The spring Women & Science event on March 13 celebrated the generosity of two Salk professors emeritae, Suzanne Bourgeois and Ursula Bellugi. Bourgeois established the Suzanne Bourgeois Women & Science Fund to advance the work of female Salk faculty while the Salk Trailblazer award was renamed in honor of Bellugi, who established an endowed fund to support those who have pioneered changes within the STEAM fields. At the event, Salk Professor Tatyana Sharpee gave a talk and fifteen scientists were awarded travel or professional development grants, while seven received Women & Science Special Awards. Three students were also recognized.
Featured Stories
- Kay Tye – Breaking down the brainKay Tye, the newest addition to Salk’s faculty, is a burst of energy who can chat about everything from the mysteries of the brain to the intricacies of a breakdance move. In this Q&A, she discusses her roundabout journey to science, her passion for mentorship and her love of life outside the lab.
- How to stop a killerPancreatic cancer is one of the most difficult cancers to detect and treat, in part because of an impenetrable "shield" that forms around the tumor. Salk scientists, many of whom have a personal connection to cancer, are leading the charge in new approaches to tackle this deadly disease.
- Travis Berggren – Working at the intersection of biology and technologySenior Staff Scientist Travis Berggren shares his path to Salk and his perspective on how advances in technology facilitate world-changing discoveries in genetics, neuroscience, cancer, immunology, plant biology and other areas.
- Graziana GattoPostdoctoral Fellow Graziana Gatto comes to Salk from Italy, bringing her passion for scientific outreach and keen insights into how various sensations-like pain, itching or touch-are processed by the brain.