Dr. Rommel is experienced in designing, analyzing and troubleshooting innovative research in the fields of plant, cancer and neurodegenerative research. Prior to joining Rainwater, where she launched the Rainwater Prize Program, she was a Staff Researcher for the Salk Institute of Biological Studies. Rommel spoke at TEDxSanDiego twice, was a Keynote Speaker for Salk Women & Science Spring Event, and won Stern Foundation Award to Support Research and Salk Excelerators Fellowship. She received her PhD at UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas.