Roberto Tinoco, PhD
Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, UC Irvine
MARC Program Principal Investigator/Director
Dr. Tinoco provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the MARC program. Oversees program implementation, ensures alignment with NIH goals, manages budget and reporting, and supervises program leadership and staff. Responsible for program evaluation, compliance, and institutional coordination.
Dequina Nicholas, PhD
Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, UC Irvine
Director of Research Training & Mentorship
Dr. Nicholas directs the research training and mentorship components of the program. Oversees mentor matching, research placements, and training activities to ensure high-quality research experiences and effective mentor-mentee relationships that prepare scholars for graduate study.
Rachael Barry, PhD
Associate Professor of Teaching & Co-Director, Microbiology & Immunology Major, UC Irvine
Director of Student Academic Development
Dr. Barry leads the design and implementation of academic support and student development initiatives. Oversees scholar recruitment, retention, advising, and academic skill-building activities to promote student success and progression into biomedical research careers.
Andrei Tatarenkov, PhD
Research & Laboratory Training Specialist
Dr. Tatarenkov provides hands-on laboratory instruction and research training. He supports scholars in building foundational research skills and prepares them for advanced research experiences within and beyond UCI.
Reham Riad
Assistant Director
Reham leads program operations and scholar support for the MARC program. She oversees day-to-day program management, scholar advising, activity coordination, and compliance. As the primary point of contact for MARC scholars, she supports students from recruitment through graduation and ensures continuity, structure, and individualized guidance throughout the MARC experience.