Breakthroughs in Medicine
UCSF’s Discovery Talks Spotlight Cutting-Edge Research
From bioartificial organs to revolutionary drug discoveries, UCSF’s brightest researchers will share exciting scientific breakthroughs at Alumni Weekend 25’s Discovery Talks. Join Nicquet Blake, PhD, vice provost and dean of the UCSF Graduate Division, as she leads this fast-paced session with a curated cadre of distinguished innovators showcasing groundbreaking advances.
Shuvo Roy, PhD, is a world-renowned bioengineer who has revolutionized microelectromechanical systems and nanotechnology. He will share his pioneering research developing innovations like the bioartificial kidney and pancreas to treat kidney failure and diabetes.
Jarmin Yeh, PhD, MPH, MSSW, a sociologist, gerontologist, and expert in age-friendly cities, will share timely and crucial research on aging, dementia, and caregiving for older adults through a health equity lens. From developing innovative cognitive screening approaches to tackling the direct-care workforce shortage, their research influences policies and practices for a more equitable and supportive future for our aging population.
Anita Ho, PhD, MPH, is a renowned bioethicist whose research addresses the ethical challenges of the modern health care landscape. Her work, which combines technology, ethics, and health care, delves into the moral implications of using artificial intelligence in health care, the complexities of end-of-life decision-making, and how systemic inequalities influence care delivery.
Brian Shoichet, PhD, combines cutting-edge computational techniques with experimental biology to discover new drugs and understand how they work in the body, improving the potential for more effective treatments in the future. He will share his recent discovery of chemical compounds that could lead to a new generation of antidepressant and pain medications, offering relief with fewer side effects than current therapies.
Sarah Knox, PhD, is advancing our understanding of how organs regenerate after injury. Her research on the critical role of cellular interactions in shaping organ architecture and controlling tissue regeneration is leading to groundbreaking therapies for organ failure and improving regenerative medicine.
Catera Wilder, PhD, a rising star in bioengineering and immunology, explores the complexities of innate immune responses and inflammation, leading discoveries in immunology and disease treatment. She uses a systems biology approach to immune responses that could revolutionize our understanding of disease mechanisms and therapeutic interventions.