About
The Amgen Biotech Experience (ABE) is an international education program funded by the Amgen Foundation. As an Affiliate Site, ABE-San Diego is supported by New England BioLabs, EmbiTec MiniOne, the California CCAP STEM Pathways Academy Grant, the Defense STEM Education Consortium supported by DoD STEM, Mt. San Jacinto College, San Diego Miramar College, Biocom California Institute, and others.
San Diego Site Co-Director & Coordinator
Tracey Milani, Ph.D.
Tracey is the coordinator and lab technician for the Amgen Biotechnology Experience – San Diego and an adjunct faculty member in Biotechnology at San Diego Miramar College. Additionally, she is an adjunct faculty member in Nutrition at San Diego Mesa College and a science teacher at Torah High School. She especially enjoys providing high school students with opportunities to learn transferable skills and earn college credit before high school graduation.
Tracey earned her Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences from The University of Texas at Austin and her B.S. in Biology from UC San Diego. When not working, she spends time with her husband, son, and dog (Penny). She also practices yoga, archery, and loves to travel.
San Diego Site Co-Director & Lab Technician
Trish Willy, Ph.D.
Trish is returning to the ABE-San Diego team, bringing with her years of experience with ABE-San Diego, teaching Biotechnology, and working in the biotech industry.
San Diego Site Coordination Partner
Mikayla Ortega, M.S.
Mikayla Ortega earned her Bachelors of Arts degree in Biology from San Diego State University with a double minor in Psychology and Geological Sciences. Pursuing her passions for marine science, she earned her Master of Science degree in Marine Biology from Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO). During her time at SIO, she studied how various marine organisms manage and regulate the acid/base balance of their cellular and interstitial environments. Her thesis research focused on the cellular and molecular mechanisms behind coral pH regulation and calcification, or skeleton formation. Mikayla spent the next four years teaching a variety of courses at different community colleges in San Diego and currently still teaches in the Department of Physics, Engineering and Earth Sciences at Cuyamaca College. Now, she works as a Program Manager of Partner Programs with Biocom California Institute (BCI). Through BCI, Mikayla supports the administrative operations for the Amgen Biotech Experience. Her favorite pass times are walking the Ocean Beach pier at sunset, reading a good book at the beach, paddleboarding in Mission Bay and hanging out with her two dogs.