- sencarnacion@ucsd.edu
- (858) 534-9760
-
3147 Biomedical Sciences Way, Mail code 0760
Israni BRFII Room 4220
Mail Code: 0760
La Jolla , California 92093
Stephanie Encarnacion
Undergraduate Researcher
- Interests
- Background and Education
- Honors and Publications
Interests
Research Interests
- Host-Pathogen Interactions
- Nanoparticle Vaccines
- Multidrug Resistant Pathogens
At the Bench
Stephanie is currently an undergraduate student pursuing her BS in Microbiology from UCSD, and intends to pursue graduate school to continue her studies. Stephanie started her research career in the Dickinson lab studying the impact of small molecule metabolites on new root development, and is actively pursuing an Independent Thesis Project looking into the impact of itaconate in various Arabidopsis Ecotypes. From there, she first delved into the world of microbiological research as a part of the Gilbert Lab's Healthy Soils Project in Collaboration with the Soil Health Center, and is helping to study the priority effects of soil probiotics in model and agricultural systems. In the Nizet lab, Stephanie is blending her microbiological and research backgrounds to help look into novel nanoparticle vaccine development against multi-drug resistant Escherichia coli.
Outside of Lab
When indoors, Stephanie enjoys crocheting, cooking, and learning slowly but surely how to keep her house plants alive. When outside, Stephanie loves to exploring new places and food, both local to San Diego and abroad, and is on an active mission to find the best international food in San Diego!
Background and Education
Academic Appointments
| Year | Position |
| 2026-Present | Molecular and Microbiology Assistant, Scripps Institute for Oceanography |
| 2023 | Volunteer, Scripps Green Memorial Hospital |
Education
| University | Degree | Year | Field |
| University of California San Diego, La Jolla CA | B.S. | 2023-present | Microbiology |
Honors and Publications
Honors
| Year | Honor |
| 2025 | UCSD Bioscholars Biotechathalon First Place Winner |
| 2023-2026 | Provost Honors at UCSD |
| 2023 | Maryland Seal of Biliteracy in French |
| 2023 | Maryland Scholars Distinction |