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Community

Fostering a supportive and positive environment at the bench, bedside and in the community.
Four women sitting in red armchairs on a stage.

Our dedication to openness and responsibility

The Scripps Research Translational Institute (SRTI) is committed to breaking down structural obstacles that hinder scientific progress and limit opportunities for researchers. Our focus is on creating a supportive environment, ensuring equal access and opportunities for all. This commitment is reflected in our clinical research goals, participant recruitment strategies, research collaborations, and within our team culture. Together with our partners, we are dedicated to advancing these objectives and fostering a collaborative work environment. 

Director

Professional headshot of Theresa Hill, SRTI Executive Committee member, outdoors in a colorful scarf with a warm background.

Theresa Hill brings more than 30 years of experience spanning education, scientific research, community health, and investment banking. Her expertise includes program development, strategic partnerships, workforce development, training, policy implementation and initiatives that strengthen employee engagement and organizational culture.

At Scripps Research Translational Institute, Hill leads institute-wide education programming and employee experience initiatives, developing strategies that expand access to scientific training, strengthen partnerships and foster an inclusive and engaged community. She also leads the Institute’s highly competitive nationwide summer research internship program for clinicians, graduate students, undergraduates, and high school students. In 2026, the program attracted a record 1,000+ applicants and welcomed its largest cohort to date, with more than 60 interns participating in research and professional development experiences across Scripps Research and its partner organizations.

Hill chairs the Perspectives in STEM Seminar Series, the Torrey Pines DEI Consortium and the Industry and Academia Collaboration Outreach Committee, bringing together leaders from academia, healthcare, industry and the broader community to create pathways into science and strengthen workforce development.

Her service extends beyond Scripps Research. She is a Women in Leadership Advisory Member for the University of California, Riverside Extension; a Career Education Advisory Board Member for San Diego City College; and a Diversity Advisor for the Scripps Internal Medicine Residency Program.

Hill holds an MBA in Business Management and an MS in Management and Leadership from Western Governors University, as well as a Master of Education from Southern Arkansas University.

Professional Growth & Community Committee 

The SRTI Professional Growth & Community Committee is a collaborative initiative dedicated to cultivating a welcoming and supportive environment for individuals of all backgrounds. The committee’s focus is to promote engagement, identify opportunities for professional growth and foster collaboration across groups through various initiatives, participation in recruiting and hiring practices, and offering relevant training. By integrating these practices into all areas of SRTI, the committee strives to ensure that all employees and stakeholders feel valued, supported and empowered to contribute to a positive workplace culture. The committee’s efforts extend to internal communication tools like newsletters and the Community Corner Q&A series, aimed at increasing awareness and engagement across the institute.

Committee members include:

  • Romina Foster-Bonds, Project Director, Research Implementation, The Participant Center for the All of Us Research Program 
  • Laura Nicholson, MD, PhD, Director, Education, Scripps Research Translational Institute and Professor, Department of Translational Medicine, Scripps Research  
  • Katie Quartuccio, Senior Clinical Trials Manager, Scripps Research Translational Institute
  • Emily Spencer, PhD, Associate Director, Scripps Research Translational Institute
A graphic of peoples silhouettes with the text Perspectives in STEM Seminar Series.

Perspectives in STEM

The Perspectives in STEM initiative is a collaborative committee composed of dedicated representatives from the Scripps Research Translational Institute, the Skaggs Graduate School of Chemical and Biological Sciences at Scripps Research, UC San Diego, San Diego State University, and Johnson & Johnson. Rooted in a shared commitment to excellence, this group champions all voices and perspectives across science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. The committee’s work is grounded in the belief that advancing health and scientific innovation requires intentional outreach, engagement and the integration of all communities. By bridging academia, clinical research and industry, the committee supports impactful programming that promotes visibility, fosters collaboration and builds sustainable pathways for future generations of STEM professionals.

The Perspectives in STEM Seminar Series aims to address important issues related to representation, access and community engagement within the STEM fields.

Perspectives in STEM Committee

Events

Community-Centered Innovation
Empowering Impacted Communities Through Engagement and Partnership

Meaningful innovation begins by listening to and working alongside the communities most affected by health challenges. In this Perspectives in STEM seminar, Dr. Cheryl A.M. Anderson will reflect on her research journey and explore how community-engaged and community-empowered approaches can strengthen science, build trust, and produce more relevant and sustainable health outcomes.

During a 20-minute presentation, Dr. Anderson will highlight key experiences and lessons from her work, including the importance of developing authentic partnerships, incorporating community perspectives into research, and ensuring that communities help shape the solutions intended to serve them.

Her presentation will be followed by a 20–30-minute fireside chat moderated by Dr. Athena Philis-Tsimikas, Director of Community Engagement at the Scripps Research Translational Institute and Corporate Vice President of the Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute. Together, they will explore how researchers, institutions, and community partners can move beyond traditional engagement to create meaningful partnerships and lasting impact.

WHEN: Thursday, October 15, 2026

Research and Internship Networking Fair from 3:30-5:00pm.

Seminar from 5:00-6:00pm.

WHERE: San Diego State University, Parma Payne Goodall Alumni Center, 5250 55th Street, San Diego, CA 92182

WHO:

Moderator – 
Athena Philis-Tsimikas, MD
Director, Community Engagement, Scripps Research Translational Institute
Corporate Vice President, Scripps Whittier Diabetes Institute

Speakers – 
Cheryl A.M. Anderson, PhD, MPH, MS
Professor and Dean, UC San Diego Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science

REGISTRATION
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Groundbreaking Science.
Life-changing Medicine.