Ganeshal S.

Hello, my name is Ganeshal and I am a rising Junior at Shorewood High School. Being part of Explorer’s session one was truly an amazing and fascinating experience. Everyone had the opportunity to really explore the different concepts and pathways researchers have taken to understand both cancer and basic human living. Before joining the program, I had learned about biology mostly at school, but being able to be part of a program at a world renowned cancer research center, I had absorbed so many new ideas and techniques in an environment that has actually given me a much greater appreciation for the science and the hard work of doctors and scientists behind cancer research and the road to improve civilian care. Every new day introduced new laboratory techniques, discussions with researchers, and with all that, being surrounded by scientists and students who share similar passion for learning has made this experience both inspiring and rewarding. 

        Explorer’s session 1 2026 cohort!

            One of my favorite experiences was learning about CRISPR Cas9 gene editing. Before the program, I had heard about gene editing but knew very little about it. Learning how researchers can target and edit specific DNA sequences demonstrated how powerful modern biotechnology has gotten in a very short time period. It was exciting to see how one technology has the potential to improve our understanding of genetic diseases and contribute to both future cancer treatments and overall well-being of humans. While this was the most intriguing lab experience for me, I had more fun learning about Dr. Barry Staddford. He taught us about protein crystallization and how scientists in his field created a blueprint of step by step guide in order to purify the protein at the atomic level. We also had the opportunity to visit Dr. Staddford’s lab and see the x-ray protein crystallization machine! Dr.Staddford had a really interesting story to tell us about when he and his friends from MIT had the chance to go to Kazakhstan and test if proteins were easier and more sufficient to purify and also get a larger sample in zero gravity (although they themselves didn’t go to outer space).

Me pipetting the DNA samples for CRISPR Cas9

                                    X-Ray Crystallography machine (Dr.Staddford’s Lab)

While scientists and researchers do what they need to in order to answer a scientific question they have followed up on, at the same time,  there are individuals like Ms. La Toya, who manages the glassware department at Fred Hutch. Not everyone knows but this department makes sure that all the equipment is clean and sterile for others to use. I feel like sometimes others forget how important workers like these are because their dedication in making sure everything is clean and handled properly for the researchers to use, contributes majorly to the greater Fred Hutch members and other collaborators.

  Ms.LaToya showing us how they clean equipment

To conclude, my experience at Fred Hutch was phenomenal! I met so many amazing people and I genuinely appreciate everyone and hope to continue being part of more fun activities and programs such as EVI and SHIP. At last, thank you to everyone who has made explorers so memorable.