Kai Trepka is a UCSF Grad Slam 2025 Finalist
The Graduate Division’s popular annual research communications contest returned on April 2 as part of UCSF’s celebration of National Graduate Student Appreciation Week.
A panel of screening judges selected ten finalists. These PhD candidates shared their research stories in accessible 3-minute talks as they competed for cash prizes. Kai Trepka (pictured right) from the Biomedical Sciences Program, mentored by Peter Turnbaugh, was among the finalists. Kai’s impressive achievement highlights the innovative research and dedication of UCSF’s graduate students. Congratulations, Kai!
| | Architectural Firm Selected for the Quantitative Metabolite Analysis Center (QMAC) Expansion | |
The modernization and expansion of the Quantitative Metabolite Analysis Center (QMAC) at UCSF is moving forward, with the selection of the architectural firm Page Southerland Page, Inc. The firm has already drafted a conceptual design rendering of the space, marking a significant step in developing this state-of-the-art facility at our Parnassus Heights campus.
The state-of-the-science facility, covering 3,100 square feet, will centralize resources to optimize research efficiency and accessibility. Open to both intramural and extramural investigators, the facility will offer a centralized hub for innovative research, education, training, and diverse workforce development, while also focusing on energy efficiency and sustainability. The new facility will greatly enhance our capabilities to explore biological specimens at the molecular level, leveraging recent advancements in mass spectrometry. The facility is scheduled for completion in 2027.
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BCMM celebrates new space on Parnassus
In May 2025, BCMM hosted a social hour to celebrate the occupancy of our new space on the 11th floor of the Health Sciences East Building at Parnassus. The event provided an opportunity for our community to gather and explore the newly renovated space.
The BCMM now occupies approximately 6,500 square feet on HSE11 at the Parnassus campus, accommodating up to 6 research groups. This modern and spacious facility is designed to foster collaboration and innovation in a welcoming environment.
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New Rates for Genomics and Quantitative Metabolite Analysis Center (QMAC) Services
Effective July 1, 2025, the Microbial Genomics and Quantitative Metabolite Analysis Center (QMAC) facilities will use updates rates for services.
As a cost-effective resource dedicated to supporting basic, clinical, and translational science projects, the BCMM Technology Hubs adjust their pricing semi-annually to reflect current market trends and operational costs. Click here to view the new rates.
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The BCMM team is excited to announce a variety of upcoming events. The next BCMM retreat will take place on June 20-21st at the Chaminade Resort & Spa in Santa Cruz, CA. Join other UCSF trainees for coffee and snacks at our monthly Bugs N Brew sessions to socialize, share your work, and brainstorm new activities. Don’t miss our monthly Microbiome Ignite Talks to hear the latest research from your peers.
View here the complete list of upcoming events.
| | | | Integrated Host/Microbe (IHM) Metagenomics of the Lower Airway to Diagnose Pediatric Respiratory Infections, Identify Etiologic Pathogens, and Predict Outcomes, NIAID | | | | A pilot trial of skin barrier restoration to reduce systemic inflammation, NIAMSD | | | | Epidemiology of the gut-liver axis and hepatocellular carcinoma risk in a multiethnic liver cirrhosis cohort: defining the role of bacteria, metabolites, and glycoproteins, NCI | | Gabriella Fragiadakis, PhD | | | Data Management and Analysis Core (DMAC), NIAID | | | | Effects of the oral microbiome on Adverse Outcomes of Pediatric Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation, NIDCR | | | |
Preclinical Development of Protoporphyrin-Producing Escherichia Coli as a Prophylaxis for Anaphylaxis, Catalyst Award, UCSF
Gut microbiome composition and treatment-induced fatigue and peripheral neuropathy in cancer patients, School of Nursing Intramural Research, UCSF
| | | | The Hernandez and Collins group are looking for an expert in the microbiome willing to shift gears to study the effects of gut microbiome on osteoarthritis. | | | | The Benioff Center for Microbiome Medicine (BCMM) is seeking a Junior/Assistant Specialist to join our Microbial Genomics team and contribute to new and ongoing projects. | | | | The Scharschmidt lab is seeking a key team member to support lab management and ongoing research projects on the interface between commensal microbes and the skin immune system. | | | | The Krummel lab is seeking a specialist in computational, data analytics, and systems immunology. | | | | The Nayak Lab is recruiting postdocs and technicians. The team aims to understand the mechanisms by which the gut microbiome impacts the treatment of rheumatic disease. | | | | The Turnbaugh lab is seeking a Specialist (Junior, Assistant, Associate, or Full) to join our team and support ongoing projects. Their research focuses on the human gut microbiome’s role in treating chronic and infectious diseases and bacteriophages as a means to alter the microbiome. | | | | |