Former IFER Graduate Fellow and current NAVS Scientific Advisory Board member Dr. Nicole Sparks has been awarded a $1.9 million Outstanding Investigator Award from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) to advance her groundbreaking research on epigenetics at UC Irvine.
Dr. Sparks’ work explores how early environmental exposures influence gene regulation—the chemical instructions that act like on/off switches for our genes—and their impact on long-term health outcomes. The award, announced on September 24 by UC Irvine, recognizes her innovative approach and independent research leadership.
A Return on Investment in Human-Relevant Science
Dr. Sparks’ achievement represents the long-term impact of IFER’s Graduate Fellowship Program and a remarkable return on investment for NAVS supporters. Her recognition by the NIH validates our mission to cultivate scientific innovation that improves human health without the use of animals.
For NAVS supporters, this is tangible proof that your contributions have lasting impact. You helped launch the career of a scientist who is now leading federally funded research that replaces animals. Dr. Sparks’ success also demonstrates the NIH’s commitment to funding new approach methodologies.
As a member of NAVS’ Scientific Advisory Board, Dr. Sparks continues to strengthen our scientific credibility and network, furthering the collaboration between NAVS and IFER that yields measurable scientific and ethical outcomes.
