2026 Undergraduate Biomedicine for the Future Training Program

We are pleased to announce that we are accepting applications for the 2026 Biomedicine for the Future Training Program.  This program is a future-focused undergraduate educational program offered here at the NBRI. The objective of the program is to build knowledge, hands-on experience, and a sense of community among future generations of biomedical researchers.  The research experience will include coursework, support for current research at the NBRI, and a final symposium presentation. Coursework will explore interdisciplinary complex problems, bringing together experts from the NBRI, UC Davis, and guests from external institutions.  

APPLICATION DEADLINE AUGUST 31, 2026

ELIGIBILITY:

• Current UC Davis Student in good academic standing.
• Interest in health, biomedicine, and animal research.

COMMITMENT:

• Fall quarter 2026
• 2 Hours per week, onsite at NBRI

Alumni from the 2025 Biomedicine for the Future Training Program:

J'adore Bailey

1. Class Level/Major/Career Goal: I am a 5th-year, former transfer student, majoring in Global Disease Biology and minoring in Public Health. My career goals include pursuing an MD-PhD to become a physician-scientist with interests in infectious disease, global public health, pandemic preparedness, and One Health.
2. Why did you apply for the biomedicine for the future training program? I applied to the biomedicine for the future training program because I was interested in getting involved with the NBRI as an undergraduate. I was drawn to the interdisciplinary nature of the program and the opportunity to discuss wicked problems, as well as the opportunity to get involved in research happening here.
3. What was your favorite aspect of the program? I particularly loved the open-forum, group-style meetings that we engaged in. The informal format created a safe space to share our opinions and perspectives. We had the chance to hear from different scientists involved with the CNPRC, as well as explored interdisciplinary complex problems and discussed possible solutions. These collaborative discussions demonstrated how tackling challenges in biomedical research requires diverse perspectives and expertise from multiple fields.
4. What new thing did you learn during the program? Through the program and my opportunity to be placed in a lab, I learned about the critical role that nonhuman primates play in translational biomedical research and how they serve as essential models for understanding human health and disease. I also gained insight into the complex scientific process involved in studying a research question, from experimental design and methodology to data interpretation and ethical considerations, which has deepened my appreciation for the rigor required in biomedical science.
5. How do you see this helping you with your future career training? This program has strengthened my foundation for MD-PhD training by providing me with a unique undergraduate experience working with nonhuman primate research. It has opened doors for me as a budding scientist by exposing me to translational biomedical research and the rigorous scientific processes that bridge basic science and clinical application. Beyond the scientific knowledge, the program has provided me with a long-lasting support system of mentors and peers who understand my goals and can guide me as I navigate my path in biomedical research. This experience will be invaluable as I pursue my goal of becoming a physician-scientist.
6. How would you describe the program to a peer? I would describe this program as a really great opportunity to get involved with biomedical research at the CNPRC in a low-pressure, discussion-based format. You get to meet and learn from scientists doing cutting-edge work, engage in meaningful conversations about real challenges, and gain exposure to how translational research actually works. It's also an inviting space where you can connect with your peers who share similar interests and build relationships. It's perfect if you're curious about research careers and want to learn more about what working in biomedical science is really like.

Eli Guzman

1. Class level/major/career goal: I am a 1st-year Masters Student in the Biomedical Engineering Graduate Group here at UC Davis and my future career goal is to become a Clinical Engineer that bridges the gap between research and clinical translation of medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and therapeutics.
2. Why did you apply for the biomedicine for the future training program? I applied for the Biomedicine for the Future Training Program in 2024, when it was first starting, when I was still an undergraduate majoring in Biomedical Engineering. I applied to this program because I wanted to learn more about the multiple complex problems that are happening in the world right now and to collaborate between other future biomedical researchers and experts at the CNPRC. I've also wanted to improve my public speaking skills and I believe that expressing my scientific ideas through this program, both through regular class meetings and the final symposium presentation, provided an excellent opportunity to do just that.
3. What was your favorite aspect of the program? My favorite aspect of this program was meeting and working with all the excellent biomedical experts at the forefront of biomedical research and interning in one of the core expert's (John Morrison) laboratory in Neuroscience. However, I also really enjoyed meeting every week and commenting about complex medical problems around the world with professionals at the CNPRC.
4. What new thing did you learn during the program? One thing that I learned during the program besides programming and data analysis in research is that there are many people needed to perform research in biomedical research and that mentorship is key to scientific discovery.
5. How do you see this helping you with your future career training? In the near future, I want to work in a research lab that focuses on cancer biology and ways to create therapeutics to fight cancer. Through this program, I have learned how to manage data and data analysis using real data from rhesus macaques at the CNPRC. I will use this skill and my new knowledge of R programming to design experiments that allow an easy flow of data and data manipulation in my future career training.
6. How would you describe the program to a peer? This program is exciting! You are able to meet fellow students taking the same path as you as well as biomedical leaders in the CNPRC that are performing experiments that improve the world more than we know. It can be stressful at times, but this program has helped me see what scientific careers I should go into and that I'm capable of performing scientific research.

