Photo: Bryan Goodchild
Samara Vilca, PhD, is one of 30 postdoctoral researchers in the United States to receive the Burroughs Wellcome Fund Postdoctoral Diversity Enrichment Program Award, presented to postdocs pursuing careers in biomedical and medical research. The award aims to cultivate a diverse scientific workforce equipped to tackle the complex health challenges of the future.
“I feel honored to be among this great group of people selected by the Burroughs Wellcome Fund. You never know when your hard work is going to pay off, and so I'm very happy,” said Dr. Vilca, who is a postdoc in the lab of Ryan W. Logan, PhD, professor of psychiatry & behavioral sciences. “The Burroughs Wellcome Fund provides incredible career development and offers workshops to assist us. They really want this to be a partnership, to learn how increasing diversity in research is necessary for better research.”
The award, which starts Sept.1, provides up to $60,000 over three years to support career development activities, research and networking opportunities that can help facilitate the transition from postdoctoral fellow to faculty member.
Vilca’s research examines molecular rhythms in microglia, innate immune cells of the central nervous system; and the neuroinflammatory pathway in mouse and human models.
Dr. Logan and Dorothy Schafer, PhD, the Molly McGovern Chair in Biomedical Research and associate professor of neurobiology, are her mentors. Vilca said Dr. Schafer’s understanding of microglia physiology and its application to neurodevelopmental research, and Logan’s support in neuroinflammation studies and understanding circadian rhythms and substance use disorders have been integral to her research.
“Dr. Logan and Dr. Schafer are both great at presenting ideas and being open to exploring their trainees’ ideas,” Vilca said. “They emphasize the balance between research and career development, and I think that’s important in science. Their mentorship and support has inspired me and provided with me a mindset to be persistent and continue to apply for every relevant opportunity for funding.”
Vilca earned her PhD in neuroscience from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and joined UMass Chan in February 2024.
The Burroughs Wellcome Fund is a leading philanthropic organization based in North Carolina. Established in 1955, the fund is committed to fostering innovation and addressing critical challenges in health and science through strategic investments and partnerships.
