Summer & Academic Year

Dr. Frankie Antillon supervises staff and student employees who lead the Undergraduate Creative Activities and Research Experiences (UCARE) and First Year Research Experience (FYRE) programs. She also coordinates undergraduate advising and campus endorsement for national and international fellowship competitions. A central part of her work is mentoring and guiding students as they explore research, build confidence as scholars, and discover where their academic interests can take them.  

You can call me: 
Frankie (she/her/hers) – the pronunciation of my name is "frang-kee." My last name is pronounced as "ant-e-on."

My academic or professional journey: 
I am a first-generation college graduate and earned my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of La Verne in Southern California. As an undergraduate, I had the opportunity to participate in three research experiences, including REU programs at Kent State University and Texas A&M University, as well as an internship at Gilead Sciences. These experiences not only shaped my interest in research but also showed me the impact that strong mentorship can have on a student’s academic journey. I also served as a peer mentor at the University of La Verne, an experience that sparked my interest in supporting and mentoring other students. 

I went on to earn my PhD in Biochemistry and Molecular Biophysics from Texas A&M University, where I studied bacteriophages, viruses that infect bacteria. Throughout graduate school, I continued to mentor students and support undergraduate research programs, allowing me to combine my passion for research with my commitment to student development. After earning my PhD, I transitioned to a career focused on creating meaningful research and professional development opportunities for students in STEM.  

Where I call home: 
I grew up in Hesperia, a small town in Southern California, and later became part of a military family. Moving frequently taught me how to adapt, embrace new experiences, and find a sense of home wherever I am.

My favorite hobby: 
When I am not working, you can usually find me at the gym lifting weights or at home with my two cats, playing video games!

A person/place/thing/idea that has had great influence on my life: 
I have been fortunate to have mentors throughout my academic journey who believed in me, encouraged me to keep going, and made sure that even when the water was rising, I was still able to float. Their guidance shaped my passion for mentoring and supporting students, and I hope to be that same kind of mentor for the students I have the privilege of working with. Whether they are exploring research for the first time, navigating an academic opportunity, or simply looking for someone to help them figure out their next step, I want students to know that I am here to support them along the way.