Elisa Enriquez Hesles was recently awarded an NIH F30, Individual Predoctoral MD/PhD Fellows Award from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), which begins on 9/1/20. Elisa is a Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics (BMG) degree candidate in the lab of Jeffrey Smith. Elisa’s research aims to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms through which dietary regimes, like Caloric Restriction, influence cellular longevity and improves the function of non-dividing cells. A greater understanding of the cellular aging process in these cells will lead to the development of the therapeutics applicable to prevent or delay age-related conditions such as neurodegeneration and cancer.