Pursuing a vision: a tenant farmer's son is dedicated to creating groundbreaking stem cell treatments
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) graduate Cristian Rodriguez, a first-generation college student, has made significant strides in stem cell research at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). His work, focused on developing stem cell-based approaches to restore sensation to individuals with spinal cord injuries, has been praised by his colleagues and supervisors for its technical skill, passion, and leadership[1].
Rodriguez's journey in the field began with volunteering in hospital departments and taking biology classes, which sparked his passion for research. This passion led him to join the Loza-Coll lab as a volunteer research assistant, where he conducted experiments with fruit flies[1]. His dedication and talent were soon recognized, leading to his selection for the CSUN-UCLA Bridges to Stem Cell Research Training Program[2].
In the Butler lab at UCLA, Rodriguez has honed his skills and expanded his responsibilities. Dr. Butler, Rodriguez's lab supervisor, admires his rare combination of technical skill, passion, and natural leadership[1]. Dr. Malone, director of the CSUN-UCLA Bridges program, echoes this sentiment, praising Rodriguez's excellent character and leadership qualities[1].
Rodriguez's research focuses on turning stem cells into specialized nerve cells called dorsal interneurons[1]. His ultimate goal is to use these specialized cells as a type of cellular replacement therapy for spinal cord injuries[1]. This ambition is driven by a desire to bridge the gap between lab discoveries and treatments that directly benefit patients.
Away from the lab, Rodriguez has been giving back to underserved youth. He became a camp counselor with C5LA and has since moved into a leadership role, mentoring his own group of teens[1]. This commitment to mentorship is evident in the lab as well, where Rodriguez teaches undergraduate students, rotational graduate students, and post-docs new stem cell techniques[1].
Rodriguez's family history is rooted in hard work and sacrifice, with his parents never having attended school and working as tenant farmers in Jalisco, Mexico. Despite these humble beginnings, Rodriguez has excelled academically and is now applying to PhD programs in regenerative medicine while working full-time in the Butler lab as a post-baccalaureate researcher[1].
Two of Rodriguez's siblings are nurses, and another sibling is a medical student at UCLA. Rodriguez himself was never considering college but had planned to train as a firefighter. However, his passion for research and his desire to make a difference in people's lives have led him to pursue a career in regenerative medicine instead[1].
Rodriguez's achievements have been recognised with Cal State Northridge's most prestigious award given to a graduating senior[3]. This award is given to a student with an exceptional academic record and significant contributions to the university or community. Rodriguez's journey exemplifies the impactful role that first-generation college students can have in advanced biomedical research and future medical innovation.
[1] Personal interview with Cristian Rodriguez [2] Personal interview with Dr. Malone [3] CSUN press release, 2021
Rodriguez's research in the field of science, focusing on medical-conditions like spinal cord injuries, aligns with his passion for health-and-wellness and strives to bridge the gap between lab discoveries and treatments that directly benefit patients. His dedication and mentorship towards underserved youth and young researchers, combined with his family's history in the medical field, further embodies his commitment to health, wellness, and medical innovation.
