Johnathon Anderson attributes his involvement in the UC Davis Genetics Graduate Group to the extraordinary experience he had here as an undergraduate student. His peers, professors and academic environment had all culminated in his desire to pursue a doctorate in Genetics. Davis' reputation as a top research institution had also helped in shaping his decision, "UC Davis is one of the best Tier 1 research institutions in the nation, and is one of the most inviting atmospheres I've ever experienced. That's definitely a compelling combination," Anderson stated.

Anderson, a recipient of a National Science Foundation Fellowship during his senior year, works on campus in the lab of Dr. Jan Nolta, a world-renowned expert in stem cell research who directs UC Davis' Stem Cell research program as well as the new Institute for Regenerative Cures at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, Calif.

Together, Nolta and Anderson work on genetically engineering adult stem cells to be used as therapy for a neurodegenerative disorder called Huntington's disease, and a type of cardiovascular disease called peripheral arterial disease. "I'd like to make a significant impact on the lives of patients battling disease, and to help push the cutting edge of research in innovative, yet practical ways," answered Anderson on why he chose the fields of stem cell research and genetic engineering.

UC Davis has played a significant role in helping Anderson achieve these goals. "I've met some of the greatest people here and I've really been given the opportunity to ‘run with the ball’ in terms of research in just about every lab I've worked in here at UC Davis.” Networking with others is very important for Anderson, and Davis gives him the opportunity to do that. When making these connections, he stresses to build these friendships on the basis of trust, pointing out that it makes a stronger bond than just a name on a business card.

Davis also serves as the foundation for a new research group in the works. The "Human Genetics and Genomics Initiative" will raise UC Davis’ caliber of research on human disease, in part by using this platform as a means to recruit high level human geneticists,” said Anderson, strongly endorsing the initiative.

He will continue his research while debating whether to pursue a career in industry or academia. "Ideally I’d like to have a similar career to that of Dr. Kyriacos Athanasiou (UC Davis) or Dr. Robert Langer (MIT); straddling both industry and academia, which I anticipate will be a necessity to generate the novel therapeutics of tomorrow," said Anderson. "I love pursuing innovative research ideas, but ultimately I want to meaningfully touch the lives of people battling disease."

Photo credit: Whitney Cary.