News

Dr. Sparks and Madeline Give a Talk at UCI’s SCRC Community Lecture Series!!

Recently, Dr. Nicole Sparks and Madeline Vera-Colon, a 3rd year PhD Student in our lab took center stage at the University of California, Irvine’s Stem Cell Research Center (SCRC) Community Lecture Series, sharing our lab’s work that merges stem cell research with toxicology. This innovative approach is poised to reshape how we address critical questions in toxicology.

During the lecture, Dr. Sparks and Madeline provided an engaging overview of our lab’s research, which focuses on understanding bone development by closely following osteoblast differentiation in a human embryonic stem cell model of osteogenesis and emphasizing the potential of stem cells as a powerful tool for understanding the impacts of various toxic substances on human health. By utilizing stem cells, we can create more accurate models that reflect human biological responses, enabling researchers to study toxicity in a way that traditional methods often cannot.

If you missed the lecture or would like to revisit the insightful discussion, you can watch it below:

Congratulations to Nneamaka on her Advancement!

We are excited to congratulate Nneamaka Iwobi, a dedicated third-year PhD student in Pharmaceutical Sciences, on her recent advancement! Nneamaka’s research focuses on the effects of endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), particularly Bisphenols, on bone development. A crucial area of study that addresses significant public health concerns.

Her research is not only timely but also vital in enhancing our understanding of how environmental factors influence skeletal health. Nneamaka’s work has the potential to shape future policies and lead to safer practices in consumer products, making a real difference in our lives.

As she continues to delve deeper into her research, we eagerly anticipate the insights she will uncover. Congratulations, Nneamaka! Your dedication and passion are inspiring, and we can’t wait to see all that you will achieve in the coming years.

Congratulations to Karishma for being selected as a 2023-2024 UCI UROP Fellow!

Congratulations to Karishma Khanal, a current undergraduate in our lab for having her proposal selected for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) Research Experience Fellowship (REF)! The REF provides recognition and funding for UCI undergraduate students in all disciplines in support of UCI faculty-mentored research and awardees will present their research at the Spring Research Symposium. Once again, congratulations Karishma on this amazing achievement!

Congratulations to Madeline for receiving the NIEHS Diversity Supplement Award!!

Today, we are thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Madeline Vera-Colón, a graduate student in the Sparks Lab, for receiving the NIEHS Diversity Supplement Award! The NIEHS Diversity Supplement Award, offered by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, aims to promote diversity in the scientific community and is a testament to Madeline’s exceptional commitment to her studies and her significant contributions to the field of environmental health research. Congratulations once again Madeline!

March for Babies!

Our team, the Sparks Lab is part of the movement to create positive change for moms and babies everywhere, especially those most at risk. With birth defects, preterm birth, and maternal death rates continuing to rise, we’re committed to raising funds and raising awareness so that every family gets the best possible start. And you can help us. Please visit our fundraising page to make a donation. Together we’ll be part of a movement to make America a more equitable place and ensure that every mom and baby is healthy. https://www.marchforbabies.org//team/sparkslab

Funded!

The Sparks Lab is NIH funded. So grateful to NIEHS for their support! Special shoutout to my PO Thaddeus Schug. This R00 award will provide funding for the lab over the next three years. I’m so thankful for the support of the NIH MOSAIC program helping start and grow my lab.