Joshua J.
Graduate Ambassador at Cornell University
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
He/him/his
Graduate Program
Graduate Program: Biomedical and Biological Sciences, PH.D
Anticipated Graduation Date: 2023
Undergraduate
Institution: San Francisco State University
Major: Cellular and Molecular Biology
My Background
I am from Los Angeles and I went to undergrad in San Francisco. I have always had a curiosity about the nature of the natural world and I spent a large portion of my time as a child at the Natural History Museum and California Science Center in LA. It was far cry from low income area of LA were I was raised and it provided with a foundation in science that I carry with me now.
Why I chose Cornell
The individuals that were on the recruitment team when I visited Cornell spoke highly about the collaborative atmosphere, both socially and scientifically, at the university. Additionally, the research interests that I have matched very well with the faculty here which assured me that the science that I wanted to do was within reach.
My research interests
I am interested in the complex network that underpins the interactions between the human microbiome, the immune system and cancer. My research projects include: (1) delving into how gut microbes affect colorectal cancer initiation and progression and (2) uncovering how microbes that inhabit both tumors and the lower GI tract affect the efficacy of anti-cancer therapeutics such as immune checkpoint inhibitors.
My experience at Cornell
My experience at Cornell has been fantastic thus far. At Cornell, I have met incredible people and I have been able to conduct research that I find meaningful and hopefully, broadly impactful. Cornell has given me the opportunity to enhance my social, research, and mentoring acumen.
My advice for those exploring graduate school
Utilize your resources when exploring graduate school is my advice. Because there are a plethora of options with regards to universities and programs, asking questions and acquiring information is paramount when making these decisions. By asking them, you can make informed choices that set you up for future success.