Amanda Galan
PhD Candidate

Biology of Aging Track in the Department of Cellular and Structural Biology

Amanda is the proud recipient of the Joe H. Ward Jr. and Bettie B. Ward Award for Excellence in the Study of the Biology of Aging. In its 5th year, this award focuses on recognizing students who are making great strides in the area of aging research. Amanda remarked that the award, “further encourages [her] to continue to progress through [her] research.” Additionally, Amanda has also been awarded an F-31 grant from the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK). After the government shutdown, research funding began to decline, so Amanda was pleasantly surprised a year later to find that her research was being funded. Amanda’s research, under the supervision of Dr. Lily Dong, focuses on studying how adiponectin, a hormone secreted by fat tissue, regulates insulin sensitivity. She is planning to use the funding for reagents and other research supplies as well as to finance trips to research conferences.

Dr. Karl Rodriguez
Postdoctoral Fellow
Barshop Institute
Mentor: Dr. Rochelle Buffenstein

Karl was also awarded the Joe H. Ward Jr. and Bettie B. Ward Award for Excellence in the Study of the Biology of Aging. He is currently researching the protein homeostasis in the long-lived naked mole rat. By researching the mechanisms in which naked mole rats preserve protein function and remove damaged proteins, Karl hopes to determine if maintenance of protein quality is a vital factor of long life and
good health. More importantly, Karl was “humbled” by his award since “past recipients of the award are now amazing, emerging young faculty. [He] hopes to follow in their footsteps!” Congratulations Dr. Karl Rodriguez!

We would also like to recognize a few more students who have received grants for their research:

Shauna Hill, of the Biology of Aging track, was awarded an F-31 grant from the National Insitute on Aging (NIA).

Ana Santoscoy-Chavez, of the Cancer Biology Track, was awarded an F-31 grant from the National Cancer Institute (NCI).

Tiffani Houston, of the Cancer Biology Track, was awarded an R-36 grant from the National Institute on Aging (NIA).