CBC Student Spotlight: Sofia Orrantia

Meet Sofia Orrantia, CBC Biochemistry Peer Mentor & Ambassador!

"My name is Sofia, I am a rising Junior pursuing a double major in Biochemistry, and Molecular & Cellular Biology. Cancer research has always been one of my top interests. Therefore, I was thrilled when I received an acceptance to the Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) Scholars Program.

This summer, I have been working as a Research Intern in Dr. Carew and Dr. Nawrocki’s lab, focusing on the investigation of alternative precise therapies for patients with hematological malignancies and enhancing cancer cell death. I am extremely grateful to Dr. Carew and Dr. Nawrocki for welcoming me into their lab.

After graduation, I plan to apply to Medical School, either through an MD or MD/PhD program. I am excited to become a CBC peer mentor and a CBC Ambassador this upcoming fall!"

The University of Arizona was recently awarded funding from the U of A Cancer Center office for Cancer Research Training & Education Coordination (CRTEC) Diversity in Cancer Research (DICR) to support undergraduates in research. Dr. Jacob Schwartz, Associate Research Professor, Department of Pharmacology and CRTEC Associate Director, is the DICR principal investigator. The award provides a one-year research experience including professional development activities partnering with the Maximizing Access to Research Careers (MARC) Program and the Undergraduate Biology Research Program (UBRP). For further information, contact the Academic Program Officer, Megan McKay, meganmckay@arizona.edu