TGen

04/17/2026

Thank you to the Flinn Foundation for their continued support and dedication to accelerating research in Arizona.

“Flinn’s investment strengthens and supports our efforts to advance the Valley Fever assay toward broader validation, helping position Arizona at the forefront of infectious disease diagnostics,” said TGen’s Heather Mead, Ph.D., the projects principal investigator. “The entire team is energized to move this important work forward.”

Seven Arizona research teams have each been awarded $100K grants from the Flinn Foundation to advance medical research into Valley fever, epilepsy, brain cancer, cleft conditions, and more.

Congratulations to teams led by Arizona State University, HonorHealth Research Institute, Mayo Clinic Arizona, Northern Arizona University, TGen North and University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix .

“This Flinn program is awarding grants to projects ... with the technical and commercial potential to have a positive impact on patients." — Mary O'Reilly, PhD., Flinn Foundation vice president, bioscience research programs.

Accelerating research into impact is one of five goals in Arizona's Bioscience Roadmap.

More details. Link in comments.

04/16/2026

Rishika’s gap year wasn't just about doing research; it was about understanding the bench-to-bedside pipeline. Through the Ivy Neurological Sciences Internship Program, she’s gained the technical and professional skills needed as a growing bioscience leader.
We’re sharing Rishika’s journey—and details on how you can apply for this unique program at TGen—in our latest newsletter.

👇 Read the full story here:
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/bridging-bench-bedside-my-journey-translational-brain-cancer-xhsfc/

We recently sat down with Rishika Mudunuri to learn more about her experience as an Ivy Scholar this past year. She shares more about the opportunity to work at TGen and City of Hope, and learn from researchers about translating scientific discoveries from the lab to clinical applications.

04/15/2026

Genomic sequencing can feel like an overcomplicated topic. We did our best to explain it in four slides.

Swipe through to learn more. ➡️

04/10/2026

For decades, doctors and scientists used one single "reference map" to understand human DNA. The problem? That map didn't represent the incredible diversity of people all over the world.

What is Pangenomics? Instead of one map, we build a "comprehensive map" for DNA—one with hundreds of layers that show many unique paths, shortcuts, and detours in our genetic code.

Why does it matter?
Fairer Medicine: It removes "blind spots" for underrepresented populations.
Better Cancer Care: It helps us track how tumors scramble DNA.
More Accuracy: It makes your unique DNA less likely to be invisible to modern tools.

Full article below to see how the Guarracino lab is using computer engineering to build a more inclusive future for healthcare. 💻🧬

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/pangenome-revolution-fixing-blind-spots-human-genetics-tgenresearch-hnnrc/?trackingId=RwO7JbWTSj2rX44TRGXI9A%3D%3D

People often ask what a scientist does every day – working with test tubes? Or looking at samples through a microscope? Well, we sat down with a computational scientist to learn more about his role and the research he is passionate about. TGen is excited to welcome a new faculty member, Andrea Gua...

04/09/2026

At TGen, part of City of Hope, we are looking to the DNA for an answer when it comes to patient care. 🔎

By better understanding a patient's genomic information, we aim to help healthcare providers in the treatment plan process and ultimately to improve patient care.

The Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization focused on developing earlier diagnostics and smarter treatments. Translational genomics research is a relatively new field employing innovative advances arising from the Human Genome Project and applying the...

04/08/2026

Science Teachers, Let’s Link Up!

The National Science Teaching Association (NSTA) conference is just around the corner, and TGen will be there. We’re excited to learn more about bringing STEM to future scientists.

Are you going to NSTA?
April 15-18
Anaheim Convention Center

Between the workshops and the exhibit hall, we invite you to connect with us –attend a session with us, grab a coffee, and chat! www.nsta.org/ana26

04/07/2026

Today is Arizona Gives Day.

At Translational Genomics Research Institute, discovery moves forward because of people—those in our labs, and those who believe in the work and choose to support it.

As part of City of Hope, we’re working together to turn research into real options for patients—faster.

Join us in moving this work forward:
https://www.azgives.org/organization/COHTGEN

04/06/2026

TBLA Applicants: Your interview is tomorrow - need help preparing?

Congrats on being selected to interview! Here are some things to remember as you prepare for the upcoming interview.

04/04/2026

Tuesday, April 7, is Arizona Gives Day.

At Translational Genomics Research Institute, discovery moves forward because of people—those in our labs, and those who believe in the work and choose to support it.

As part of City of Hope, we’re working together to turn research into real options for patients—faster.

Join us in moving this work forward:
https://www.azgives.org/organization/COHTGEN

04/03/2026

It has been said that "obesity increases cancer risk." But why?!

Scientists at City of Hope and TGen are the first to explain a major mechanism for why gaining excess weight increases your risk of cancer. Dr. Cristian Tomasetti and his team have published the first mathematical explanation in the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR): Obesity enlarges organs, increasing the total cell count that could potentially become cancerous. 📈

Math meets medicine in the latest .

Listen now: https://bit.ly/4dSs5pu

04/02/2026

Rishika’s gap year wasn't just about doing research; it was about understanding the bench-to-bedside pipeline. Through the Ivy Neurological Sciences Internship Program, she’s gained the technical and professional skills needed as a growing bioscience leader.

Learn more about the program at: https://www.tgen.org/education/the-ivy-neurological-sciences-internship-program/