The Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) has named Hanna Martens, PhD, a Freeman Hrabowski Scholar - one of 30 early-career scientists recognized for their research excellence as well as a commitment to creating inclusive lab environments and mentoring a diversity of learners.
Martens, an assistant professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics and a member of the Bakar Aging Research Institute, joined UC San Francisco in 2023 after completing her postdoctoral research at the University of Padua in Italy.
Her lab seeks to understand how cellular changes in aging tissues diminish their ability to repair themselves. Martens is particularly interested in fibroblasts, cells that create and maintain the network of proteins and other molecules surrounding cells that helps them communicate with one another.
...Broadening access to science is not just about creating opportunities for individuals; it is fundamental to advancing scientific discovery.
Hanna Martens, PhD
Her research shows that this communication becomes disrupted as tissues age. She is working to understand how those changes affect cell function, tissue regeneration, and immune function - and whether restoring communication between cells could ultimately help slow aspects of the aging process.
For Martens, the scientists doing that research are as important as the work itself. Her research draws on cell biology, biophysics, genetics, and engineering, making a diversity of perspectives especially valuable.
"The most exciting discoveries often emerge when people with different experiences, perspectives, and ways of thinking come together to challenge established ideas," she said. "Ultimately, broadening access to science is not just about creating opportunities for individuals; it is fundamental to advancing scientific discovery."
As a mentor, Martens sees her role as extending beyond teaching laboratory skills. She also aims to help mentees build confidence in their abilities and their own scientific voices, while developing into independent thinkers.
The scholars receive funding for five-years, including full salary, benefits, a research budget, scientific equipment, and professional development to enhance their leadership and mentoring skills. This can be renewed for a second five-year term, for up to $8.6 million over 10 years.
HHMI launched the Freeman Hrabowski Scholars program in 2023, to support outstanding researchers who show leadership in their fields as well as a dedication to expanding the pool that new scientists are drawn from. Among the 31 awardees in the first cohort were UCSF's Walter Gonzalez , PhD, assistant professor of Physiology, and Angela Phillips , PhD, assistant professor of Microbiology and Immunology.
The organization hopes to name new scholars every two years, with the next round in 2027, and has devoted $1.2 billion to fund the program.
The award is named after Freeman Hrabowski III, who was president of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County from 1992-2022. In 2020, Hrabowski received the UCSF Medal - the university's highest honor, which goes to individuals whose life work is in line with UCSF's public mission and values - for his long-term leadership and dedication to attracting minority students to the fields of science and mathematics.
