The Lundquist Institute

12/05/2025

TLI is excited to once again serve as a host site for the 2026 Robert A. Winn Excellence in Clinical Trials Program Clinical Investigator Pathway Program (Winn CIPP), which is dedicated to preparing the next generation of physicians to lead community-engaged clinical research.

Last summer, we welcomed four Winn CIPP scholars whose time on our campus was marked by meaningful learning, mentorship, and hands-on experience with clinical research that advances health equity.

As applications open for the 2026 cohort, we invite interested medical students to learn more by exploring the stories of last year’s scholars — and consider applying for this transformative opportunity: bit.ly/4pPEbCz

12/04/2025

December is HIV Awareness Month, a reminder that progress in treatment means little if it doesn’t reach every community.

In our latest article, TLI Investigator Raul Macias Gil, MD offers critical insight into the structural barriers disproportionately affecting Black, Latino, and LGBTQIA+ communities—and what it will take to close these gaps.

From the persistent myths about HIV and the importance of trusted points of entry into care, to the role providers play in fostering inclusive, culturally-aligned prevention strategies, Dr. Macias Gil explores emerging innovations and community-driven models that are reshaping access to testing, PrEP, and treatment.

Read the full story to learn more about the work shaping a more equitable future in HIV prevention: bit.ly/4awFrWO

12/02/2025

This , your generosity can help science reach the people who need it most.

Every day, scientists at The Lundquist Institute work to solve the health challenges that affect millions — from infectious diseases and cancer to maternal and child health. But discovery doesn’t end in the lab. It reaches families, hospitals, and communities — improving lives through prevention, treatment, and education.

Your support powers discovery, your belief drives impact. All gifts through year end are matched 1:1 in support of The Institute’s Greatest Needs thanks to the generosity of Melanie and Richard Lundquist.

Support our mission: Lundquist.org/donate.

11/22/2025

We're celebrating the incredible people behind TLI through "The Lundquist Institute Voices." 💬 Through rapid fire questions, our team members share their unique stories, perspectives, and passions. Get ready to meet the voices that make TLI a special and innovative place 🚀

Meet Jocelyn Campos, Community Engagement & Events Manager at TLI. As the newest member of the marketing and communications team, Jocelyn is responsible for designing, coordinating, and executing events and engagement initiatives that foster connection.

11/20/2025

November is COPD Awareness Month — a time to recognize the millions of people living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and to spotlight the scientists and clinicians working to improve their quality of life.

At The Lundquist Institute, our investigators are advancing the understanding of COPD — from uncovering the biological mechanisms that impair breathing to developing innovative approaches for prevention, early detection, and treatment. Through research and education, we’re building a future where every breath comes easier.

This month, we’re speaking with one of our researchers from TLI’s Respiratory Research Center to shed light on COPD. Through Chiara Gattoni, PhD, we’ll also uncover the latest scientific insights shaping care and hope for patients.

11/14/2025

The Lundquist Institute’s Medical-Financial Partnership (MFP) has been awarded a $3.44 million grant from Conrad N. Hilton Foundation to expand its innovative model that integrates financial and health care services for families.

By embedding financial coaching and benefit navigation directly into pediatric and prenatal clinics, MFP addresses the economic root causes of health disparities—helping families achieve stability and better health outcomes.

“With the Hilton Foundation’s support, we can reach more families, strengthen partnerships, and continue to build a model of care that responds to families’ real needs,” says Monique Holguin, LCSW, PhD, MFP Co-Director.

“Families shouldn’t have to choose between putting food on the table and making a doctor’s appointment,” added Adam Schickedanz, MD, PhD, MFP Co-Director. “This grant allows us to expand a proven model that improves child health outcomes while helping parents achieve financial stability.”

Learn how this milestone will strengthen family well-being across LA County: bit.ly/49jN4iW

11/13/2025

The Lundquist Institute, together with its start-up company Vitalex Biosciences, is proud to announce a significant advancement in fungal vaccine research supported by a highly competitive $40 million contract from the NIH’s National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID).

"It is the culmination of years of work on our TLI technology platform and reflects our commitment to tackling high-impact infectious disease challenges," said Ashraf Ibrahim, PhD, TLI Investigator, VXV-01 Program Lead, and CEO of Vitalex Biosciences.

Learn more about this breakthrough: bit.ly/48cBJA4

11/11/2025

This Veterans Day, we honor those who have served, and continue to serve, in ways that advance healing and hope. 🇺🇸

For Jeff Chen, that mission didn’t end when he hung up his Navy uniform—it simply took a new form.

After eight years as a Hospital Corpsman saving lives on the battlefield, Jeff found a new purpose in science. Now a research intern at The Lundquist Institute’s Division of Infectious Diseases and an undergraduate at UCLA, he’s channeling the same courage, compassion, and discipline that defined his military service into biomedical discovery.

From battlefield medicine to the lab bench, we’re proud to share Jeff's story of resilience, growth, and the science of service. Read more: bit.ly/47yAM4W

11/09/2025

The Lundquist Institute’s D**g Chang, MD has been awarded a $3.16 million NIH grant to improve ICU care and shared decision-making for patients with advanced illnesses.

Through a large-scale clinical trial across Los Angeles County’s public hospitals and Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Chang’s team will test an innovative communication model designed to help families and care teams make more informed, compassionate choices in critical care.

Read more below to find out how this research could transform ICU treatment nationwide.

The Lundquist Institute is proud to announce that D**g Chang, MD, MS has been awarded a prestigious R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health (NIH)/National Institute on Aging, totaling $3,163,459, for his groundbreaking project entitled: “A Type 2 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation St...

11/07/2025

Marisela Montoya, EdD leads The Lundquist Institute’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program — one of the largest in the nation — but her path to leadership has been anything but conventional. Her story is one of resilience, compassion, and purpose. 💜

Through her leadership, The Lundquist Institute WIC South Los Angeles Program has become a model of innovation and impact, and building a culture centered on empathy, education, and empowerment.

Marisela's path is a testament to what’s possible when lived experience meets visionary leadership — transforming personal struggle into community strength. Read her full story below.

For Marisela Montoya, EdD, Executive Director of the Lundquist Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) Program, her path to leadership has been anything but conventional.