Growing the Next Generation of Scientists with AZAdvances

We’re proud to partner with AZAdvances in building real-world opportunities for emerging scientists - including ASU’s own Lexi Yakimovich, who completed her 2024 Talent Internship at Reference Medicine.

In their feature, AZAdvances highlights Lexi’s hands-on work inside our molecular biology lab: learning DNA, RNA, and cfDNA extraction techniques, performing microdissection of FFPE slides, developing nucleic acid QC workflows, and even helping write SOPs alongside our molecular team. Guided by Aaron and trained side-by-side with Isabella, Lexi gained experience that accelerates both her graduate studies and her future career in biotech.

The article beautifully captures what matters to us most: creating a collaborative environment where early-career scientists can grow, contribute, and discover what’s possible in oncology research.

Read the full story on AZAdvances to see how Lexi’s internship unfolded and how programs like this strengthen Arizona’s bioscience community.