Some things are just meant to be.

When Janette Contreras finished the initial laboratory rotations that are part of the pharmaceutical sciences Ph.D. program, she knew that "the dry eye lab" of Dr. Sarah Hamm-Alvarez was perfect for her. Shortly after settling in, Contreras wrote a grant proposal to fund her research and was awarded the prestigious NIH Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award for Individual Pre-doctoral Fellows.

"I couldn’t ask for a better situation," said Contreras. "The grant will cover my tuition, stipend, and participation at scientific conferences for the next three years. It’s ideal."

Contreras, who also has an MS in biochemistry, is working under Dr. Hamm-Alvarez, the Gavin S. Herbert Professor in Pharmaceutical Sciences, to study the role that a specific receptor plays in the uptake mechanism of a virus into the cell. "We’re all studying dry eye diseases at a cellular level, hence the lab’s nickname. It’s exciting work that will hopefully lead to strategies for overcoming the barriers to cellular drug uptake and trafficking."

Ultimately, Contreras would like to work on both the research and clinical sides of pharmaceutical development. She also wants to continue working with underprivileged and underrepresented students, which she does on campus and at high schools in the area.

"I am a first generation Mexican American and I’ve had great mentors. I want to help young students understand that they can do what I’ve done—or whatever they dream of doing."

Contreras also enjoys playing with her two dachshunds and chairing the student chapter of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists (AAPS) at USC. "I think it’s important to develop every aspect of yourself, volunteer, get involved on campus, and interact with your peers outside of work. Being a part of AAPS has been the perfect way for me to do that. It was a great fit."