Graduate Alumni Spotlight | Ilyssa Ramos

I have two bachelor’s in science: one in chemistry and one in biomedical technology. I have worked in science since 2008. I worked in immunology for two years at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. I shifted to working at Regeneron Pharmaceuticals in New York City for eight years. After that, I took a job at AstraZeneca doing immuno-oncology in Gaithersburg. I transitioned to small molecule inhibitors and CAR/T at the same company. I got my master’s in biomedical science in molecular biology from Hood College in May 2021.

Dr. James Cherry extended an offer to work for him and fund my Ph.D. I want to write my thesis about ovarian cancer.

When I was a kid, I used to spend summers with my grandparents. I learned about DNA and forensics from the OJ Simpson trial, which I watched with my grandmother. The idea of DNA is what got me interested in science as a career.

Dr. Cherry offered me a position to work for him in the Flo Cytometry Section at the National Institute of Health (NIH) Center for Human Immunology. It’s different because I spent 13-14 years in the industry, and this is more of an academic environment. It’s a unique way of working, so I have to adjust how I approach it. On the bright side, there’s so much to learn and absorb, as I work with so many talented scientists in this area.

When I graduated with my two degrees in 2008, I had always had an intention to get a Ph.D., but there was always something in the way. I started working, and it got further away as I advanced my career. I made an internal promise that I would do what I could to combat cancer, and I have a passion for the science in this field. I want to do what I can to help others.

Traditionally, you go full time for your Ph.D. You’re there for four to six years doing research. Because I was already a professional in the field, they gave me an option to take some coursework remotely and do some independent research with Dr. Cherry and Dr. Douagi, my immediate boss, at NIH. I am able to make a living wage without having to take a pay cut for my education, and I am able to do independent research at my workplace.

I want to be able to inspire other young women, especially underrepresented minorities, to pursue their dreams and make contributions to science. I also want to make an impact in the fight against cancer.

My time at Hood College changed my life. I went from New York City to Maryland. I started a master’s program after being out of school for 10 years.

The teachers at the biomedical science program were phenomenal. I look up to Dr. Cherry highly, and Dr. Ann Boyd is an inspiration for me. Other professors brought the topics to life and taught me in a way that was understandable and fun. I made some great friendships at Hood College as well. Dr. Senta Kapnic was a molecular immunology professor who helped me by writing letters of recommendation and doing an outstanding job teaching the topic.

Hood College changed who I am as a person. It taught me that I could be a scientist and go all the way with my education. All of this might not have been possible had I not gone to Hood and met Dr. Cherry along with the other professors. I also made new friends here. Hood College holds a very dear place in my heart. It’s a very personal place, and the people I met there feel like family to me. I just feel very blessed to have the journey and support that I’ve had. If it wasn’t for these people, I don’t think I would be here or have accomplished what I have done.

I’m an only child. I used to dance semi-professional salsa and bachata in my 20s. I love to cook. I have two pets that I love: Digit and Piggy.

Inspired by Ilyssa’s story and ready to #GOFURTHER in your career? Learn more about Hood College’s graduate programs, including the M.S. in biomedical science, by clicking here.