Maddy Chong is a graduate of Princeton University where she majored in Molecular Biology. There, she worked with Dr. Coleen Murphy and characterized the role of the COMPASS Complex in a pathway of learned pathogen avoidance in C. elegans. Prior to that, she worked with Dr. Tai Montgomery at Colorado State University studying miRNA recognition and processing. From these experiences, she became fascinated with understanding the molecular mechanisms of complex phenotypes. Now in the Martens Lab, she uses her experience in genetics and fundamental molecular biology to study the senescence associated secretory phenotype and paracrine senescence. She is also a member of the PROPEL Post-baccalaureate program, which provides curriculum, mentorship, and scientific skill workshops to equip students with graduate school readiness.
Another passion that drives Maddy is equal access to education. During her time at Princeton, she worked at the Greater Trenton College Access Network, encouraging postsecondary success in local high school students. After graduating, she worked as a Project 55 Fellow with SEED SPOT, a nonprofit business accelerator providing business education to underrepresented and non traditional entrepreneurs, continuing the work she'd done focused in education and access. She is excited to be at UCSF where she can combine these two pursuits and share a love for science with students in the Bay Area through the Office of Outreach and the PROPEL Outreach Committee.
Outside of the lab, she loves going to the movie theater, running, and trying new restaurants.