Sushmitha Vallabh
Sushmitha Vallabh is an experienced immunology researcher and laboratory manager currently serving as the Senior Lab Manager in the Ware Lab at Sanford Burnham Prebys in San Diego, California. With more than seven years of experience in biomedical research, she plays a key role in managing laboratory operations while supporting advanced research in immunology and cancer biology. Her expertise spans multiple molecular and cellular biology techniques, including cell culture, flow cytometry, cell sorting, western blotting, gene transfer methods, cloning, and genotyping. She is also highly skilled in next-generation sequencing technologies such as ChIP-seq, ATAC-seq, and RNA-seq, as well as Illumina library preparation and downstream data analysis.
Vallabh earned her Master’s degree in Immunology from the University of Cincinnati, where she conducted graduate research at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center in the Barski Lab. Her work focused on understanding immune cell behavior and epigenetic regulation, contributing to studies on eosinophil biology and chromatin landscapes. During this time, she developed strong technical expertise in genomic technologies and molecular immunology, building the foundation for her career in translational and experimental immunology research.
After relocating to San Diego, Vallabh joined Sanford Burnham Prebys, where she progressed from Lab Coordinator to Lab Manager and eventually Senior Lab Manager. In her current role, she oversees day-to-day laboratory operations, ensures compliance with safety protocols, coordinates with collaborators, and supports experimental research in cancer immunology and T-cell biology. Known for her collaborative and coaching leadership style, she focuses on maintaining a productive laboratory environment while mentoring team members. Her contributions have also included research on immune responses during the COVID-19 pandemic and publications in leading immunology journals.
• PMP Certification Exam Prep Course 35 PDU Contact Hours/PDU
• Introduction to Genomic Technologies
• University of Cincinnati - M.S.
• Sanford Burnham Predes Institute
• Cincinnati Children's Hospital
• Association for Women in Science
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to the way I was raised. My parents encouraged me to follow my passions, regardless of what others said about financial prospects. That support gave me the freedom to pursue science and research, and my genuine love for this work has sustained me through the challenges of the field.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve received has come from two mentors who shaped my journey. Dr. Carl Bauer at Sanford Burnham Prebys Institute has guided me with understanding and support, helping me grow through challenges. Dr. Barski at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital pushed me early in my career to deliver my best and take on new opportunities. Both taught me the value of having people who believe in you, challenge you, and support your growth.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to follow your passion. Loving what you do sustains you through challenges and ups and downs. Don’t let others’ opinions about financial prospects or risks deter you from pursuing what truly excites you. Surround yourself with mentors and supportive people, stay curious, and be open to new opportunities—they will help you grow and thrive in your career.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge in my field right now is funding. I've always worked at nonprofits and academic institutes, and I do believe they need the utmost support, especially in this climate. The funding that we need to carry on research is incredibly important, and it's critical that we highlight the work that academic and nonprofit research institutions do and how important it is. Science funding is essential for us to continue the vital research we're doing in areas like cancer immunology and understanding diseases. Without adequate support and funding, it becomes very difficult to sustain the important work that needs to be done.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values most important to me are integrity and respect. I think integrity means doing the right thing, even if it doesn't go your way, and that's something I hold myself to in all aspects of my work. Being respectful to everyone, no matter what their position is or what their level is, is really important to me. That's one of the things I learned from my current mentor, Dr. Bauer, and it's a principle I try to live by every day. In my personal life, family is at the center of everything. I recently had a baby who will be seven months old tomorrow, so right now all of my time is centered around celebrating my child's life and spending quality time with my husband. I really enjoy the simple pleasures like watching the beautiful sunsets in San Diego where I live with my wonderful husband. I also enjoy reading in my downtime. These values of integrity, respect for all people, and dedication to family guide both my professional and personal decisions.
Locations
Sanford Burnham Prebys
San Diego, CA 92122