The Fred Hutch Explorers program completely changed the way I thought about learning science.
It was science in a way I had never learned it before. Rather than dull lectures, we were presented with fascinating speakers and mind-blowing lab work. I remember the first day of the program, where we dove right into the science of a woman’s cancer diagnosis with Dr. Regina Wu. Kristin was officially diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), an aggressive blood cancer that hijacked B-cells within her blood. The cancer was able to disguise itself using a protein called CD19, an indicator of healthy B-cells, tricking the immune system into letting the cancer grow. Using an experimental immunotherapy treatment, in which her own T-cells (infection-fighting cells of the immune system) were genetically modified into special CAR-T cells to grow antigen receptors specifically for CD19, Kristin’s immune system was able to fight back against the cancer. Those same cells which had let the cancer fly undetected were now the cause of her complete remission. I thought it was really fascinating how the body has so much potential that we have yet to utilize. CAR-T therapy is really exciting to me because the cells can be modified to target any specific protein, allowing it to potentially detect illnesses like other blood cancers.
A model we developed to represent Kristin’s immune system vs. her ALL
However, we also did a lot of lab work during the program. The most memorable lab for me was our experiment with PCR amplification. This is a technique to duplicate DNA using three simple steps: splitting the DNA apart, attaching a special DNA segment (called a primer), and finally using a protein to build off the primer and complete the DNA. After the experiment was over, we were able to see our success using a blue light box to make our DNA glow! To me, it was really interesting how such an important step within scientific research (acquiring DNA samples) could be done so simply and quickly, and really showed me that science doesn’t have to be that scary if you take it step-by-step. Although the term “amplifying DNA” sounded intimidating at first, learning hands-on allowed everyone to understand what was happening and appreciate our efforts all the more.
Our DNA sample glowing on the right vs. the control
Finally, we were able to round off our experience here at the Hutch by shadowing amazing scientists and researchers. One such example of research that happens is by using animal models. In the Lehrbach Lab, we learned about the role of the C. elegans worm in research, and how it is used there to study genetics. We saw a number of inherited phenotypes in the tiny worms, such as “wild type” worms (no mutations), hyper worms (move very fast), and “spinner” worms (they spin around). With these worms, the research team can observe generational changes to traits much easier than using another organism, as the C. elegans worm reproduces extremely quickly. Our group was even “lucky” enough to see two worms start the mating process under a microscope! Being able to see what these scientists do on a daily basis was a really cool insight into the daily life of a basic sciences researcher.
One C. elegans crawling around eating E.coli
Overall, if I had to describe my Fred Hutch Explorers experience in one word, it would be multifaceted. We got to do so many things and meet the coolest scientists and mentors, all while increasing my passion for science. I would like to specifically thank all of our guest speakers who came in to enlighten us about their work, and especially Dr. Kay, Dr. G, Dr. Regina, and Hanako for sticking with us for these two weeks!
Using a micropipette
Micropipette virus art
CRISPR gel electrophoresis result
Cool group photo ft. Dr. Kay
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