In a significant advancement for diabetes research and diversity in science, Gabriela Pacheco Sanchez, a postdoctoral fellow in the lab of Assistant Professor Dequina Nicholas, has received a 2024-25 LIFT-UP pilot study award. This funding is part of the UCLA LIFT-UP initiative, aimed at fostering the talents of underrepresented scientists and physicians by providing vital institutional support.
Under the mentorship of Assistant Professor Dequina Nicholas, Gabriela’s project titled “Relationship of lipids and inflammation in diabetes in minority health populations” has been selected for its innovative approach and potential impact on minority health. The LIFT-UP program, funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), awards $40,000 to support her research from June 2024 through May 2025.
The UCLA LIFT-UP initiative is a branch of the BRIDGES consortium, which is backed by multiple NIH offices, including the Office of Disease Prevention, Office of Nutrition Research, Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research, and the Office of the Chief Officer for Scientific Workforce Diversity. This consortium focuses on increasing diversity, growth, equity and scholarship in fields critical to public health such as obesity, nutrition, and diabetes.
This award not only highlights Gabriela’s promising research but also underscores the importance of diverse perspectives in tackling complex health issues. Congratulations to Gabriela Pacheco Sanchez on receiving this funding, which promises to contribute significantly to the understanding of diabetes in minority populations.