November 8, 2021

Just over 30% of UCLA’s undergraduates are the first in their families to go to a four-year college. Attaining a degree in higher education can open new pathways to fulfilling careers and the potential for social mobility.

Today, in recognition of First-Gen Day and STEM Day, UCLA Newsroom published “‘You belong’: How first-gen students have succeeded in STEM,” an article that features two of Life Sciences’ professors, Amander Clark and Pearl Quijada, both first-gen college students, now role models and leaders in life sciences research. Read this article, to learn about the particular challenges they faced and also some helpful advice.

• Amander Clark is professor and chair of molecular, cell and developmental biology, and vice-chair of the International Society for Stem Cell Research. Clark’s cellular and molecular research on “germline cells” (cells that give rise to egg and sperm, addresses certain types of infertility, and may offer new options for low-cost female contraceptives.
• Pearl Quijada is assistant professor of integrative biology and physiology. Quijada’s research aims to identify the key molecular steps and conditions needed for blood vessel development in the heart, which could lead to new treatments that repair damaged blood vessels after a heart attack.

For current UCLA first-gen students, check out UCLA’s First To Go, a valuable resource to help students navigate their way through UCLA and build a community.