Anna N.

Our visit to the Allen Institution

The highlight of my experience while being a part of the Fred Hutch Pathways Research Explorers Program was truly everything. From visiting the labs, doing the lab activities, and listening to the speakers. Every single part had its own individual highlight. Specifically, when visiting the labs I was extremely interested in the C. Elegan, Drosophila, and Zebrafish labs. Every single animal is used for a different purpose, C. Elegans are used to research on development in nerve cells, genetic screening, and as models of basic cellular communication. Drosophila (fruit flies) are used to research genetics, develop biology studies, drug development, and research on the effects of drugs for Alzheimer's disease. Lastly, Zebrafish are used to regenerate studies in renewal and growth of cells/organs, embryonic development studies, gene environment interaction studies, and research on developmental defects in adult diseases/age related abnormalities.

Moreover, lab activities helped me understand whether or not I want to become a medical laboratory scientist. Working in the labs helped me know that I want to go into research as well. I remember the big smile on my face as I was jumping up and down. At that moment I was putting on a lab coat and working with micropipettes, gels, and dyes. Learning about BRCA 1, CRISPR, and CML Leukemia felt like such a surreal moment. Though I know we were not handling the real genes and bone marrow. The joy I felt when I was getting closer to my dream of becoming a medical laboratory scientist made me believe I could make an impact on the world. This was such a pivotal moment, not only am I gaining experience but this experience helped reinforce my goals.

Furthermore, I got the privilege alongside my fellow explorers to listen to so many different speakers from so many different backgrounds. Alicia Morales particularly stuck out to me as a speaker because she spoke on imposterism. She opened the talk explaining how some of us might be thinking what imposterism has to do with science. But I believe that whatever field of work you are in does not matter. Every job needs communication and we first need to learn how to communicate with ourselves in a compassionate way. Overall Alicia created such a safe space for me to be able to express my emotions when I was in a vulnerable state.

Me practicing micropipetting

Irene and I are doing DNA Extraction of strawberries (forever my favorite lab partner)

The science I specifically want to talk about that connected to the work at Fred Hutch is the very last lab we did. It focused on CML Leukemia which stands for chronic myelogenous leukemia. CML is a type of cancer where the bone marrow produces too many immature white blood cells. Due to a genetic mutation called the Philadelphia chromosome, which creates an abnormal BCR-ABL gene. Fred Hutch is currently researching and treating CML with new treatments to reduce toxicity. So far Fred Hutch has developed new diagnostics like Spot on CML. CML Spot Test and Gel Electrophoresis is what we did for our last lab. Though we did not work with real blood and instead it was red dye. Working with both gels and micropipettes gave it the wet lab experience. Additionally of what the process would look like to see if a patient had leukemia or not.

This experience made a fantastic impression on me. I have always juggled around the idea of working in the medical field. Originally I wanted to go into nursing over becoming a doctor because I did not want to go to school for over ten years. Looking more closely into the nursing program, I recognized one, how competitive the program is and two, I do not think I have the ability to stay calm under the stress nurses go through (props to them). After hearing the speaker Barbara Norquist talk about how she was a physician-scientist in oncology. This opened my eyes into a field I had no idea about. I am very interested in the crossover from physicians to scientists. In addition, doing this program helped me understand more about myself and how I enjoy research and working in labs. I cannot wait to explore the path of being a physician-scientist to see where that takes me (13 years of schooling lol).

In conclusion, I am so grateful for this opportunity and so thankful I was able to do it all with my lovely fellow explorers, the wonderful Dr. G as our director, our brilliant TAs Alex and Shayan, and finally our excellent alum mentors Layan, Lac, and Huda.

Group picture of everyone in session 2