TEMECULA, CA — The
California Institute of Regenerative Medicine
is the first-ever taxpayer-funded agency in the United States dedicated to accelerating the development of innovative cell and gene therapies to treat a vast array of diseases.
The institute also offers college students life-changing internship opportunities in biomedical research laboratories, and
students from Mt. San Jacinto College
are among the beneficiaries.
The Bridges to the Stem Cell Research Program, funded by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine, has placed outstanding MSJC biology students in one-year, paid internships with host labs across the region, including the Salk Institute for Biological Sciences, UC San Diego, and Cal State San Marcos.
The program is designed to provide interns with professional experience in regenerative medicine, molecular biology, neuroscience, and genetics, helping them prepare for advanced degrees and careers in science and medicine.
The 2024–2025 MSJC intern cohort exemplifies the program. Students like Ashley Berg, Kenneth Muñoz, and Angelina McCarron earned placements in some of the state’s most prestigious research institutions.
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’s affordability and faculty mentorship for helping her discover her passion for science.
“If it weren’t for MSJC, I never would have discovered my love for biology or had access to an opportunity like this,” Berg said. “Taking biology with Dr. Reeves changed everything for me — I switched majors and found a path I truly love.”
Dr. Nick Reeves is an MSJC associate professor and chair of biological sciences. He is also an important mentor, according to the students.
For example, Perris resident Kenneth Muñoz is a biology major. He is conducting gene therapy research on diseased mouse models at the University of California, San Diego’s School of Medicine. His work includes advanced techniques like ddPCR and electron microscopy.
Muñoz, who hopes to become a pediatrician with an M.D./Ph.D., emphasized the role MSJC played in his journey.
“MSJC helped me realize my full potential,” Muñoz said. “From 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.”
Angelina McCarron, a San Diego resident, works in Dr. Kelly Frazer’s 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 said she is excited about the breadth of lab work she’s experienced so far.
“I first heard about the CIRM internship through MSJC’s Honors Program, and that moment truly changed my life,” McCarron said. “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.
“MSJC gave me a chance, and the biology and anthropology/philosophy departments helped me focus my interests,” Miller said. “The mentorship I’ve received is unmatched.”
Hannah Rosario of Fallbrook plans to pursue a Ph.D. and a future in academia. She said she looks forward to gaining lab experience and building resilience through challenges.
“MSJC’s support, especially through the Honors Program and tutoring, made this internship possible,” Rosario said.
Dr. Reeves, who has guided dozens of students through the internship application and research process, said, “These 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.”
MSJC has campuses in Banning, Menifee, San Jacinto, and Temecula.
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Prestigious Lab Internships Benefit Budding Scientists In RivCo
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