Professor Emerita Jill Adler-Moore, whose research led to a life-saving drug, was honored recently for her research, leadership and years of mentorship at an event celebrating emerging entrepreneurs.
The LA BioStar Award was presented to Adler-Moore at the Aug. 13 graduation ceremony for participants of Cal State LA BioStart, an intensive training program at Cal State Los Angeles for emerging bioscience entrepreneurs. The award recognizes leaders who have made significant contributions that advance the bioscience industry.
Adler-Moore developed AmBisome, which treats human fungal infections. For more than four decades, she has mentored and trained students as a biological science faculty member at Cal Poly Pomona. She also serves as director for Cal Poly Pomona’s National Institutes for Health RISE program, which supports students from underrepresented communities advance to successful Ph.D. careers in biomedical research.
At the ceremony, Adler-Moore shared lessons learned throughout her illustrious career in academia, research and industry.
“To achieve what you want in life and to be the best person you can strive to be, number one: it takes a village,” Adler-Moore said. “Number two: You have to have the confidence in who you are and in what you are able to do; and three: the willingness to persevere and the humility even in the face of what seems to be overwhelming obstacles.”
She was introduced by Craig LaMunyon, associate dean of academics and research in Cal Poly Pomona’s College of Science.
“I am just honored to even know you, Jill,” LaMunyon said. “Your accomplishments are just so numerous.”
Adler-Moore was a founding member of the California State University Program for Education and Research in Biotechnology (CSUPERB), helping advance biotechnology research and education throughout California.
She is a member of the Cal State LA BioSpace Advisory Board and one of the many industry experts and academic professionals who have shared their expertise with the Cal State LA BioStart fellows since the training first began in 2017.
“Jill Adler-Moore is a giant in her field,” said Cal State LA Executive Vice President Jose A. Gomez ’93, who also serves as university provost and chair of Cal State LA BioSpace. “She has dedicated her career to research that has helped save lives and has mentored young scientists and entrepreneurs who are making a difference in the communities they serve.”
This story originally appeared on the Cal State LA website.