MSJC Stem Cell Internships Launch Future Scientists into Elite Research Labs
4/22/2025
黑料不打烊 (MSJC) continues to transform students through life-changing internship opportunities in cutting-edge biomedical research labs, thanks to the college鈥檚 participation in the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Bridges to Stem Cell Research Internship Program. Under the guidance of Dr. Nick Reeves, Associate Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences, this prestigious internship prepares MSJC biology students for advanced degrees and impactful careers in science and medicine.
Each year, the internship committee selects outstanding students to complete a one-year, paid internship in research labs at institutions like the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences, UC San Diego (UCSD), and Cal State San Marcos (CSUSM). Interns gain professional experience in regenerative medicine, molecular biology, neuroscience, and genetics.
The 2024鈥�2025 MSJC intern cohort exemplifies the college鈥檚 mission to transform lives through opportunity and mentorship. Students like Ashley Berg, Kenneth Mu帽oz, and Angelina McCarron earned placements in some of the state's most prestigious research institutions.
Ashley Berg, of Murrieta, is currently interning at the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences, where she uses confocal microscopy and immunofluorescence to study neurodegenerative diseases. Berg credits MSJC鈥檚 affordability and faculty mentorship for helping her discover her passion for science.
"If it weren鈥檛 for MSJC, I never would have discovered my love for biology or had access to an opportunity like this,鈥� said Berg. "Taking biology with Dr. Reeves changed everything for me鈥擨 switched majors and found a path I truly love."
Kenneth Mu帽oz, a Perris resident and biology major, is conducting gene therapy research on diseased mouse models at UCSD鈥檚 School of Medicine. His work includes advanced techniques like ddPCR and electron microscopy. Mu帽oz, who hopes to become a pediatrician with an M.D./Ph.D., emphasized the role MSJC played in his journey.
鈥淢SJC helped me realize my full potential,鈥� Mu帽oz said. 鈥淔rom the classroom to the Learning Resource Center to the guidance of Dr. Reeves, I had a support system that believed in me and prepared me for this kind of research.鈥�
From left to right 鈥� Front row: Hannah Rosario and Angelina McCarron. Middle row:
Ashley Berg and Kenneth Mu帽oz. Top row: Joia Miller and Dr. Nick Reeves, Associate
Professor and Chair of Biological Sciences at MSJC.
MSJC biology students selected for the prestigious CIRM Stem Cell Internship gather
with faculty mentor Dr. Nick Reeves at the Temecula Valley Campus to reflect on their
research journeys and future goals.
Angelina McCarron, a San Diego resident, works in Dr. Kelly Frazer鈥檚 lab at UCSD and supports DNA sequencing projects at the Institute for Genomic Medicine. Her internship experience includes genome editing and modeling cardiac disorders using CRISPR-Cas9. McCarron is excited about the breadth of lab work she鈥檚 experienced so far.
"I first heard about the CIRM internship through MSJC鈥檚 Honors Program, and that moment truly changed my life," said McCarron. "MSJC gave me a place to explore research, grow my confidence, and ultimately compete for a spot in one of the most respected labs in the country."
Looking ahead to the 2025-2026 Interns Cohort, two exceptional students have been selected to begin their CIRM internships this summer:
Joia Miller of Murrieta will conduct research at UCSD and CSUSM in the CIRM Bridges Program while preparing for a career as a neurosurgeon and stem cell researcher. She shared, 鈥淢SJC gave me a chance, and the biology and anthropology/philosophy departments helped me focus my interests. The mentorship I鈥檝e received is unmatched.鈥�
Hannah Rosario, of Fallbrook, plans to pursue a Ph.D. and a future in academia. She looks forward to gaining lab experience and building resilience through challenges. Hannah says, 鈥淢SJC鈥檚 support, especially through the Honors Program and tutoring, made this internship possible.鈥�
Past and current stem cell interns expressed gratitude to Dr. Reeves, who has guided dozens of students through the application and research process, said, 鈥淭hese internships provide students with high-impact experiences typically only accessible at major universities. MSJC is proud to be a bridge for students into the world of advanced scientific research and graduate education.鈥�
MSJC鈥檚 commitment to Equity in Success empowers students to enter high-demand science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. The CIRM Bridges program is just one way the college helps students achieve academic excellence, build confidence, and shape a discovery-driven future.