Principal Investigator

Jorge Canar is a PhD student in the Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program at the Lewis Katz School of Medicine (LKSOM). Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, he received his B.A. in Biological Sciences in 2018 from Hunter College. His PhD project is to investigate a subset of STAT2 mutations found in human cancer for their effects in tumorigenesis and inflammation. Before coming to Temple University, he studied the p53 ortholog, CEP-1, in C. elegans and the effect of a gain-of-function CEP-1 on lifespan and hyperproliferation. Outside the lab, he enjoys listening to alternative rock music, playing soccer and volleyball with friends and family. He loves traveling to new places, and his favorite classical Greek literature work is The Republic by Plato. 

Amy Alvarado (class of 2022) is an undergraduate biology major and Spanish minor at Temple University. She is a Latina/Hispanic first-generation college student. After graduation, she plans on doing more biomedical research and clinical work before applying to medical school. In her free time, she likes to practice and teach yoga. She also enjoys exploring different restaurants in the city (She’s a big foodie).  She grew up in a somewhat musical family with so, she learned to play the piano and flute at a young age. She is a little rusty now, but she'd like to revisit that hobby sometime soon.  

Madeline Bono (Class of 2025) is an undergraduate biology major and global studies minor at Temple University. She hopes to pursue a PhD in the biomedical field after undergrad. Madeline also serves on the executive board for LEADS at Temple University, a program dedicated to promoting science curiosity in North Philadelphia schools through hands-on science education and is a member of the Temple Biology Society. In her free time, Madeline enjoys watching ice hockey, reading a good book, and finding new restaurants.