Jiali Tan

Jiali (pronounced "Jolly") has wasted no time in pursuing a scientific path to her future in medicine, and has already made contributions in a research lab that seeks to unlock mysteries of the cancer puzzle. Specifically, “I joined the Cheresh laboratory in my first year and have since taken part in a research project to dissect the role of lysophosphatidic acid receptor-4 in various forms of epithelial cancer progression and how lysophosphatidic acid transforms the tumor microenvironment.”

She has attended and presented at cancer conferences, and her name is appearing on papers submitted for peer review and potential publication. She sits on the board of UC San Diego’s Saltman Quarterly student journal, and is an instructional aide. She also finds time to volunteer in the neurosurgical trauma department of a local hospital. Beyond academics, Jiali says that these experiences have also contributed to her personal growth as a first-generation college student and the daughter of immigrants.

“I have become passionate about educating others on health awareness. Since both of my parents did not receive a higher education and do not speak English well, their ability and resources are limited when it comes to understanding human health. I enjoy explaining to my parents the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.”

Jiali understands the financial ramifications of realizing her dreams. “I knew from an early age that a college education was going to be expensive and I have been saving for it ever since I could remember, from saving all of my red envelope money to taking multiple part-time jobs in high school.” Clearly a hard worker, she is determined to earn a medical degree, “and to be a researcher who will contribute towards revolutionizing how we treat various forms of cancer.”