Page 4 - April 2026 Insider

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INSIDER April 2026

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Scripps Research Check Presentation

(January 29, 2026)

The check presentation for Scripps Research was again a wonderful event! Leslie Bruce,
Cathie Atkins, Catie Madani, Tami Strachan and ARCS member Nicola Wilkins-
Miller, who serves as SR’s Director of Development and Alumni Relations, were in
attendance. All of the Scripps Research Scholars attended and each gave short, impactful
descriptions of their research. Both Keary Engle, Dean of Graduate and Postdoctoral

Studies, and Rohan Barrett, Vice
President of Philanthropy, provided
introductory comments followed by
Leslie’s ARCS remarks. In her remarks,
Leslie announced the $3,000 supplement
which was enthusiastically received by the
ARCS Scholars. At the end, refreshments
were served and provided a chance for
ARCS representatives to chat informally
with Scripps Research Scholars, many of
whom expressed much gratitude for the
surprise supplement that would be
(l to r) Madison Wagner, Keary Engle, Anthony coming their way. It really was a charming
Gurunian, Karenna Ng, Diego Gomez-Ceballos,
Pierre Loch-Temzelides, Drason Zhang, Catherine Li, and well-orchestrated event leaving us all
Ariana Sulpizio, Leslie Bruce, Stephan Freeman, hopeful about the future of science.
Catie Madani, Cathie Atkins, Tami Strachan

Scientist of the Year Announcement
(February 2, 2026)

Sonia Ancoli-Israel, PhD, professor emeritus of
psychiatry at University of California San Diego School of
Medicine, has been named the 2026 Scientist of the Year by
the Achievement Rewards for College Scientists (ARCS)
Foundation San Diego Chapter. An internationally recognized
sleep disorder and circadian rhythm expert, Ancoli-Israel will
be honored at an ARCS ceremony in May 2026.

“Dr. Sonia Ancoli-Israel is an exceptional choice for Scientist
of the Year,” said Leslie Bruce, president of ARCS San
Diego. “A world-renowned leader in sleep and circadian
rhythm research, her work has significantly advanced our
understanding of sleep disorders, aging, and cancer, with Sonia Ancoli-Israel

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