Molecular and cellular biology Ph.D. candidate Peaches Ulrich ’12 is using her expertise and research capabilities to fight the coronavirus pandemic.
Ulrich’s Ph.D. research at Arizona State University (ASU) is typically focused on immunology. Specifically, she studies the Human Papillomavirus (HPV), associated cancers, and the identification of cancer-targeting immune cells in order to develop new immunotherapy techniques.
However, Ulrich, like many scientists, has shifted her priorities during this global health crisis. As a medical researcher, Ulrich is equipped to help contain the spread of infection and make treatment and testing accessible for affected individuals. One way in which Ulrich and her team at ASU have stepped up to help is by making coronavirus testing kits for the Arizona community.
“I feel extremely privileged to have the opportunity to use my training to help during this time in any way that I can,” said Ulrich. “As scientists, we are continually working to discover new cures, improve treatments, and develop better diagnostic tools to prevent individuals from getting sick. It has been moving to see how scientists all around the world (including my team at ASU) have quickly come together to learn as much about this virus as possible to try and contribute to ending the pandemic.”
Ulrich described her time as a biology major at Whittier College “monumental.” As she continues both her educational and professional careers, Whittier remains a major part of her life. She keeps in touch with lifelong Poet pals; stays connected with Whittier faculty such as Associate Professor of Biology Sylvia López-Vetrone, who continues to mentor her even today; and her sister, Jaimis Ulrich ’15, is now the associate director of transfer admission at the College.
“As a student [at Whittier], the faculty never ceased to push me to be better and do better, not only in my studies but as an individual,” said Ulrich. It is clear that she has not abandoned her goal to be the best she can be, in science and in serving her community.
Prepared to graduate from ASU this year, Ulrich is in the process of applying to research hospitals and labs across the U.S., where she hopes to advance as an immunologist and continue pursuing her passion for the advancement of cancer treatments and preventative medicine.
