Rene Trabanino ’98

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Rene Trabanino graduates with a double major in the formidable disciplines of biochemistry and applied mathematics, as well as specialization in computing and distinguished research history. This research includes the field of magnetic resonance spectroscopy at the Jules Stein Eye Institute, where he is doing the work of season graduate students.

Trabanino is active in Grupo Cultural Latinamericano, a Latin American dance group that both performs and teaches the multiple aspects of cultural dances. He has been involved in fundraising events for Fraternidades Unidos de Guatemala, a California organization that unites immigrants from different areas of Guatemala.

Trabnino returned to St. John Bosco High School to lecture students on his UCLA research. He also raises funds for his home parish in Bell Gardens as well as the Bell Gardens Head Start Program. A Center for Academic and Research Excellence council member since 1995, Trabanino has been active in the Peer Mentor program, developed by the students in support of CARE to ensure the success of incoming science students. He was also involved in CARE’s booth at the 1995 Mardi Gras.

Trabanino is a member of the Mathematics Departmental Honors Program and was invited to attend the Protein Society Conference – one of the few undergraduates so honored. He was chosen to present at the National Research Symposium. In addition, Trabanino was awarded a Howard Hughes Honors Undergraduate Fellowship and named a Regent’s Scholar. In 1995, he received the Dori and Milton Chase College Honors Program Scholarship. Trabanino’s research has ranged from biophysical chemistry to botany and cell biology, including work using Electronic Paramagnetic Resonance technology at the Jules Stein Eye Institute.

“Only a few times in my career have I seen someone at a comparable state of development with his talent. He has a high potential to become a first-rate independent research scientists.” – Wayne L. Hubbel, Jules Stein professor of ophthalmology and professor of chemistry and biochemistry; associate director, Jules Stein Eye Institute