
Kimberly Villar holds a Bachelor of Science degree in biochemistry/chemistry from the University of California San Diego, where she also spent four years in the Susan Taylor Lab supporting protein crystallization research. After completing the clinical laboratory science (CLS) training program at UC Davis in 2010, she joined the University of California San Diego Health’s stem cell processing lab in 2012. Villar was promoted to lead clinical laboratory scientist in 2021 and assumed the lab manager role in 2023. A native San Diegan, Villar enjoys spending her free time with family—especially on trips to Disneyland.
AABB NEWS: How did you become interested in the blood field in general and, more specifically, cell and gene therapy?
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August 2025
Transfusion is AABB’s scholarly, peer-reviewed monthly journal, publishing the latest on technological advances, clinical research and controversial issues related to transfusion medicine, blood banking, biotherapies and tissue transplantation. Access of Transfusion is free to all AABB members.
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AABB is an international, not-for-profit association representing individuals and institutions involved in transfusion medicine, cellular therapies and patient blood management. The association is committed to improving health by developing and delivering standards, accreditation and educational programs that focus on optimizing patient and donor care and safety.
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