Galileo Circle Scholarship Award Winners

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Major: B.S. MCB 

What was your reaction when you learned you were the award winner?  

When I found out I received the Galileo award, I was so excited and grateful! 

Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time at MCB that you believe influenced your journey to receiving this award? 

I believe my two semesters of experience as a teaching assistant played a significant role in earning this award. Teaching has always been the primary motivation behind my pursuit of a PhD, and having the opportunity to gain experience, even early in my graduate career, has only deepened my passion and expanded my perspective on the importance of making science accessible, which I believe is equally important to research. 

Who or what has been the biggest source of inspiration or support for you during your university journey?  

My biggest source of inspiration has been my lab. Being surrounded everyday by such intelligent, hardworking, and passionate individuals continually motivates me to be a better scientist. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

I plan to begin a postdoctoral fellowship so that I can become closer to achieving my goal of working as a professor. 

How do you plan to utilize what you've learned at university and in MCB in your future endeavors? 

Being part of MCB has shown me the value of broad, interdisciplinary knowledge. Engaging with perspectives outside my own field has sparked creative connections in my research that I might not have discovered otherwise. 

Bella Lee 

B.S. MCB , Minors, Statistics & Data Science and Biochemistry

What was your reaction when you learned you were the award winner?  

I was so excited to hear that I had been selected as a Galileo Scholar. It was a really validating moment, both for all of my past experiences in service and scholarship within MCB and for the effort I put into my research. 

Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time at MCB that you believe influenced your journey to receiving this award? 

So many moments from the past year come back to me when I reflect on how research has become inseparable to my undergraduate experience. Equally as much as my classes and the work that I do in the lab has impacted me, though, the people around me have shaped so much of my journey through MCB. My incredible mentors, professors, and peers continually inspire me to explore and think outside of the box. This support and encouragement has contributed so much to the student and researcher I am today. 

Who or what has been the biggest source of inspiration or support for you during your university journey?  

My graduate mentor Raymond Hon has been a huge inspiration and support throughout my journey in MCB. He even encouraged me to apply for this scholarship! I’m always super grateful to have a mentor who will foster my curiosity while pushing me to be independent and rigorous in my work. His brilliance and passion for science are incredibly inspiring, and I’m excited to continue learning from him in the last few years of my undergraduate career. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

After graduation, I hope to pursue an MD/PhD. I want to explore science at the forefront of clinical care and use my passion and knowledge to help push these boundaries further. 

How do you plan to utilize what you've learned at university and in MCB in your future endeavors? 

Being in MCB has greatly shaped the way I view and understand science. I’m excited to grow the skills I’ve built over the past few years to tackle more of the big questions in human health. 

Carmen Sanchez Moreno 

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B.S. MCB and Computer Science 

What was your reaction when you learned you were the award winner?  

I was very happy to belong to the Galileo Circle Scholars program. 

Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time at MCB that you believe influenced your journey to receiving this award? 

Having the opportunity to get involved in a research lab so early into my MCB degree has greatly influenced my journey to receiving this award. I remember the time when our lab first began to look into the process of cellular condensations that opened a whole new world of research to us. 

Who or what has been the biggest source of inspiration or support for you during your university journey? Tell me a bit about why! 

The biggest support and inspiration has been my PI, Dr. Badyaev. His passion for research and finding answers to the most intriguing questions inspired me to think out of the box and seek answers to the most fundamental processes that govern developmental biology. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

I plan on continuing my learning and research experience by enrolling in a master's program and hopefully having the chance to expand my ideas on my project. 

How do you plan to utilize what you've learned at university and in MCB in your future endeavors? 

What I consider to be the most important thing that I have learnt in MCB is to be curious and have the courage to ask questions about the world around me. 

I am from Spain and the opportunity to engage in a research program that excites me is why I came to the University of Arizona.  

Erika Haws 

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B.S. MCB 

What was your reaction when you learned you were the award winner?  

