Member

Hometown: Dededo, Guam

• University of California, Irvine 2027

Håfa Adai! My name is Gabriella, and I am an undergraduate at the University of California, Irvine studying Biological Sciences with a minor in Global Health. My academic path has been shaped by both research and community based experiences that have deepened my commitment to advancing healthcare on Guam. I currently conduct cancer research at the UCSD Moores Cancer Center and work in a molecular epidemiology lab at UCI within the Department of Population Health and Disease Prevention, where our research focuses on HIV and vulnerable populations. Through this work, I have developed a strong interest in health disparities and the role of research in informing equitable and sustainable healthcare solutions. My experiences in Guam, including time in the Crime Lab, Medical Examiner’s Office, and private practice clinics, have given me firsthand insight into the island’s healthcare infrastructure and the challenges faced by our community. These experiences continue to shape my goal of becoming a physician who integrates research and clinical practice to address gaps in care. I hope to use my training in cancer research and molecular epidemiology to contribute to meaningful and lasting improvements in healthcare for the community that has shaped and supported me.