissions, and PhD Pathways Programs Manager