Avinash Dhond

Before I delve into my awesome experience at Fred Hutch, allow me to introduce myself. My name is Avinash, and I’ll be a Sophomore this fall in High School. As you can see, I was one of the lucky few that got into the First Cohort of the Pathways Research Explorers Program (PREP). And just like my peers, I had a wonderful time!

At Fred Hutch, we explored many topics that are relevant to cancer and other deadly diseases around today (like HIV). We also learned how to properly use many different types of equipment like Electrophoresis Gel Boxes and Micropipets, which are used daily at Fred Hutch for cancer research and other related activities. We also experimented with many enzymes like CRISPR CAS9, and proteins like antibodies (used in a lab based around Breast Cancer and mutated BRCA1 Genes).

A picture taken during the ELISA Lab, using ELISA strips to determine whether a patient has a mutated BRCA1 Gene, which can lead to Breast Cancer.

On August 9th, our group of explorers had the honor of eating with the Undergraduates who were in the Summer Undergraduate Research Program (SURP). Each one of them had a lot more experience than we did in both science and technology, and I learned a lot from them. I talked with two people in particular, Shan Billups and Makhari “Mikki” Dysart. The conversation that I and other students had with them was amazing. Shan showed us his office/work space where he worked on flies and investigated the healing of cellular wounds. Mikki gave wonderful advice regarding studying in college and gave us a tour of certain parts of Fred Hutch, all while showing us many different types of equipment.

A picture of the lab space that I worked in alongside my peers. In this area, about 8 people worked simultaneously (4 at each bench).

This experience was huge for me. Ever since I was little, I have always dreamt of what it would be like to work in a lab or pursue a career in science (medicine in particular). Until now, I barely had any knowledge on how it would feel to work at a place like Fred Hutch. The Pathways Research Explorers Program (PREP) really opened my eyes and instilled in me a great motivation to continue a career in science and to expand my knowledge further. After this experience I’m confident that my future will revolve around medicine and research if I can help it.