Andrea Hernández at Yale, Summer 2026

This 10-week biomedical research program, supported by the Amgen Foundation, brings together students from around the world to develop projects at leading research universities. 

During the program, I worked in Dr. Nikhil Joshi's laboratory, in the immunobiology department, under the mentorship of Dr. Clémence Riffard, where we explored: 

What determines whether a cancer cell is visible (or not) to the immune system?  

My project focused on studying how small differences in the amino acid sequences surrounding a neoantigen (specific molecules recognized by the immune system) can change the way these cells process and present it. This helps to change the perspective on how a tumor can escape the immune system and how new technologies, such as vaccines, should be designed.  

Outside the lab, during the weekends I volunteered as a Spanish-English interpreter at the Haven Free Clinic, a free clinic at Yale University that provides medical care to communities in need. Being able to serve as a bridge between patients, students, and healthcare professionals was a deeply enriching experience 🤍. It deeply impacted me and reminded me of the real impact of bilingual education and the recognition of cultures in science and health, a lesson I carry very much with me from my participation in the Access program by RELO México and Central América and U.S. Consulate Nogales in 2018-2020. 

Additionally, I was able to delve into the human anatomy labs of medical students🩺, where, with deep respect and gratitude, I learned through the generosity of donors who offered their bodies for teaching. Here I understood that the human body is extremely complex and that there are still many questions to be answered. 

But perhaps the most important thing I take away from this summer is the power of mentorship. Joshi Lab welcomed me with open arms from day one. My mentor, Dr. Riffard, was an essential pillar in my experience, just like Jennifer Loza, a doctoral candidate in immunology, who accompanied me on my journey and gave me advice on how to apply to postgraduate programs at Yale. This reinforces my personal mission to open scientific learning spaces for everyone and to be, myself, a mentor. I am also grateful to have participated in the North America Amgen Symposium, a networking event at Harvard University that reunited Amgen scholars from 15 institutions from the US and Canada 

Thanks to all the people who made this experience possible and who were part of this chapter: from the programs I have participated in over the years, professors, to the incredible team at Yale and the MARC program where I work with Dr. Aruchalacham at The University of Arizona, Chemistry and Biochemistry at The University of Arizona, Department of Molecular & Cellular Biology, University of Arizona  

Special thanks to the Amgen Foundation for making it possible for my mom, grandma, sister, and cousin to see my presentation in person! And of course, to the friendships that were built along the way 💖 

Go Bulldogs!! 🐾 For more representation 🇲🇽" ~ Andrea