1.
Written In The Stars
“If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the precipitate.”
~Henry J. Tillman
S T A R N E W S L E T T E R | F A L L 2 0 1 4
In This Issue
• STAR Alumni Spotlight
• STEM Education News
• Hear from the STARS

2.
FALL 2014
2
STAR Alumni Spotlight
Q: What are your fondest memories as a student in the
STAR Program?
I have many fond memories such as working with fun lab
mates of international backgrounds, working late night in the
lab to complete results, the adventure of taking the city bus
back home in the SFV, the excitement of the Bravo Science
Fair and engaging in scientific discourse with the judges.
Q: How did the STAR Program help you prepare for college and beyond?
I was exposed to the scientific method in a real laboratory setting with a principal
investigator and mentor. This allowed me to make the easy transition to finding a
laboratory to continue research while in college. STAR definitely inspired me to pursue a
career in science and medicine. With role models such as Dr. Brinton and my PI, Dr. Fulle,
I felt I had a roadmap to follow. My experience taught me that the scientific field is open to
all who have a curiosity and tenacity. I was very fortunate to have this opportunity which
most student's don't get until college when they are already overwhelmed by the college
course loads. Bravo was a singular place in terms of opportunity. I am very grateful.
Q: What words of advice do you have for current STAR students?
Start early. Find a lab that excites you. Try to focus on one project with well-defined goals.
Give the lab 100%. If you get tired, remind yourself, there is always a little more gas in the
tank! Stay in touch with the lab as much as you can, and build your own network.
Q: What are you currently working on?
My job responsibilities include finishing my internal medicine year and then transition to
residency as a Radiation Oncologist. While at UCLA, I complete a PhD in Glioblastoma
Multiforme, a very aggressive form of brain cancer. As a future radiation oncologist and
academic, I hope to discover new treatments for cancer therapy.
David Akhavan was in the STAR program from
1997-1998. He conducted research in Dr. Jans-
Jurgen Fulle’s lab. David completed his
undergraduate studies at the UC Berkeley, College
of Engineering, and is now in the UCLA MD, PhD
Medical Scientist Training Program.

3.
FALL 2014
3
STEM Education News
News from the U.S. Department of Energy
Women In Stem: Using Science and Math to
Power the Globe
Earlier this year, the United States Department of
Energy launched a video series called “Women In
Stem” that highlights successful women in the
energy field.
We would like to feature Dr. Rhonda Jordan, energy
specialist at World Bank, in this newsletter. Please
click here to watch Dr. Jordan’s video profile. Be
sure to also check out the other remarkable video
News from The Atlantic
“Hands-­‐‑On Learning and Mentorship Are
Encouraging More Women in the STEM
Pipeline”
According to The Atlantic, one method towards
fixing the broken STEM pipeline is
encouraging women and girls to get into the
pipeline. Blair Blackwell, Chevron’s manager of
education and corporate programs, says that
providing “project-­‐‑based, hands-­‐‑on learning”
experiences paired with strong mentorship will
inspire women to pursue careers in STEM.
Click here to read the full article.
Source: The Atlantic Sofia Santos (STAR Class of 2015) and Stephanie
Bonilla (STAR Class of 2014)

4.
FALL 2014
4
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Hello! My name is Rizwan Choudhury and
I’m a STAR II student in Dr. Gregor Adams
lab at the Eli and Edythe Broad Center for
Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell
Research. I have learned a lot about scientific
research through the STAR program during
the past summers and recent months. The
most arduous experience yet awesome
experience that I have faced in lab is
performing Acetylated Low Density
Lipoprotein staining on mouse Bone Marrow
Stromal cell. The process is complex, but is
delightful to see the “tagged” cells under a
microscope for imaging and analyzing
purposes so that I could progress with my
objectives in lab. I’m currently in the process
of applying to college and really hope to get
admitted into UCLA. I will major in
Neuroscience and hope to get a Ph.D. in
Neuroscience.
Hear from our current
STAR students!
Cody Lim
Alicia
Sherent
s
Hi! My name is Kevin Tat and I am a STAR II
student in Dr. Preet Chaudhary’s lab at the
USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer
Center. I’ve only been in lab for a month or so
but I have learned more in the last couple of
weeks than I ever had. Performing colony
PCR and screening has easily been the most
rewarding part of lab. The technique is utilized
to confirm successful transformation and
viewing positive clones following the arduous
process is rather pleasing. As a senior I will be
applying to colleges this year and my dream
school is easily MIT. I am stuck between
majors in Computer Sciences, Mechanical
Engineering, and other sciences but my end
goal is to be part of a start up in the
technological field.