Trishla Mehta

1. Class Level/Major/Career Goal: I am an undergraduate student majoring in Cell Biology with a minor in Public Health at the University of California, Davis. I am interested in pursuing a career as a physician-scientist, with a long-term goal of combining biomedical research and clinical practice to address health disparities and improve care for underserved populations.
2. Why did you apply for the biomedicine for the future training program? I applied to the Biomedicine for the Future Training Program because it closely aligned with both my academic interests and long-term career goals in biomedicine. The opportunity to conduct hands-on research while collaborating with faculty at the NBRI was especially compelling, as it offered exposure to rigorous, translational science in a real research setting. Additionally, the program’s emphasis on building community stood out to me. Throughout the program, I met undergraduates from a wide range of backgrounds who shared a common passion for research and discovery, creating a supportive and intellectually stimulating environment that made the experience deeply rewarding.
3. What was your favorite aspect of the program? One of my favorite aspects of the program was the Friday seminar series. These sessions were especially impactful because they focused on the “wicked problems” facing our society and the complex, interdisciplinary systems required to address them. We explored topics ranging from environmental health and pharmaceutical development to social determinants of health, and discussed how these forces shape people’s everyday lives. These conversations helped me see how research can play a meaningful role in addressing real-world challenges beyond the lab bench.
4. What new thing did you learn during the program? I gained extensive hands-on laboratory experience, including skills I had never practiced before. Through the program, I was trained to work with mice, something that initially felt intimidating, but quickly became empowering with proper mentorship. I learned how to safely handle animals and administer treatments, as well as apply wet-lab techniques that I had previously only encountered in theory during my cell biology coursework. Being able to translate classroom knowledge into real experimental practice was incredibly rewarding and interesting.
5. How do you see this helping you with your future career training? This program has played a pivotal role in shaping my future career trajectory. In the short term, the technical skills and research experience I gained will be directly applicable as I pursue roles in the research industry after graduation. Just as importantly, I developed strong professional relationships with my mentors and peers, particularly within the Ji Lab, whose guidance has been invaluable. Looking ahead, I plan to apply to medical school, and I see research as a foundational component of my professional identity. I hope to continue conducting research focused on diseases and conditions that disproportionately affect minority and underserved communities.
6. How would you describe the program to a peer? I would describe the Biomedicine for the Future Training Program as an immersive and transformative experience that goes beyond traditional undergraduate research. It offers meaningful mentorship, rigorous scientific training, and space to reflect on the ethical and societal implications of biomedical work. For students interested in research, medicine, or public health, it provides both practical skills and a broader perspective on how science can drive meaningful change.