When I learned that I had been awarded the Galileo Circle scholarship, I felt an overwhelming sense of excitement and gratitude. It was incredibly meaningful to have my work and potential recognized by such a prestigious community. This award not only affirms my passion for science but also motivates me to continue pushing the boundaries of my research and academic goals. I am deeply honored to be part of the Galileo Circle and am excited for the opportunities and connections that this recognition will bring. 

Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time at MCB that you believe influenced your journey to receiving this award? 

One memorable experience from my time in MCB that influenced my journey was during my first semester as an undergraduate after transferring to the University of Arizona. I took a class with Dr. Joyce Schroeder, and on the very first day, she made a point to encourage the female students to speak up. She shared a study showing that women and girls often speak less in academic settings, and emphasized that our voices, opinions, and perspectives were valuable and expected to be part of the conversation. That moment stayed with me. It gave me the confidence to be more engaged, advocate for myself, and pursue opportunities that I might have otherwise hesitated to seek out. That encouragement to step forward and participate fully has been a guiding force in my academic journey and contributed to my growth as a scientist, ultimately leading to honors like the Galileo Circle Scholarship. 

Who or what has been the biggest source of inspiration or support for you during your university journey? Tell me a bit about why! 

Throughout my academic journey, my biggest source of inspiration and support has been my sisters, Chelsea and Courtney. They have always believed in my potential and encouraged me to pursue my education wholeheartedly. We grew up together in the foster care system, and that experience taught us the importance of perseverance and looking out for one another. Their unwavering support — whether it was celebrating my successes or lifting me up during difficult times — has been instrumental in helping me reach where I am today. Having them in my corner has made all the difference in my academic and personal growth. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

After graduation, I plan to pursue a career as a principal investigator (PI). I am passionate about research, but I also find a lot of joy and fulfillment in teaching and mentoring undergraduate students. Being able to guide and inspire the next generation of scientists is incredibly important to me, and I hope to build a career that balances meaningful research with a strong commitment to education and mentorship. 

How do you plan to utilize what you've learned at university and in MCB in your future endeavors? 

The education and experiences I've gained through the university and the MCB department have given me a strong foundation in scientific thinking, problem-solving, and communication — all of which I plan to carry into my future career. As I move forward, I will continue building on these skills, not only in my research but also in how I mentor and teach students. I want to create an environment where curiosity, persistence, and collaboration are encouraged — values that were modeled for me throughout my time at MCB. 

Isaiah Toth 

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B.S. MCB 

What was your reaction when you learned you were the award winner?  

I was genuinely surprised and incredibly honored when I found out I was selected for the Galileo Circle Scholarship. It was one of those moments where everything paused for a second—I just felt really thankful. To be recognized in this way, especially among so many talented students, was both humbling and exciting. It reminded me that the hard work I’ve put into my studies and research is paying off, and it gave me a renewed sense of motivation to keep pushing forward. 

Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time at MCB that you believe influenced your journey to receiving this award? 

One of the most defining moments in my time at MCB was meeting my mentor, Dr. Pascale Charest, during my first year as a PhD student. At the time, I was stepping into graduate school with a mix of excitement and uncertainty, unsure of what the years ahead would bring and quietly battling imposter syndrome. From our very first meeting, Pascale made me feel like I belonged. Her confidence in me helped quiet those doubts and allowed me to start seeing myself as a scientist. Since then, she has continued to challenge and encourage me in all the right ways—pushing me to grow, think critically, and constantly strive for better. Her mentorship has been a cornerstone of my development, and I truly believe her guidance played a major role in leading me to this award 

Who or what has been the biggest source of inspiration or support for you during your university journey?  

