Propel Leadership

Dr. Sharon Pitteri

Dr. Sharon Pitteri is an Associate Professor in the Department of Radiology at the Stanford University School of Medicine and the Faculty Lead for the Propel Program.  She is a member of the Canary Center at Stanford for Cancer Early Detection, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford Bio-X Program, and Stanford Cancer Biology Program.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Carleton College and her PhD in Chemistry from Purdue University.  Dr. Pitteri did her postdoctoral research in Molecular Diagnostics at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.  Her current research focuses on the identification of proteins and other molecules that are indicative of early stage and/or aggressive cancer in blood, tissue, and proximal fluids.  Her lab develops and applies mass spectrometry-based methods to study protein glycosylation in order to better understand cancer biology and ultimately improve cancer diagnosis.  She has served as an advocate and mentor, both formally and informally, for many postdocs and cares deeply about supporting and optimizing the postdoctoral experience.

Robin Sugiura

As Director of Postdoctoral Training, Robin Sugiura develops and manages OPA’s professional and personal development training for all postdocs, in addition to leading Stanford’s community and engagement efforts for the postdoctoral population. Robin also advises postdocs on integrating the many opportunities available across Stanford and beyond into their postdoctoral training plans, focusing on their career goals and interests. Robin received her BA in Japanese from UC Berkeley, two MAs in Japanese Literature from Waseda University in Tokyo and Stanford, and left Stanford ABD to commence her career in professional development curriculum development. Robin’s hobbies include cooking (and eating), yoga, hiking, karaoke, watching track & field and baseball, and parenting one of the coolest kids around.

Josh Rebello

Josh Rebello (he/él) serves as the Program Manager for Fellowships and Special Projects for the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs (OPA), part of which includes managing the Propel Program. Josh works as part of Propel’s leadership team to recruit outstanding scientists, train scholars to be future faculty leaders, and create a culture and community of belonging. Josh’s career has focused on physical and ideological structures which broadly impact health. His experience includes equity-based approaches to managing programs for nonprofits and universities. Josh’s aim is to incorporate equity and access into the everyday processes and policies. Josh is a Bay Area native who earned his BS from San José State University and MPA from Texas A&M University. Outside of work, Josh enjoys spending time with his family, cooking, baking, reading, soccer, golf, rock climbing, and walks with his dog.