Page 10 - October 2026 Insider

INSIDER October 2026

ARCS Scholars & Scholar Alumni Making Headlines... Page 10
Continued from Page 9

He was a talented and dedicated scientist who remained committed to advancing research
even while undergoing treatment. He recently co-authored a publication in the labs of Dr. Love
and Dr. Tom Huxford at SDSU.
Brian was a warm, genuine, and positive person who had a remarkable ability to connect with
others. He loved meeting people, learning their stories, and forming lasting friendships
wherever he went. In his free time, he enjoyed playing golf and board games with family and
friends. True to his Italian heritage, he lived with passion and treasured time with his loved
ones. He was an enthusiastic foodie and always eager to discover a new restaurant, cuisine, or
hidden gem. Nothing made him happier than gathering family and friends around a great meal.

Brian fought with extraordinary determination throughout his illness. After initially being told
that his tumor was inoperable and that he had only weeks to live, he sought a second opinion
and enrolled in a clinical trial at UCI Health. There, surgeons were able to remove nearly all of
the original tumor. Over the next three years, Brian faced radiation, chemotherapy, steroid
treatments, and the use of the Optune device (tumor treating electric fields) with remarkable
grace, resilience, and optimism. His faith provided him the strength to face his treatments and
the peace to accept his journey. He will be greatly missed by many.
Memorial arrangements have not yet been finalized; I will share information as it becomes
available. My thoughts are with Brian's family, friends, and colleagues during this difficult time.

Sincerely,
Adriana Trujillo (ARCS alumna class of 2020)

We are deeply saddened to share that Scholar alumna Sandy DeSimone,
PhD (1995–1997, SDSU), Director of Research, Education, and Land
Management at Starr Ranch Sanctuary, passed away in April 2026.

Sandy’s 30 years of dedication to the sanctuary and her lifelong passion
for conservation have left an extraordinary legacy. After conducting her
thesis and dissertation research on coastal sage scrub at Starr Ranch, the
4,000-acre Audubon Sanctuary in southeast Orange County, she became
the sanctuary’s Director in 1997.

For nearly three decades, Sandy was the heart of Starr Ranch, developing
innovative education programs, fostering partnerships with biologists and universities to
advance long-term bird and wildlife research, and pioneering new approaches to ecological
restoration and habitat conservation. Her vision and commitment have had a lasting impact on
countless people, species, and landscapes. Andrea Jones, Vice President of Audubon
California, shared this remembrance of Sandy shortly after her passing:
https://www.audubon.org/california/news/remembering-dr-sandy-desimone