Moments in TIME: Fellows Shaping the Future of Aging- Lea Baskin Monk
In this "Moments in TIME" feature, we introduce Lea Baskin Monk, a TIME Fellow whose journey in aging biology reflects a deep passion for discovery and impact. Lea’s research dives into the role of stem cells in muscle maintenance, exploring how their dynamics change with age and uncovering the often-overlooked biological sex differences. Her work isn’t just about understanding aging—it’s about asking the kind of questions that can have impact on quality of life, addressing the decline in muscle strength that affects function and independence as we grow older.
Lea’s path is marked by curiosity and community. From organizing UCLA’s first undergraduate poster session to interning at the Buck Institute, she’s not just building a career—she’s fostering connections and pushing boundaries. Now, as she works in the Thomas Rando Lab and prepares to pursue a PhD, Lea continues to blend science with purpose, showing us what it looks like to build a future where we live healthier longer.
“I am driven to pursue a career in aging biology because it offers the opportunity to make significant contributions to both human health and our fundamental understanding of life’s biological processes. In this field, we’re tackling profound questions that are challenging but essential to answer.”
Courtney: Lea, thanks for joining me! Let’s jump right in. Can you tell us about your current research focus?
Lea: I investigate the role of stem cells in skeletal muscle maintenance and how their dynamics shift with age. My primary research focuses on uncovering the sex- and age-related differences in muscle stem cell kinetics.
Courtney: That sounds fascinating! Why do you think understanding these differences is so important?
Lea: A decline in skeletal muscle mass and strength is one of the first signs of aging, and it significantly impacts quality of life. Understanding the nuances of stem cell function across age is critical to better addressing the decline in muscle function and regenerative capacity.
Also, the influence of biological sex on fundamental biology and disease mechanisms is underexplored. As we advance the field of aging biology, it’s vital to account for these differences, which impact not only skeletal muscle but every organ system in the body.
Courtney: You’ve been doing some really exciting things in the field. What recent achievement are you most proud of?
Lea: Honestly, I’m thrilled to be working full-time in the lab on projects I’m passionate about. Having the time and resources to pursue more ambitious experiments is incredibly exciting. It feels like everything I worked for as an undergrad has led to this moment, and that makes me excited for the future.
Courtney: I love that! Can you share a few key milestones you’ve reached along the way?
Lea: Sure! I won the UCLA Undergraduate Scholars Program Fellowship twice—receiving funding for both my junior and senior years. I also graduated with Biochemistry Departmental Highest Honors and Cum Laude Latin honors.
In spring 2024, I organized the first UCLA Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry undergraduate poster session, which was a huge success and will continue annually even after my graduation. I presented my research at three conferences last spring and interned at the Judy Campisi Lab at the Buck Institute over the summer of 2023.
Courtney: That’s amazing! So, what’s next for you?
Lea: I want to continue studying sex differences in aging and reproductive biology. My goal is to uncover mechanisms of aging that deepen our understanding of fundamental processes and contribute to the development of effective therapies.
Courtney: I love that vision. What inspired you to pursue a career in aging biology?
Lea: I was first inspired by my mom, an In Vitro Fertilization nurse and my first (unofficial) science teacher. It’s through her that I was introduced to the science of reproductive care. I remember debating with her about the moral implications and norms in the field. In high school, I interned in an IVF clinic lab which sparked my scientific interest in reproductive aging. I became curious about why women’s fertility declines steeply at thirty, an age when most organs are not yet showing significant signs of aging. As a UCLA student, I joined Thomas Rando’s lab which immersed me in the geroscience community. I am driven to pursue a career in aging biology because it offers the opportunity to make significant contributions to both human health and our fundamental understanding of life's biological processes. In this field, we’re tackling profound questions that are challenging but essential to answer.
Courtney: It’s incredible how those early experiences set the stage for your career. I know the journey into aging biology isn’t always smooth. What challenges have you faced along the way?
Lea: Before the Time Fellowship, I felt siloed in my work. I knew I was interested in the biology of aging, but I didn't feel I had a community of other like-minded scientists beyond my research group. I changed this by pursuing opportunities like the Time Fellowship and internships at aging research institutions like the Buck Institute. These decisions changed my trajectory in the field.
Courtney: It’s amazing how community can make such a difference. Speaking of that, if someone was thinking about applying for the TIME Fellowship, what would you tell them?
Lea: One of the most essential skills for a scientist is mastering the art of asking the right questions. While reading literature and conducting experiments are important, I believe this skill is truly honed through communication with other scientists. The Time Fellowship supports this development on two fronts. First, it offers exceptional mentorship, providing the chance to learn from accomplished and established scientists. Second, your fellow Time scholars bring a wealth of knowledge and passion, challenging you to deepen your understanding of your motivations and aspirations in the field.
Courtney: That’s great advice. Just for fun- If you could have dinner with any scientist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Lea: Lynn Margulis. She is an evolutionary biologist who proposed endosymbiosis, the hypothesis that organelles like mitochondria and chloroplasts are evolutionarily derived from bacteria. She published this idea in 1967, before we had genetic data to support the claim, and received a lot of criticism. I would love to talk to her about her tenacity as a young scientist.
Courtney: To wrap up- Do you have any advice for someone just starting in the field?
Lea: When you connect with people in the field, focus on building depth rather than breadth. You will build a strong network by building strong relationships. This can be as simple as sending a brief update email every six months or scheduling a Zoom call when you come across someone on LinkedIn whose work interests you.
