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Ahmadian Fellowship

Dr. Maryam Ahmadian Memorial Summer Fellowship Program

Summer research fellowships are available in Metabolic Disease for deserving and committed UC San Diego undergraduates focused on obesity, diabetes, and related disorders. Ten week stipends will be available for selected candidates to work in laboratories at UCSD or the Salk Institute led by principal investigators who are members in good standing of the UCSD Diabetes Research Center.

How to Apply

Applications should be emailed to: saltieladmin@health.ucsd.edu

Applications deadline to submit has been closed.

Please attach a curriculum vitae and a one-page personal statement that includes information about research experience, interests, and goals. Candidates will be selected and matched with faculty researchers based on research interest, commitment, experience, and academic qualifications.

About Maryam Ahmadian, PhD

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Maryam Ahmadian, PhD
(1982–2020)

Maryam Ahmadian graduated from UC San Diego in 2004 with a B.S. in Biochemistry as a Regents Scholar. After discovering a passion for research while working in a laboratory as an undergraduate, she attended graduate school at UC Berkeley, receiving her Ph.D. in 2010 in Metabolic Biology. Working under the supervision of Professor Hei Sook Sul, she made seminal contributions to our understanding of how fat cells are regulated, publishing several ground-breaking studies in the highest impact journals.

In 2011, she joined the laboratory of Ron Evans at the Salk Institute, where she continued to excel in studying the basic aspects of fat cell biology, explaining how living organisms respond to cold stress. Unfortunately, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 colon cancer in 2014, but nevertheless advanced scientific knowledge and published several impactful papers in top international journals-- a testament to her determination and commitment as a scientist.

In 2017, she joined the Saltiel laboratory as an Assistant Professor. Maryam led a dedicated group of students and postdoctoral fellows, continuing to study the underlying basis of obesity and type 2 diabetes. During her short career, Maryam won numerous awards and fellowships, and traveled throughout the world to present her work at scientific conferences. As an outstanding scientist, excellent collaborator, wonderful teacher, and thoughtful leader in the field, she was well on her way to developing an international reputation.

 

Dr. Maryam Ahmadian Memorial Endowment

To provide financial support, through research scholarships for students to pursue research opportunities within the Diabetes Research Center. Contributions to the fund can be made at:

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2024 Fellowship Recipients

Congratulations to the Recipients of 2024 Dr. Maryam Ahmadian Memorial Summer Fellowship Program!

We are pleased to announce the fourth class of Ahmadian Scholars for the summer of 2024. After receiving over 42 applications from stellar candidates, six UC, San Diego undergraduate students were selected to participate in the research program. These six students will carry out research projects in the laboratories of Diabetes Research Center investigators this summer.

  • Harshitha Palacharla

    Harshitha Palacharla

    Harshitha Palacharla is a first-year undergraduate and medical school aspirant, majoring in Molecular and Cellular Biology at UCSD. Her interest in metabolic signaling pathways began with research in UC Irvine's COSMOS program, where she investigated pharmacological and genetic approaches to colorectal cancer inhibition. At UCSD, Harshitha was given the opportunity to join the Komor Lab under the Regents Scholarship Research Initiative, where she studied the mechanisms of base editing and its therapeutic potential for genetic diseases. Outside of school, Harshitha enjoys singing Indian classical (Carnatic) music and staying up to date with current events.
  • Daniel Xu

    Daniel Xu

    Daniel Xu is an incoming fourth-year studying general biology at UCSD. Daniel developed interests in digestion, metabolism, and cell signaling during his time in the Shao Lab and hopes to continue researching how different signaling molecules and diets affect various metabolic systems and pathways in the body. Outside of the lab, Daniel enjoys hiking, climbing, and photography.
  • Liana Melikian

    Liana Melikian

    Liana Melikian is a fourth-year undergraduate majoring in Human Biology and Public Health with a minor in Business Economics. Over the summer, she will study the role of glycogen in hepatic glucose metabolism. Outside of the lab, Liana enjoys hiking, traveling, and cooking. Liana is the president of the Hiking Group at UC San Diego and an active member of the Armenian Students Association.
  • Matthew Le

    Matthew Le

    Matthew Le is a third-year undergraduate studying global health. Matthew has two minors: one in marine sciences, and the other in supply chain management. He conducts research with the Salk Institute for Biological Studies and the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. His passion for research lies in its translation to real and actionable initiatives. Matthew is also a member of Moot Court at UC San Diego, and in his free-time loves to surf, play tennis, and listen to music!
  • Xiaoyin Zhu

    Xiaoyin Zhu

    Xiaoyin Zhu is a sophomore studying Human Biology and Cognitive neuroscience, with a passion for understanding the complexities of human mind and body. Besides her academic and lab commitments, Xiaoyin volunteers in the MCC department at UC San Diego Health, contributing to community health initiatives. In her free time, she enjoys movies, music, puzzles, and exploring different things. In the future, she wants to work in the medical field and have her own pets!
  • Connor Reynoso Spurrier

    Connor Reynoso Spurrier

    Connor Reynoso Spurrier is a third-year undergraduate majoring in General Biology and a minor in Music at UC San Diego. This summer, he will work under the guidance of Dr. Simon Schenk to contribute to the expanding field of metabolic biology. In addition to his passion for biology, Connor loves to write, perform, and record music with his band, rosetintedglasses.