Apple Cortez Vollmers

I graduated from UC San Diego with a degree in Bioengineering: Pre-Med. During my Junior year in undergrad, I developed a passion for research working for a non-profit medical research institute in which I conducted whole-genome siRNA screens. Before joining the Carpenter lab, I made the jump to teaching, and taught mathematics for 4 years at Yerba Buena High school in San Jose (Go Warriors!). I returned to science to pursue my Ph.D. at UC Santa Cruz, and am excited to expand my knowledge on RNA biology and immunology. At UCSC, I hope to serve as a role model for my previous high-school students as well as my family, as I'll be the first in my family to obtain a doctorate degree. When not in lab, I enjoy rock-climbing, sharing meals with my friends, and taking walks with my dog.