2025 Michael A. Wells Research in Biological Science Scholars: Jaden Todd Nelson and Marc Garcia

Congratulations to Jaden Todd-Nelson (left) and Marc Garcia (right) who were selected as the 2025 Michael A. Wells Research in Biological Science Scholars!

"My name is Jaden Todd-Nelson and I’m a senior pursuing majors in Biochemistry and in Molecular and Cellular Biology. I currently work as an undergraduate research assistant in the Koshy Lab, which studies the common parasite Toxoplasma gondii. After graduation I plan to attend medical school to pursue my dream of becoming a physician. A fun fact about me is I love to run and just ran my second half marathon." - Jaden Todd-Nelson.

"My name is Marc Garcia, and I am a junior double majoring in Biochemistry and Molecular & Cellular Biology with a minor in East Asian Studies. I am honored to be chosen as a 2025 Michael A. Wells Scholarship recipient. This award will provide me with financial support to continue my work as a breast cancer researcher, while also allowing me to connect with the scientific community through national conferences. Being recognized for this scholarship has inspired me to continue striving for excellence in my academic career.  
I currently work in Dr. Joyce Schroeder's lab, where we study the mechanisms and functions of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in triple-negative breast cancer and develop peptide-based therapies as potential treatments. I would like to thank everyone within the lab for their continued mentorship and for welcoming me to the world of research. It is their encouragement that has allowed me to grow both as a student and as a scientist." - Marc Garcia.