University of Arizona BIO5 Institute

Who will you hear from at BIO5 Inspiring Careers in Research on July 1? 🔬✨

Our panel brings together researchers from different disciplines and career stages, each with a unique story about how they found their path in research. From early-career scientists to established leaders, panelists will share the experiences, challenges and opportunities that shaped their careers.

Whether you're considering a future in research or simply curious about the many paths science can take, this is your chance to hear honest perspectives and ask questions directly to researchers.

Wednesday, July 1, 2026
5:30–7 p.m.
Grand Challenges Research Building, Room 130 & Zoom
750 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719

Students at any level, teachers, counselors and parents are encouraged to attend. Stay after the panel for networking and conversation.

Sponsored by Bayer Marana Innovation Center.

Register: https://bio5.org/events/bio5-inspiring-careers-research-2026

Sophia Jensen is our BIO5 Student Employee of the Quarter (April – June)!

Sophia is a front desk student assistant at the BIO5 Institute and a law and political science major at the University of Arizona.

In her role, Sophia serves as the first point of contact for visitors, faculty, staff and external partners. She greets guests, manages phone and email communications, helps ensure building access protocols are followed, coordinates room reservations, and maintains organized office and conference spaces. Beyond her daily responsibilities, Sophia contributes thoughtful ideas and practical solutions that improve front desk workflows and enhance the experience of visitors and staff. She is also a collaborative team member who readily supports other BIO5 teams, helping strengthen coordination across the institute.

“Sophia consistently handles her responsibilities with accuracy, efficiency and attention to detail,” said her supervisor. “Her welcoming, professional demeanor brings a sense of calm reliability to every interaction with those who come into the office. I especially appreciate her thoughtful ideas and willingness to help with tasks outside of her usual responsibilities.”

Each month, we celebrate one of our amazing student employees who work behind the scenes to support business and research at the BIO5 Institute. Nominated by their supervisors and selected by BIO5 staff, these students exemplify excellence and continually strive to grow in their roles.

You make BIO5 a brighter place, Sophia!

BIO5 member Janine Hinton was one of four University of Arizona nurses named a 2026 Fab 50 Tucson nurse, recognized by peers for her leadership, mentorship and innovative work preparing future nurses through simulation and collaborative education at the University of Arizona.

“This award reflects the collaborative spirit, mentorship and shared commitment to excellence that defines our nursing community," Hinton said. "My work in simulation and innovation is deeply rooted in preparing nurses to think critically, respond to complexity and provide compassionate, equitable care, and I am grateful to do this work within the University of Arizona College of Nursing, where creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration and a passion for advancing health care are highly valued."

Read more: https://bit.ly/3PCIzbH

BIO5 member Fernando Martinez and his team contributed to new University of Arizona research showing that a commonly used antibiotic did not improve symptoms in young children treated for wheezing in the emergency room.

"We've been saying for years that antibiotics should not be used in these acute situations because the wheezing is caused by viruses," said Martinez. "But clinicians still use antibiotics at least a quarter of the time in these young children."

Read the story: https://bit.ly/4uV0Wro

As KEYS celebrates its 20th anniversary, we're excited to share a milestone that will help shape the next 20 years. 🎉

A generous gift from the Thomas R. Brown Foundations will permanently fund five KEYS Research Internship positions in the physical sciences, creating lasting opportunities for Arizona high school students to discover the excitement of research.

Here's to expanding access, inspiring curiosity and supporting the next generation of scientists. 🔬

Check out this video featuring one of our 2025 BIO5 Postdoctoral Fellows Ben Yang explaining his research on metabolites: small molecules that help researchers better understand how living systems respond to their environment:

Science at Work: Tiny Signals Beneath Our Feet Science at Work is a new CALES video series that takes viewers behi...

Interested in learning what a career in research can look like?

Join BIO5 for Inspiring Careers in Research, a hybrid event featuring an interdisciplinary panel of researchers who will discuss their career paths, challenges, opportunities and experiences across different stages of their professional journeys.

Attendees will gain insight into careers in research and science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields while connecting with researchers and fellow community members during a networking session following the panel.

Wednesday, July 1, 2026
5–7 p.m.
Grand Challenges Research Building, Room 130 & Zoom
University of Arizona
750 N. Cherry Ave., Tucson, AZ 85719

This event is open to students, educators, counselors, parents and anyone interested in pursuing a career in research.

Sponsored by Bayer Marana Innovation Center.

Register: https://bio5.org/events/bio5-inspiring-careers-research-2026

BIO5 member Michael Grandner is leading new University of Arizona research supported by a $3.8 million National Institutes of Health grant exploring how being awake in the middle of the night may affect decision-making and su***de risk.

"Knowing that people are not at their best in the middle of the night really isn't groundbreaking – but until now the neuroscience of exactly what is happening has been a mystery," said Grander. "Hopefully, this study can help us better understand what is going on and point the way towards reducing those risks."

Read the story: https://bit.ly/3RkdJoQ

BIO5 member Paloma Beamer is helping lead the 2026 National PFAS Conference from June 8-10 at the University of Arizona, bringing together researchers, regulators and community advocates to address “forever chemicals,” their health impacts and solutions for reducing exposure.

What sets the conference apart is the way it is built, according Beamer. The conference is unique in that it is planned as a collaboration between researchers and community members, and the research that will be presented will be directly relevant to the people who are impacted.

Read more: https://bit.ly/4ekWT1S

BIO5 member Alexander Bucksch is part of a University of Arizona-led study that identified a previously unknown root cell in common beans that helps seedlings survive drought and nutrient-poor soils, offering insights that could support more climate-resilient crops and reduce fertilizer use.

"If you look at a biology textbook, for example, it often says seedlings spend their first couple of weeks living off stored reserves in the seed, but that's not quite true," Bucksch said. "We found these hooked hairs start taking up nutrients like phosphorus and nitrogen from the soil much earlier."

Read more: https://bit.ly/43auS6S