UC Davis students receive scholarships from biotech industry leader Gene

UC Davis students receive scholarships from biotech industry leader Genentech

June 23, 2009
(SACRAMENTO, Calif.) — Two UC Davis students — Mary Saunders, a Ph.D. candidate in comparative pathology with designated emphases in biotechnology and translational research, and Wenhui Zhou, an undergraduate studying biochemistry and molecular biology — received scholarships at a luncheon held yesterday at Genentech headquarters in South San Francisco.

Saunders received $10,000 for her research at UC Davis School of Medicine to identify new molecular targets and agents for treating lymphoma and leukemia in the laboratory of Kit Lam, chief of hematology and oncology. She also collaborates with Ronald Li, associate professor of cell biology and human anatomy, on his work with Shriners Hospital for Children - Northern California in developing synthetic molecules and peptidic extracellular matrix mimics that can support and enhance the growth and renewal qualities of stem cells. This work will be useful in treating stroke and heart disease.

Saunders earned a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley and a master's degree from Harvard University. She has received several prestigious fellowships, including a National Institute of Health Minority Health and Health Disparities International Research Training Fellowship, National Institutes of Health-Initiative for Maximizing Student Diversity award, National Institute of Health Research Supplement to Promote Diversity in Health-Related Research and Howard Hughes Medical Institute Med into Grad Initiative Training Fellowship. Saunders is active in working with young academics to inspire their interests in clinical medicine and research.

"Mary's clinical experiences, scientific expertise, enthusiasm and passion exemplify just what we hope for in our doctoral scholars," said Judith Kjelstrom, director of the UC Davis Biotechnology Program. "Beyond her solid technical expertise, she is a scientific leader with the vision and social and emotional intelligence to make great contributions to our understanding of the biological foundations of disease. My colleagues and I are very proud that Genentech is supporting her efforts."

In addition to serving as program coordinator of the Designated Emphasis in Biotechnology, Kjelstrom co-directs the Howard Hughes Medical Institute-Integrating Medicine into Basic Sciences Training Program at UC Davis. Saunders is involved in both programs.

Zhou — who received $7,500 at the luncheon — has worked on a number of significant research projects, including one for the UC Davis Center for Biophotonics Science and Technology on naturally occurring and synthetic carcinogens and their DNA interactions that can influence the onset or progression of cancer. He is currently participating for the second time in the Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan-Kettering's "Gateways to the Laboratory Program," where is he studying the role of ADAM8 proteins in supporting the cellular foundations of rheumatoid arthritis and retinopathy.

Yin Yeh, chair of the Department of Applied Science in the UC Davis College of Engineering, leads the research group that includes Zhou. Yeh and his lab team always welcome Zhou's input.

"Wenhui is a very special individual," said Yeh. "Even as a freshman, he presented himself very well and began a solid track record in academics, research and community service. He is highly motivated, curious and open to discussion of his outcomes. Of the 10 very special undergraduate research students I have had during the last five years, Wenhui stands at the top. It is no surprise that Genentech has included him among their scholarship recipients."

The Genentech Scholars Program seeks to provide an inroad for diverse students to gain access to the biotech industry by awarding financial assistance and internships, with the possibility of job placement after graduation. For more information, visit the Genentech Scholars Program Web site.

UC Davis School of Medicine is among the nation's leading medical schools, recognized for its specialty- and primary-care programs. Along with being a leader in health-care research, the school is known for its commitment to people from underserved communities and passion for clinical care. For more information, visit the UC Davis School of Medicine Web site.