My dad has been my greatest source of inspiration and support throughout my university journey. No matter what stage I was in—whether I was celebrating a big win or navigating a tough moment—he’s always been there with unwavering encouragement. His belief in me, even when I doubted myself, has kept me grounded and motivated. Knowing I could always count on him made all the difference, especially during the most challenging parts of graduate school. His constant presence, support, and quiet strength have been a guiding force behind everything I’ve achieved. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

After graduation, I plan to continue my career in academia with the goal of one day establishing my own research lab focused on developing new therapeutic strategies for cancer. I’m especially interested in bridging the gap between basic biology and translational medicine—advancing our understanding of cancer at the molecular level while also contributing to meaningful, real-world treatments. Beyond the research, I’ve discovered how much joy I find in teaching and mentoring students. I want to be the kind of professor who not only challenges and supports their students academically but also helps them grow into confident, capable scientists—just as so many mentors have done for me. 

How do you plan to utilize what you've learned at university and in MCB in your future endeavors? 

MCB has provided me with more than just a strong scientific foundation—it’s given me a model for what a truly supportive and intellectually rich research environment can look like. It’s a place where ideas are freely shared, curiosity is encouraged, and mistakes are seen as a natural and valuable part of the learning process. That combination of rigor and psychological safety has been key to my growth as a scientist, and it’s something I deeply value. As I move forward in my career, I hope to carry that same spirit into my own future lab—creating a space where students and researchers feel empowered to ask bold questions, take risks, and grow through both their successes and their setbacks. 

Kaia Mount 

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B.S. MCB, Minor in Chemistry 

What was your reaction when you learned you were the award winner?  

I was surprised. With the caliber of students in the MCB department, I was not expecting to receive the scholarship. Besides the award, I was most thankful for the validation of all of my hard work and for a glimmer of hope that I am doing what I am supposed to in working towards my feature. 

Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time at MCB that you believe influenced your journey to receiving this award? 

My highlight of the MCB department has been the people within it. I have met some of my best friends in the major, starting with our freshman colloquium class and MCB chemistry tutoring, continuing with classes and clubs. The faculty that I have gotten the chance to know have also been so inspirational and insightful in their fields, and it is an honor to know them. 

Who or what has been the biggest source of inspiration or support for you during your university journey?  

My parents have been my biggest support system through college and throughout my whole life. From my walking phone calls, helping support me financially through college, and facetiming them to see my dogs and talk me down about how stressful my life is, they are my biggest cheerleaders, and I am eternally grateful for all that they do for me. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

After graduation, I plan to attend graduate school, hopefully back in California, and earn my PhD in molecular biology in order to pursue a career in genetic and stem cell therapy research. 

How do you plan to utilize what you've learned at university and in MCB in your future endeavors? 

The content that I have learned through my classes during my MCB degree has made me fall even more in love with the subject matter and has strengthened my inspiration to continue research and learning in the field. 

I have also had the opportunity to participate in undergraduate research through the MCB department. Working in a research lab has solidified my passion for scientific discovery, as I observe researchers designing experiments, solving problems, and advancing knowledge. Lab work has become the highlight of my day, a space where I find clarity, purpose, and inspiration. 

Marc Garcia 

B.S. MCB, Minor in East Asian Studies 

What was your reaction when you learned you were the award winner?  

After submitting my application for this scholarship, every morning waiting for the decision was filled with excitement and nerves. My phone was always the first item I reached for so I could check my email for notifications. Each day that passed without a decision served to increase my anxiousness. When I finally received the acceptance email, I felt a brief sense of relief followed by a strong feeling of accomplishment. 

Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time at MCB that you believe influenced your journey to receiving this award? 

An experience from MCB that inspired my journey to this award are the memories that came from my first research poster presentation. After my first summer in the Schroeder lab, I was tasked with creating a poster summary of my work and I remember being extremely nervous to present it to anyone. However, when time came for the event, many members from my lab showed up to support and encourage me as I talked about the research I had so passionately worked on throughout the summer. Their support instilled in me the confidence to be a researcher and apply for academic awards such as this one. 

Who or what has been the biggest source of inspiration or support for you during your university journey?  

