Miko Mallari
Prior to CCSF, I completed an undergraduate degree in Environmental Chemistry and Studio Art. Even with my science background, and my interest in medical research, I wasn’t sure if I had what it takes to be a scientist. I decided to take some post-baccalaureate coursework at CCSF. While taking a microbiology course, I heard a presentation on the Biotech program. It made my aspiration to get into the field of medicine, especially translational medicine, seem more feasible.
This year I was a CIRM intern at Vitalant Research Institute. I am studying topics in transplantation medicine, learning about how to improve cell therapy implementation. My project involves improving the initial transplantation of progenitor and hematopoietic stem cells for the creation of a humanized immune system within mice.
I have learned a lot during this internship so far. Still, it’s been a humbling experience working in the field. No matter how much one prepares, there is always so much more to learn. My time here in the Biotechnology Program has really opened my eyes to the rigor that it takes to be in the scientific research field as well as taught me many critical skills in networking, keeping professional relationships, and being involved with the community surrounding science. I am so glad to have taken the time to progress through the Biotech program and owe a lot of my success to the mentors that I met there. I feel more than ready for my next steps.
This summer I will be starting at Sana Biotechnology as a Research Associate. I will be on the analytical development and process development team contributing to Sana’s CAR-T and iPS platforms. In the fall of this year, I plan on submitting my application for graduate school. I hope to be able to pursue my interests in topics surrounding cell therapy, immunology, stem cell technologies, as well as protein engineering. I am particularly interested in the power and applications of therapeutic antibodies.
