Amira H.

My name is Amira. I am a rising junior at Mountlake Terrace High School, and I was a part of session 1 in the Fred Hutch Explorers pathway program.

Throughout my time at Fred Hutch, I had the opportunity to listen to a variety of guest speakers in the scientific field. The lectures varied from laboratory technology that helps identify cancer cells to everyday psychological patterns like imposter syndrome. Each more interesting than the next. However, one of the lectures that stood out to me was Dr Abizar’s discussion on Liquid Biopsies, a new approach to treatment for cancer. Dr Abizar began his talk by asking us the question “which race is most likely to get cancer?” Now I had previously learned in biology class that when it came to skin cancer, those with less melanin are more likely to develop it due to less protection from UV light reaching the nucleus. I assumed the answer would be those with lighter skin tones. I soon realized I was, in fact, very wrong as Dr Abizar revealed a graph that showed  African Americans and Africans had a higher chance of developing cancer. I realized that this wasn't connected to UV light but instead genetics. Through Dr Abizar's lecture, I learned that those of African American/ African descent were more likely to possess the BRCA gene, a gene that suppresses tumor growth and repairs damaged DNA. In the process of repairing damaged DNA if the BRCA gene is unable to perform its job effectively, allowing for mutations to accumulate more easily and therefore increases the risk of cancerous cells to proliferate. We learned that a  Liquid biopsy would be a minimally invasive blood test that helps identify dangerous mutations through DNA sequencing. I found this form of treatment and genes like BRCA1 and BRCA2 to be very interesting as it showed me the genetic aspect in cancer.

Another experience that I enjoyed during my time spent in the program was participating in the Dye indicator lab. This lab consisted of different dye samples, some of which were unknown,  and our objective was to understand the physical properties of these samples that allow them to separate using gel electrophoresis. This lab was one of my first labs that involved multiple steps, each requiring a different number of measurements. However, I enjoyed following through these steps because it was something new and exciting that I kept learning more about as I went on. My partner and I took turns micropipeting, creating the Agarose gel and labeling samples. We made predictions on how far we thought each dye would travel while in the gel, and although some of our predictions didn't turn out as we planned, it was intriguing to be able to compare them to our results and observe what we didn't expect. It was very cool to be able to participate in these labs because I never really get the chance to outside of this program. I am proud to be able to say that I feel much more confident in a lab than before!

Loading my dyes into the agarose gel

The dyes slowing drifting away into either the positive or negative side

Now I wouldn't be telling the truth if I had said that I only enjoyed the science aspect of the Explorers Pathways Research program because I definitely did enjoy the friends I made along the way aswell. I'm super grateful for all the connections I’ve made through the countless games of mafia and disagreements over the “Would you rather” question of the day. The program did not only offer a chance to expand my knowledge in biology but also a safe, inviting environment as well.

This program allowed me to discover so many different science careers and explore all kinds of different labs. (My favorite being the Zebrafish one.)  This was a memorable, fun experience that I am so thankful I got to have and will forever cherish!