This summer, the Translational Imaging Lab at the UCI Cancer Center welcomed an exceptional group of students—from high school to graduate school—to join our mission of advancing cancer research through cutting-edge imaging science.
Under the mentorship of our faculty and researchers, participants engaged in hands-on projects spanning biomedical engineering, biological sciences, mathematics, and computational modeling. They applied innovative imaging technologies to address urgent challenges in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
Our 2025 cohort represented diverse academic backgrounds and institutions, including UC Irvine, New York University, North Carolina A&T State University, the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa, and local high schools. Through the Summer UROP Fellowship, BioSci 199 research courses, UCI SOM-HBCU Summer Program and clinical training programs, these students explored translational imaging applications—from laboratory investigations to potential clinical impact.
We are proud of their dedication, curiosity, and collaborative spirit. Their contributions strengthen our lab’s vision to bridge engineering, imaging science, and clinical medicine, paving the way for the next generation of leaders in cancer research.
In addition to completing their individual projects, our summer scholars actively contributed to a collaborative effort with PIs Dr. Zhuoli Zhang and Dr. Vahid Yaghmai, working alongside Cancer Center Director Dr. Richard Van Etten to prepare an NIH P01 supplementary proposal.
Dr. Zhang shared: “It has been inspiring to see these students contribute meaningfully to high level research efforts, bringing fresh ideas and energy to our mission.”
Dr. Yaghmai noted: “Their enthusiasm and commitment to scientific discovery are exactly what we need to drive innovation in cancer imaging and therapy.”
We also extend our gratitude to PI Dr. Lydia Su for mentoring Kayla Houston, a fellow in the UCI SOM-HBCU Summer Program, and to PI Dr. Nadine Abi-Jaoudeh for training and supporting Rebecca Joy Simbol.
Dr. Su remarked: “Kayla’s work this summer reflects the strong potential of building diverse pipelines for the future of biomedical research.”
Finally, Dr. Zhang would like to share the kind words from the Cancer Center leadership:
“It is great to see that you have such an active and thriving summer research program.” “The CFCCC greatly appreciates your tireless efforts to mentor and inspire the next generation of cancer researchers.”
We look forward to seeing where our scholars’ journeys take them and remain committed to fostering opportunities that unite science, innovation, and mentorship.