Andrea Hernández, recently named a Diversity in Cancer Research intern (DICR)

Meet Andrea Hernández, recently named a Diversity in Cancer Research intern (DICR)

"My name is Andrea originally from Nogales, Sonora, Mexico. I am a rising sophomore double majoring in Molecular & Cellular Biology, and Biochemistry. I was honored to be accepted to the Diversity in Cancer Research Internship, where I worked in Dr. Wei Wang’s Lab at the College of Pharmacy, under the guidance of Mengyang Chang, my awesome lab mentor. For my project, I was in charge of testing and identifying the best dual molecular glue degrader, a novel type of drug that destroys proteins that contribute to cancer development and overcome the side effects of traditional cancer treatments. I am sincerely thankful to Dr. Wang for hosting me this summer, for the deposited trust to also allow me to contribute to many other projects in the lab, and for keeping the doors open to continue doing research with his team.

My participation in the DICR Internship serves as a reminder of the importance of diversifying the scientific research workforce and strengthens my personal mission of helping underrepresented students in STEM, which I have pursued by volunteering in local organizations, such as SARSEF, on our campus through the Nepantla Student Association, and hopefully by being a CBC Peer Mentor too! After graduation, I am planning to study a PhD in Immunology or Molecular/Cellular Pathology to continue creating innovative treatments and vaccines against diseases."