2025–2026 NHLCC Scholar: Emanuel Irizarry Monroig

Emanuel Irizarry Monroig

PhD
Scripps Research

Emanuel Irizarry Monroig is a fourth-year PhD candidate at Scripps Research in San Diego, CA. Born and raised in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, he developed a passion for science at an early age. Formally, his training in science began during his undergraduate studies, where he earned degrees in chemistry from the University of Puerto Rico – Mayagüez and in biology from Antillean University.

During this period, Emanuel honed his research skills in health sciences through various opportunities at local and external institutions, including summer internships at Rutgers University and Scripps Research. These experiences prepared him to continue his studies and pursue a doctoral degree at Scripps Research, where he studies protein conformation dynamics and the heat shock response in the context of circadian rhythms, as well as their roles in the development of chronic diseases such as MAFLD.

Outside the lab, Emanuel is committed to making a positive impact on students and the community. He serves as Vice President of Education for the Scripps Graduate Student Council, facilitating communication between faculty and students to promote integration and collaboration across departments. He also volunteers with the SPAM program, mentoring undergraduates on how to craft successful summer research internship (REU) applications to gain research experience they might not be able to get at their home institutions.

Beyond Scripps, Emanuel volunteers at a Pathfinder club, a Boy Scouts-like organization, teaching children aged 10-15 life skills in leadership, outdoor survival, mental health, and interpersonal relationships to equip them with tools to integrate and help our society today.

Emanuel aspires to mentor and inspire those around him to advance the health sciences and adopt healthier lifestyles to reduce the risk of chronic diseases.