For Nikki Torno, graduating from UC Santa Barbara didn’t didn’t mark the end of her research career but a new beginning. “I get to engage with the science in a really powerful way,” Torno said while describing her role as a researcher at UC Santa Barbara’s Boddy Lab. The Lab, under the Anthropology department, focuses broadly on evolutionary applications to human health and disease. 

 

Torno recently graduated UCSB’s Biological Anthropology program with a minor in Linguistics, and says she never could have predicted where life would bring her just a year later. 

 

She graduated in just three years, and describes her college experience as an “efficient trajectory” into research. As an undergraduate, Torno took various courses taught by anthropology professor Amy Boddy an expert in human genetics and evolutionary medicine, among others, and became intrigued by their research. 

 

Joining the lab as an undergraduate intern was a natural step for Torno’s progress in biology and genetics. After graduating in 2022, the stars aligned when a project in the Boddy Lab was expanding and looking to hire a full-time research assistant who was already familiar with the research. This steady career progression is a unique experience compared to most recent grads, one that Torno describes as “lucky and grateful.”

 

 

In the Boddy Lab, Torno’s project team researches a phenomenon called microchimerism, which has to do with the circulation of cells that are exchanged between a mother and her baby that remain in each body even after birth. More specifically, she studies the frequency, occurrence, and type of cells in microchimerism, looking at the overall health implications. This is all in addition to administrative responsibilities of keeping up the lab itself. 

 

Working at one of the top research universities in the nation comes with its fair share of challenges. “Patience is much needed,” Torno said, citing ongoing delays and problem solving. Torno says the welcoming culture of the Boddy Lab removed the intimidating aspect of doing prestige of research as a new graduate. “People are encouraged to learn and grow their skills.''

 

This culture of nurture and positivity has impacted its team members. Torno’s colleagues describe her as a positive and determined leader, with an impressive attention to detail. Former classmate Jennali Reyes praises Torno for her impressive progression through undergraduate school: “Her work ethic is incredible.” These qualities are essential to the well-being of such a dynamic research project. 

 

The Boddy Lab, Torno explains, is unique in that it covers both hands-on and theoretical work. Here, researchers get to be involved in cutting edge research, where creativity and systematic applications intersect. “There’s this state of flow you can get into,” she said.  “[it’s a] freeing, cool moment.” 

 

Taylor Tait is a fourth-year sociology and geography double major at UC Santa Barbara. She wrote this profile for her Writing Program class, Digital Journalism.