My research mentors and MCB faculty have been the best support system I could ever ask for. Dr. Joyce Schroeder, Ryan Hecksel, and the entire lab for that matter have all been instrumental in my growth not only as a scientist, but as a student too. They provide me with advice when I am stuck, and crack jokes in times of distress such as a failed experiment. Without them, I am not sure I would be as passionate about research as I am today. I cannot leave out Kara Dyson and Justin Schneider who have continued to guide me through my academic journey from the very beginning. As a first-generation student, they have shown me the ropes of higher education and proven that I can accomplish whatever I set my mind to. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

After graduation, I plan to apply for both MDPhD and MD programs across the country. My current interests revolve around cancer biology, and I hope to contribute to the field through both clinical and wet lab applications. 

How do you plan to utilize what you've learned at university and in MCB in your future endeavors? 

Through my study of biochemical and molecular biology topics, I plan to contribute to both the scientific and medicine communities. While these two groups are closely tied, each utilizes their knowledge in unique ways to create innovative breakthroughs for society. I will use what I have learned in MCB constantly as I chase higher education after graduation. 

Anything else? 

I also would like to thank the MARC program for introducing me to the amazing world of research. Cindy Neal and Katrina Miranda are two of the most amazing people I have ever met, and they have been more than just directors of the program. They are great people and I owe all the opportunities I have been granted to them. 

Natalie Rawlings 

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B.S. MCB, B.A. Biochemistry 

What was your reaction when you learned you were the award winner?  

I was delighted and honored to have received this award! My involvement in MCB has shaped the trajectory of my entire career, and I was truly so grateful to receive recognition for my efforts. 

Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time at MCB that you believe influenced your journey to receiving this award? 

A memorable experience I have from working with the MCB department has been founding the Undergraduate Journal Club. It has been so meaningful to connect with so many other brilliant students on campus over a shared passion for science and research. My advisor, Kara Dyson, helped me get this club off the ground and has continued to support us. We recently put on the annual BECUR conference, and I am so grateful for all of the work my club, Kara, Dr. Gutenkunst (our keynote speaker), our presenters, and everyone else connected with MCB to make for a successful conference! 

Who or what has been the biggest source of inspiration or support for you during your university journey? Tell me a bit about why! 

My biggest source of inspiration/support is the opportunity to work extensively in a lab. I currently work in the Capaldi Lab and have worked there since the first semester of my freshman year, and it has given me the confidence to think independently as a scientist and pursue all of the big ideas that I have for the future. The support of UBRP, my PI Dr. Andrew Capaldi, and my graduate student mentor Jeaho Lim have helped me realize my passion for research and science. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

I plan to pursue an MDPhD with the ultimate goal of developing precision therapeutics for patients with rare diseases. 

How do you plan to utilize what you've learned at university and in MCB in your future endeavors? 

My involvement on campus has fundamentally altered the trajectory of my career. Not only have I developed the ability to think independently as a scientist, but I have grown significantly as a leader. I feel that I have become more confident in myself and feel empowered to explore and express all of my ideas! The support I've received from MCB, CBC, UBRP, the Honors College, and so many other organizations on campus have helped turn my dreams into reality. In my future endeavors, I hope to move forward with this same sense of confidence in my own capabilities and willingness to creatively explore ideas. 

Ryan Hecksel 

B.S. MCB 

What was your reaction when you learned you were the award winner?  

I was excited! This award will really help alleviate financial stress associated with graduate school. 

Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time at MCB that you believe influenced your journey to receiving this award? 

My entire research journey as a PhD student has influenced my ability to receive this reward, it's too difficult to pick just one moment. I have always felt supported by this department and by my entire lab. 

Who or what has been the biggest source of inspiration or support for you during your university journey?  

My PI, Joyce Schroeder, is a big source of inspiration for my scientific career. She is a great leader, extremely perseverant, and deeply cares about mentoring and teaching students. 

What are your plans after graduation? 

I plan to work for a pharmaceutical company 

How do you plan to utilize what you've learned at university and in MCB in your future endeavors? 

Some of the best skills that I have learned during my PhD program have been how to critically evaluate complex topic, and improvements in my abilities to give presentations on my work. These skills will definitely carry over to my future endeavors. 

Zach Williamson