Allison Najafi is one of this year’s recipients of the Achievement Rewards For College Scientists (ARCS) for graduate students. The ARCS scholar award is intended to provide additional financial support for exceptional graduate students from qualifying institutions. Mrs. Najafi works in the laboratory of Dr. Kim Green where her project focuses on characterizing a novel microglia stem/progenitor cell population, and assessing whether or not these microglia stem/progenitor cells can be utilized for therapeutic purpose for diseases of the central nervous system. The award will help Allison complete her thesis project, and provide her with the opportunity to network with various other ARCS awardees and alumni.
Founded in 1958 by a group of visionary women volunteers, the ARCS Foundation seeks to further advance science and technology in the United States by providing financial assistance to exceptional U.S. citizens studying to complete degrees in STEM fields. ARCS works in close collaboration with universities across the U.S., and is comprised of over 1500 women volunteer members of 17 regional foundations, including ones in Orange County, Los Angeles and San Diego.