OUR PEOPLE

Meet the
MARC Team

Faculty and staff who mentor, advise, and support our scholars throughout their undergraduate research journey.

Roberto Tinoco, PhD

Roberto Tinoco, PhD

Principal Investigator
& Program Director

Associate Professor, Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry

Role in MARCClose

Dr. Tinoco provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the MARC program. He oversees program implementation, ensures alignment with NIH goals, manages budget and reporting, and supervises program leadership and staff. He is also responsible for program evaluation, compliance, and institutional coordination.

Dequina Nicholas, PhD

Dequina Nicholas, PhD

Co-PI
Director of Research Training & Mentorship

Assistant Professor, Department of Molecular Biology & Biochemistry

Role in MARCClose

Dr. Nicholas directs the research training and mentorship components of the program. She 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

Rachael Barry, PhD

Co-PI
Director of Student Academic Development

Associate Professor of Teaching; Co-Director, Microbiology & Immunology Major

Role in MARCClose

Dr. Barry leads the design and implementation of academic support and student development initiatives. She oversees scholar recruitment, retention, advising, and academic skill-building activities that promote student success and progression into biomedical research careers.

Andrei Tatarenkov, PhD

Andrei Tatarenkov, PhD

Research & Laboratory
Training Specialist

Hands-on laboratory instruction and research training

Role in MARCClose

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

Reham Riad

Assistant Director

Primary point of contact for MARC scholars

Role in MARCClose

Reham leads program operations and scholar support, overseeing day-to-day program management, scholar advising, activity coordination, and compliance. She supports students from recruitment through graduation, providing continuity, structure, and individualized guidance throughout the MARC experience. Email Reham →

NTERESTED IN BECOMING A MARC
SCHOLAR?

Learn more about the program and how to
apply.

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