The UC Davis Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program (PREP@UC Davis) promotes diversity in biomedical sciences, preparing scholars for success in Ph.D. programs. 

Since its inception in 2017, PREP@UCD has supported students who seek to increase their maturity as scientists and researchers and reflects the UC Davis commitment to fostering a vibrant learning community. The program, which is funded by the US National Institutes of Health, with additional support from the College of Biological Sciences, relies on collaboration among faculty, postdocs, and graduate students who mentor scholars in host laboratories, which provides access to cutting-edge research tools and experiences. In addition, other faculty and graduate students from across the life sciences at UC Davis share their experiences with scholars in professional development panels.

“PREP empowers aspiring scientists with the tools and mentorship they need to thrive,” said Joanna Chiu, a professor of entomology and nematology, and the program’s director. “By fostering diversity and providing a supportive community, PREP catalyzes positive transformations in both individuals and the scientific landscape.”

Scholars spend 75% of their time on research in mentor labs, and 25% on professional development, including training in science communication. Tailored seminars and workshops refine skills important for a scientific career and foster a strong scientific identity in scholars.

A legacy of impact and excellence

This year, PREP@UCD bids farewell to its longtime coordinator Carole Hom, who is retiring after 38 years at UC Davis. During her tenure, Hom nurtured generations of scholars by facilitating their transition into graduate research. Her work focused on the recruitment and retention of students from historically marginalized groups, and has helped bridge the gap between undergraduate institutions and UC Davis through dynamic research training programs and enriching summer experiences. 

Said Dan Starr, a professor of molecular and cellular biology, and the co-director of PREP@UCD, “Carole’s mentorship has left an indelible mark on the program's legacy and throughout the environmental and life sciences at UC Davis. She will be missed, but we’re all thrilled to see her close out such a successful tenure on campus.”

“Carole’s retirement marks the end of an era,” said Mark Winey, dean of the College of Biological Sciences. “She can enjoy her retirement knowing that she has played a significant role in shaping the future of biomedical research, one scholar at a time.”

Meet this year’s PREP Scholars

Dianah Anderson

PI: Gerardo Mackenzie, Department of Nutrition, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Dianah Anderson graduated in 2023 with a B.S. in biology from Savannah State University and joined PREP@UC Davis to enhance her preparedness for graduate school. Throughout the program, Anderson expressed a broad interest in studying nutrition while developing the necessary tools and skills to ensure success in both graduate studies and her future professional endeavors. In her eventual career, Anderson hopes to bring a diverse perspective rooted in her unique background and experiences as an African American woman. She will begin a Ph.D. in integrated life sciences at the University of Georgia in the fall with funding from the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Andrew Barber

PI: Sean Collins, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

Andrew Barber graduated from North Carolina Central University in 2023 with a B.S. in biomedical science. During his undergraduate education, he conducted research through the National Science Foundation Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation program and as a McNair scholar, focusing on the toxicological effects of air pollutants and the neurological effects of alcohol dependency. Pursuing postbaccalaureate education in PREP@UC Davis, Barber aimed to refine his scientific focus and enhance his research skills. As a PREP scholar, he delved into the molecular mechanisms of the immune system and solidified his aspiration to join a neuroimmunology graduate program. Barber aspires to address disparities in STEM representation and foster inclusivity within the scientific community. He will begin a Ph.D. in immunology at Johns Hopkins University in the fall, with support from the Vivien Thomas Scholars Initiative of Johns Hopkins University and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Ellianna Damozonio

PI: Wolf Dietrich-Heyer, Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics

Ellianna Damozonio is a current biochemistry and molecular biology major at UC Davis. She joined PREP@UC Davis in the fall of 2023 as an undergraduate affiliate, which is an opportunity available to exceptional undergraduate students who excel in research and seek a biomedical Ph.D. As an affiliate of the program, Damozonio has gained valuable experience in advance of graduation. Damozonio conducts research on the DNA binding properties of BRCA2, which is responsible for the suppression of tumors in humans. After graduating from UC Davis in spring, Damozonio will join the cancer biology track of the UC Irvine Cell and Molecular program.

Daniela Hernandez 

PI: Anna La Torre, Department of Cell Biology and Human Anatomy, School of Medicine

Daniela Hernandez graduated from California State University Fullerton with a B.A in psychology and a minor in cellular molecular biology. Joining PREP@UC Davis provided both a supportive environment and alignment with her academic aspirations. Throughout her time in the program, Hernandez honed her scientific writing skills and boosted her confidence in communicating her research effectively. Driven by her experiences as a first-generation student from a historically marginalized community, she aspires to break down barriers and make science more accessible and relatable through outreach efforts. In the fall, she will begin a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at the University of Michigan with funding from the Rackham Merit Fellowship and the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Emari Mann

PI: Theanne Griffith, Department of Physiology and Membrane Biology, School of Medicine

Emari Mann earned a B.S. in biochemistry from Claflin University and joined PREP@UC Davis to pursue her passion for research. Throughout her time in the program, Mann explored areas of research within the biological sciences while maintaining interest in chemistry. For her, PREP@UC Davis has been instrumental in clarifying her long-term academic and career goals. Looking ahead, Mann aspires to make meaningful contributions to the academic and professional communities she is a part of. She will begin a Ph.D. in chemistry at the University of Delaware in the fall with funding from the National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

Cassandra Morris

PI: Dan Starr and Gant Luxton, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology

Cassandra Morris completed a B.S. in neuroscience in May 2019 at the University of Minnesota. In her postbaccalaureate career at UC Davis, she aimed to enhance her scientific communication skills and focus her research interests on exploring the intricacies of dystonia. Envisioning PREP@UC Davis as a crucial stepping stone towards her long-term academic and career aspirations, Morris appreciated its role in honing her communication skills and fostering collaboration with peers, mentors and researchers across campus. Morris plans to study psychiatric disorders, and aspires to become a professor so that she can help mentor future scholars. She will begin a Ph.D. in cell and molecular biology at the University of Wisconsin in fall 2024.

Christian Torres Lopez

PI: Ben Montpetit, Department of Viticulture and Enology, College of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences

Christian Torres Lopez earned his undergraduate degree in biology from Northeastern Illinois University. Inspired by UC Davis's supportive environment, Torres pursued postbaccalaureate research experiences to further his academic pursuits. Recognizing the significance of earning a Ph.D. in the fulfillment of his professional ambitions, Lopez viewed PREP@UC Davis as instrumental in providing graduate-level research experience as well as personal and professional preparation. As a first-generation college graduate, a member of the Latino community, and a member of the LGBT community, Torres brings a unique perspective to the research environment that is shaped by his experiences and cultural background. Torres will continue research as a PREP scholar in 2024-2025.

Cameron Vasquez

PI: John Albeck, Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology

Cameron Vasquez earned a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology from UC Davis, where he focused his research as an ADNR and CAMP scholar on the regulation of animal circadian rhythms. He was drawn to PREP@UC Davis by a desire to delve deeper into his research interests surrounded by a supportive community, and sought to hone his skills for a successful transition to graduate study. As a PREP scholar, Vasquez conducted research on cellular responses to environmental stimuli using state-of-the-art imaging technologies. In addition to advancing our understanding of cellular biology processes implicated in health and disease, he also aims to foster diversity in STEM through outreach and mentorship. In the fall, he will begin a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences at the University of Michigan, with funding from the Rackham Merit Fellowship.