Trisha Sukale

1. Class Level/Major/Career Goal: I am an undergraduate student in my final year at UC Davis. I am currently in the Neurobiology, Physiology, and Behavior program. My career goal is to work in Osteopathic Medicine (D.O. Physician).
2. Why did you apply for the biomedicine for the future training program? I had previously heard about the NBRI through other career development opportunities and was fascinated by the research that was being conducted through the use of non-human primates as scientific models. When I looked further into opportunities to get involved with the research community at the CNPRC, I coincidentally discovered the training program. Reading more about the program’s objectives, I was interested in learning more about the ongoing efforts to minimize health disparities. I hoped that by joining this program I would not only be able to learn more about this broad topic, but also make a positive contribution to the community of researchers that worked at the CNPRC to ultimately improve human and animal health.
3. What was your favorite aspect of the program? My favorite aspect of the program was definitely the way each lesson in class opened up a discussion for a major global conflict currently affecting the world. Whether it was talking about affordable healthcare or climate change, there was a judgement free space where every student’s opinion was welcome to better understand the situation at hand. In the end, although we didn’t find a final perfect solution for each global conflict, we did identify aspects that we, as future biomedical professionals, can work to improve throughout our careers.
4. What new thing did you learn during the program? Through joining the program and continuing to work in the Miller Lab at the NBRI, I learned how essential attention to detail truly is. This skill is not only applicable when conducting laboratory experiments, but also when addressing ongoing global biomedical challenges. In the lab, small errors in technique or instrumentation can largely impact the study’s results. However, I learned that this same level of precision is key when tackling complex biomedical issues. For example, as climate change leads to an increased frequency in wildfires, several populations are exposed to wood smoke. Understanding the immunological effects of these exposures obviously requires detailed research; however translating these findings into solutions that can be applied to all communities regardless of gender or socioeconomic background is what really matters. This program taught me that resolving large-scale conflicts begins with paying attention to details at the smallest levels.
5. How do you see this helping you with your future career training? This program has significantly contributed to my future career training by pushing me to think outside of the box. Every day, I am placed in positions where I am encouraged to ask deeper questions and engage with new concepts. In the classroom, I learned collaboration techniques that helped strengthen my ability to participate in meaningful discussions in group settings, regardless of my limited background knowledge. However in the laboratory, I was introduced to the field of respiratory toxicology research for the first time. Working consistently helped me expand my understanding of how climate change and increased smoke exposure can translate to negative health outcomes. I gained exposure to new research methodologies and skills that make me a more thorough and confident researcher. Overall, this program has prepared me for my future career as it has emphasized the importance of putting yourself in unfamiliar situations, and working to eventually become familiar with them.
6. How would you describe the program to a peer? I would describe this program to a peer as extremely flexible and student-driven. You truly get out of it what you decide to put in. If your ultimate goal is to explore different ways to further your career as a biomedical professional, then the program definitely provides plenty of opportunities to do so. However, the most valuable aspect is the chance to challenge ideas, pose questions regarding current research, and think deeply regarding how to improve future outcomes. Whether it’s collaborating with peers, engaging with guest speakers, or working through confusing concepts, the program offers meaningful opportunities for both growth as a current student and as a future biomedical professional.

Brent Valentine

1. Class Level/Major/Career Goal: I was enrolled in the program as a senior but have now graduated with a dual B.S. in Neurobiology, Physiology, & Behavior and Managerial Economics. I want to work in business development for the biotech/healthcare sectors, working on bringing novel therapies to market that are more accessible and efficacious.
2. Why did you apply for the biomedicine for the future training program? I have always been very interested in the primate research on the NBRI, but this was the first opportunity I saw to get involved. I liked the blend of classroom discussions/guest lectures with the additional opportunity to get connected to lab work.
3. What was your favorite aspect of the program? Getting to hear about the research being performed at the NBRI from the researchers themselves. The one day that really stands out was when Dr. Van Rompay told us about how he helped create a treatment for HIV.
4. What new thing did you learn during the program? I had no idea just how many disciplines benefit from the work at the primate center. In some way or another, the entire spectrum of human health seems to be covered at the NBRI. This helps create a holistic understanding of the animals and the treatments we might be developing, thus unlocking insights into human health that otherwise would be impossible to discover in another model.
5. How do you see this helping you with your future career training? Participating in this program was fundamental in helping me join the Kinnally lab. My experience in the Kinnally lab was my first real lab experience, which I believe is critical to my career goals. In the short term, I relied on the experience gained in the lab to write my Fulbright Open Research grant application which I am currently a Semi-Finalist for (awaiting final decision). As for the long term, I think many business executives lack the tangible hands-on experience doing the science that supports their businesses. By participating in this program and lab work, I will be able to better act as a bridge between science and business in my future career, hopefully having a more complete picture and appreciation for how science is performed.
6. How would you describe the program to a peer? The program is primarily a guest lecture based classroom experience that relies on group discussions within a diverse cohort. It is a phenomenal entry point into the NBRI, and helps facilitate introductions to labs and potential research experience.