Dr. David Traver

Assistant Professor

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Biography

David Traver received his Ph.D. in immunology from Stanford University, where he was awarded the McDevitt Prize for his thesis. He completed postdoctoral studies at Harvard University as a fellow of the Irvington Institute. Since joining the University of California, San Diego in 2004, he has received several accolades including the Young Investigator Award from the Beckman Foundation, the Scholar Award from the American Society of Hematology, and the New Faculty Award from the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine. His research focuses on utilizing zebrafish to gain new insights into the biology of hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which play a crucial role in blood formation and maintenance. His work employs advanced methods such as forward genetic screens and high-throughput expression screens to study vertebrate blood cell formation, exploring the genetic programs that govern HSC emergence and differentiation. The transparency and external fertilization of zebrafish embryos provide a unique opportunity to visualize early events in HSC specification and fate mapping, enabling him to address longstanding questions in immune system development and regenerative medicine.

Research Interests

Experience

Adjunct Professor

— Present

University of California, San Diego • La Jolla, CA

Conducts research and teaches in the field of immunology and hematopoietic stem cell biology.

Requirements for University of California, San Diego

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3
TOEFL
Total
Required:85
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Duolingo
Overall Score
Required:120
Overall
Required:120
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in physical, biological, or earth sciences, mathematics, or engineering. Differential and integral calculus. One year of calculus-based physics with laboratory. One year of chemistry with laboratory.
Application Checklist
  • Statement of Purpose (max 2 pages)
  • Unofficial transcripts
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Curriculum Vitae (CV)
  • Application fee ($135 domestic / $155 international)
Specialization Notes

Administered by the Scripps Institution of Oceanography. Curricular groups include Climate-Ocean-Atmosphere (COAP), Geosciences (GEO), and Ocean Biosciences (OBP).