Tara, a PhD candidate in the Biomedical Sciences program, is one of 12 outstanding UCSF students chosen to receive an ARCS scholarship for the 2019-2020 academic year. The Graduate Division interviewed her in fall 2019.
Did you take time off between undergrad and grad school?
Prior to matriculating at UCSF, I spent 3 years as a research technician and lab manager in Dr. Maggie Feeney's lab here at UCSF in the Division of Experimental Medicine.
Why did you decide to pursue a PhD?
I fell in love with fetal-maternal tolerance while working on a placental malaria project in the Feeney Lab. The prospect of building a career out of this passion and working towards discovering the fundamental underpinnings of reproductive biology was too enticing to pass up!
Why UCSF?
I spent quite a bit of time at UCSF before applying to graduate school for a reason! The biomedical research here is of the highest caliber, both in terms of breadth and quality. I am reminded on a daily basis of how scientists and clinicians are working together to push the boundaries of science and technology and improve patient care.
What is the focus of your dissertation research?
My dissertation is focused on uncovering epigenetic regulators that drive uterine activation and parturition timing. Our knowledge of the molecular mechanisms underlying pregnancy complications is remarkably limited in scope relative to their massive burden on our healthcare system. Our hope is that by expanding our fundamental understanding of the epigenetic regulators active in the uterine stroma, we can expand our arsenal of therapeutic targets in an effort to treat complications like preterm birth.
What pursuits do you have outside the lab?
I am actively involved in a passion project that addresses the gender gap in science. ImmunoXX+ is a group on campus that I started with two other female graduate students. We host an annual Women in Immunology Symposium, and we are also organizing quarterly dinners and networking events to expand our community impact and involvement. During my free time, my favorite thing to do is attend small shows at the Independent on Divisadero Street. I also love venturing out on new hiking trails and trying the latest restaurants.
What are your post-graduation career goals?
I'm currently set on becoming an independent academic investigator. I love the work I do and would be incredibly fortunate to make my career out of it.
