Sasha Smolgovaky

Class of 2018

Education: BS and MS in Biological Sciences at Cal Poly

 

Biography

Sasha is interested in stem cell research because she believes it is a discipline with incredible potential that can be used to solve many of the medical problems we face today. We have only recently begun exploring this area of biology, and she wants to participate in the continued development and application of this research. She is specifically interested in the applications of regenerative medicine in cancer biology. Following completion of the program, she wants to contribute to the field in an industry setting, preferably in a company that focuses on cancer immunotherapy.

Sasha is working with Ann-Sophie Walravens in the Research and Process Development departments of Capricor Therapeutics in Beverly Hills, CA. Her project focuses on investigating the immunoreactivity of extracellular vesicles (EVs), a potential cell therapy. This is relevant to any application of EVs in treating disease, as it elucidates whether EVs modulate the immune system in a way that is therapeutically beneficial.