Undergraduate researcher Azucena “Zucy” Virgen and associate professor Celina Juliano discussed their collaborative work in regenerative biology, according to an April 28 announcement from University of California, Davis. Their partnership was featured on the monthly talk show ‘Face to Face With Chancellor May.’
The discussion emphasizes the importance of mentorship and federal funding in advancing scientific discovery and training future scientists. The episode showcases how foundational research, such as studying hydra regeneration, may not provide immediate profit but creates opportunities for medical breakthroughs.
Virgen shared her early interest in science that developed into a passion for research after learning about hydra. “I took a zoology class in high school and learned about hydra and how they could regenerate,” Virgen said. “I thought this was absolutely incredible.” Now working in Juliano’s lab, she studies how hydras rebuild lost body parts through molecular signaling pathways. “My project is focused on how the injury response to close the wound is coupled to repatterning the organism,” Virgen said.
Juliano described the role of federal support: “Federal funding is not only fueling basic research but it’s also allowing me to train the next generation of scientists.” Chancellor Gary S. May agreed with this perspective: “If you were funded by industry, they would have different constraints and time frames on basic research than federal funding certainly has.”
University California Davis extends its research efforts globally to address issues like climate change and food security according to the official website. The university features facilities such as the Bodega Marine Laboratory for coastal research according to its official website, has achieved top national rankings in agriculture, veterinary medicine, and sustainability according to its official website, began as an extension of UC Berkeley focused on agriculture according to its official website, focuses on serving societal needs through education and public service according to its official website, and Gary May served as chancellor according to its official website.
As conversations continue nationwide about supporting scientific innovation through public investment, May’s program highlights both discoveries being made at UC Davis and those who are making them.