Rutgers–Camden Biology Student Chosen for Inaugural Howard Hughes Medical Institute Fellowship Program

As a first-generation college student, Tiffany Chan once viewed opportunities at the nation's leading research institutions as beyond her reach. This summer, however, the Rutgers University–Camden biology student will join 175 other undergraduate researchers from across the nation as a member of the inaugural Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Cech Fellows Program.

This highly competitive, nine-week summer research program places undergraduate students in HHMI laboratories at prestigious universities and research institutions across the United States. Fellows conduct full-time, cutting-edge biological and biomedical research, receive professional mentorship, participate in scientific and professional development programming, and present their findings at a research symposium at HHMI's Janelia Research Campus in Virginia. 

Chan credits Rutgers–Camden biology professor Kwangwon Lee and the university's innovative conference trip course for introducing her to the fellowship opportunity while attending a national conference in Ohio last fall.

“Dr. Lee told me about the HHMI Cech Fellows Program and encouraged me to connect with the representatives from HHMI during the conference,” said Chan. “The program stood out because of its commitment to supporting the next generation of researchers through immersive research experiences and meaningful mentorship, as well as the opportunities it provides to build professional connections and lasting relationships.”

Lee sees experiential learning opportunities as a valuable way for students to expand their understanding of research and envision new possibilities for their future.

“These opportunities can be life-changing because students begin to see themselves not just as learners of science, but as contributors to science,” Lee said. “They gain confidence, develop a stronger sense of belonging, and begin to imagine futures that may not have felt accessible before.”

Lee said creating access to meaningful research opportunities is a central part of his work as an educator. By exposing students to new ideas, mentors, and professional networks, he said, these experiences can open doors, strengthen their identities as scientists, and help them recognize that they belong in high-level research environments.

As an HHMI Cech Fellow, Chan is conducting neuroscience research in the laboratory of Dr. Massimo Scanziani at the University of California, San Francisco, working alongside postdoctoral researcher Dr. Josue Regalado. Their research focuses on how the brain integrates incoming visual information with prior experience and memory to shape perception. By examining how learning and experience transform visual information as it moves through neural circuits, the research seeks to answer fundamental questions about how the brain predicts and interprets the world around us rather than simply reacting to sensory stimuli.

“What excites me the most is the opportunity to investigate fundamental questions about perception, memory, and cognition in a world-class research environment,” Chan said. “I am fascinated by how neural circuits generate our experience of the world, and this project sits at the intersection of many of my own questions that originally drew me to neuroscience.”

Reflecting on the experiences, opportunities, and mentorship that led her to the fellowship, Chan said the experience has reinforced a lesson she hopes other students will embrace as they pursue their own academic and professional goals: opportunities that seem intimidating can often lead to the most meaningful growth.

“My biggest piece of advice is to apply even if you are not completely confident that you are qualified,” Chan said. “Many students underestimate themselves and assume that prestigious opportunities are meant for someone else. Some of the most impactful experiences of my academic journey began because I was willing to apply for opportunities that felt intimidating. Had I waited until I felt fully prepared, I would have missed many of the experiences that shaped me and helped me to become who I am.”