Leon Tejwani, a San Ramon native, is gaining a lot of attention for his amazing work in the field of biology. He is a Triton alumni, and is currently pursuing his Masters Degree at the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, while also TA-ing for upper division biology courses. This biology star is not only book smart, but also possesses great taste when it comes to life’s finer elements. If you’re looking for an amazing restaurant or hang out spot, he’s the one to ask! Want to know more about this biology and lifestyle connoisseur? Read on! What are you doing right now?Currently, I am working at the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, studying brain diseases with ISP stem cell technology. What this technology enables us to do is to take skin samples from patients with a certain disease, turn those skin samples into stem cells, and then turn those stem cells into brain cells. We are able to study what is going on in the brain through these new brain cells. It is difficult for researchers to study brain diseases because we are not able to take samples of people’s brains while they are alive. The IPS technology allows us to study the brain more effectively. I also am a TA for upper division biology courses.What are some accomplishments of which you are proud?I am most proud of my academic accomplishments. It was exciting for me to finish my undergraduate studies in three years and start my Masters program right away; I will get my Masters Degree at the age of 21. Another example of my academic achievements lies in the scholarships I have received. This past summer, I was selected for the Eureka Biology Scholarship, which allowed me to do research over the summer. Another type of accomplishment that I am proud of is the fact that I make myself a resource to others. I am a teacher’s assistant for upper division biology classes. It is easy for students to go to class, memorize the material they need for exams, and then forget about the course. I think I do a good job at making students interested in the course material. Also, when I was in the medical fraternity Phi Delta Epsilon, I was able to mentor people and answer a lot of questions they had about their future.
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at UCSD chapter.
What made you want to pursue medicine?
The way the body works is fascinating, but it really comes down to the people I love- more specifically, my parents. This is a sad thought, but I always wondered, “What if my parents were to fall ill?”. If my parents were sick, no matter how good everything else was in my life, my life would be horrible. When people are in the hospital, they feel helpless, even when they drop everything they have to help their family. All those people want is good health. I want to be able to help my parents and other peoples’ parents by helping to restore their good health, and health more generally.
Who inspires you the most?
There are many people who have inspired me. Over the past two years, Doctor Fortes and Doctor Armour have made me really interested in biology. My dad, who is also my role model, motivated me to be a hard worker. He is somebody who does not complain about anything and loves his job. However, the person who inspired me the most is my twin brother, Lucas. Initially, he motivated me through competition, but now, as I have matured, I realize that Lucas is a hard worker and he deserves what he has. He graduated high school a year early, went to UC Berkeley and UCLA for his undergraduate studies, and is currently at the University of Pennsylvania law school at the age of 21. He has been through a lot, and it is nice to see that he is so determined.
What are your future plans?
If I had to say right now what my plan is, and it is subject to change, it would be that I finish my Masters Degree, do research in San Diego for at least a year and a half, apply to MD or MD-PhD programs, serve as a doctor for about 20 years, then retire as a physician, but serve at a research oriented university like UCSD or UCLA.
What is something you would like to tell undergraduate biology students?
It is okay to feel like you are lost. If you don’t know what you are going to do yet, embrace that feeling and use it to your advantage. Explore different options and discover what you want to do. Do whatever you can to try to figure out what you are interested in.
What tip would you offer to all undergraduate students?
I have two tips. The first is that you should surround yourself with people who make you a better person. Be around people who are positive and are motivated. There are so many opportunities at UCSD, and the people you are surrounded by can make a difference in your attitude. My second tip is to take care of your health. The thing I regret most about my undergraduate career is that I did not take care of my health. There were nights that I barely slept, spent ten hours in the library, and ate unhealthy foods. I would have felt so much better if I took better care of myself, I know it!
What do you like to do in San Diego?
I go to Mission Beach a lot. It has to be the most beautiful beach ever. I also enjoy going to Seaport Village, downtown San Diego, and Coronado. My day pretty much ends at 5 pm every day, so I drive over to my lab or Salk Institute after work and watch the view. There is a perfect view of the San Diego sunset underneath the architecture at the Salk Institute. My favorite places to eat are Phil’s and Thai Time. I also like to exercise and play tennis.
What is your favorite song at the moment?
‘Who Do We Thnk We Are’ by John Legend. I actually saw his Costa Mesa concert. He was great!