She earned her BS from Stanford University and her Ph.D. at UCLA. Her previous studies focused on cell cycle molecules during the establishment, expansion, and maintenance of beta cell mass. During her junior professorship at the Hillblom Islet Research Center, she studied the role of DNA methylation in the differentiation of pancreatic progenitor cells and in the maintenance of beta cell identity. Currently, her lab focuses on cellular reprogramming with the goal of generating new beta cells as a potential therapeutic for patients with diabetes. Being at the bench is just like being at the boardroom; having people from diverse backgrounds expands the perspectives available to think about data, insights, problems, and solutions.