Local Student Participates in Amgen Scholars Program

SAN BERNARDINO>> While some students took a break from classwork during the summer, California State University, San Bernardino senior Sarah Ruddle decided to do something different. Ruddle spent 10 weeks at Stanford University, participating in the Amgen Foundation’s prestigious Amgen Scholars Program, conducting hands-on, cutting edge research. “My participation in the Amgen scholars program at Stanford was the most enriching experience of my life,” Ruddle said. “The program confirmed my desire to pursue a Ph.D. in science and left me feeling ready for grad school.” Ruddle, who plans to graduate in June 2017 with a bachelor’s degree in biology, was one of nearly 360 students globally accepted to the program this year from more than 5,000 applicants. The program works with 17 leading educational and research institutions across the U.S., Europe and Japan to host scholars in research labs. Ruddle’s work at Stanford involved working in the university’s department of pathology under the direction of Matthew Bogyo, a professor of pathology, microbiology and immunology, involving novel drug target identification in Plasmodium falciparum, the causative agent of malaria. "Ruddle is a Maximizing Access to Research Careers scholar at CSUSB," said Paul Orwin, a professor of biology at CSUSB. "MARC is a grant-based honors program funded by the National Institutes of Health to CSUSB professor Sanders McDougall, which provides an excellent research opportunity for minority students seeking a Ph.D. in a health-related field." Orwin praised Ruddle for her hard work in the classroom and especially as a researcher. “She is tremendously capable, very bright and ambitious in the best sense of the word,” Orwin said. “In fact, her research helped her excel in the classroom.” Since 2006, the Amgen Scholars Program has provided hands-on research opportunities under world-renowned faculty mentors to more than 3,100 undergraduate students. More than 95 percent of the program’s alumni who have completed their bachelor’s degree are currently pursuing an advanced degree or career in a scientific field. “The Amgen Foundation believes that an intense summer research experience can play a pivotal role in shaping future scientific careers,” said Eduardo Cetlin, president of the Amgen Foundation. “We are excited to welcome 359 talented students as this year’s Amgen Scholars, and to have them join our growing body of program alumni.” In addition to her individual research experience, Ruddle, along with the other Stanford University Amgen Scholars, attended the U.S. summer symposium hosted at UCLA and Amgen in July. This invaluable opportunity allowed Ruddle the opportunity to meet fellow scholars at other institutions, discuss their research projects, learn about biotechnology and hear firsthand from leading industry and academic scientists.