Greetings to the incredible person reading my blog post! I’m Layan Sattout, a rising junior transitioning from Kent-Meridian to Juanita High School. I was honored to be selected for the 2024 Fred Hutch Pathways Research Explorers Program. From the moment I stepped into Fred Hutch, I was struck by the warm, friendly atmosphere and the motivational, supportive spirit that permeates every session. This experience has truly opened my eyes to new fields where I can combine my passion for neuroscience with a newfound interest in research.
We began our journey by mastering the use of micropipettes, an essential skill for any scientist. Accurate measurement of microscopic reagents is crucial, and as our TA, Arjun, aptly put it, “Micropipetting in science is like typing in coding; it’s an essential skill for moving forward!” Alongside this, we learned the importance of labeling reagent tubes and maintaining an organized workspace to prevent mistakes and accidents.
One of the most fascinating techniques we explored was gel electrophoresis, a method used to separate and analyze biomacromolecules based on their size and charge. This technique is fundamental to many advanced labs. We also delved into CRISPR (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats), a groundbreaking gene-editing tool that allows scientists to modify specific proteins or DNA sequences with incredible precision.
A particularly memorable part of the program was analyzing the case of Kristin Kleinhofer, a patient diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) who, after failing chemotherapy, entered complete remission following a CAR T-cell clinical trial at Fred Hutch. We had the opportunity to examine the data collected during her treatment and reflect on the remarkable impact of this cutting-edge therapy.
One presentation that truly stood out to me was Dr. Barry Stoddard’s lecture on Structural Biology and X-Ray Crystallography. Structural biology is the study of the molecular structure of biological macromolecules, like proteins and nucleic acids, and how their shapes influence their function. We were given a tour of his lab, where we saw firsthand the advanced technologies used in his research. Dr. Stoddard also shared his graduate school journey, which he writes about in his book The Baikonur Man. I was fortunate enough to win an autographed copy, and though I haven’t had the chance to read it yet, I’m eager to dive into the history of the Baikonur Cosmodrome and learn more about the key events and people who made the Soviet space program possible.
Another highlight of the program was a lab focused on diagnosing Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML). We began by amplifying and multiplying blood samples, preparing an agarose gel for electrophoresis, and finally comparing the results to positive and negative controls. The experience of identifying whether a blood sample had CML felt like participating in real-life patient diagnosis, which was both fascinating and deeply rewarding.
I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Fred Hutch Cancer Center for offering such an inspiring and eye-opening opportunity for high school students. Special thanks to Dr. Gennifer Goode for her guidance, our TAs Elana and Arjun, and our alum mentor Miah for their unwavering support. I am incredibly grateful to everyone involved in making this program possible.
Here are some pictures of these two weeks:
These images capture me in the lab, diligently following safety guidelines while wearing a white lab coat. In the first photo, I'm carefully organizing microtube samples and reagents in preparation for the gel electrophoresis procedure
This image showcases the gel electrophoresis results from our Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) patient blood test. The first column displays the DNA ladder, followed by two positive controls, a negative control, and four patient samples. Notably, the second patient, in well number 6, tested positive for CML, while the other samples did not.
This image shows me working with a microscope, examining cancerous blood cells, as depicted in the adjacent close-up image.
Here are photos of 'Baikonur Man' by Dr. Stoddard, a book I’m eagerly looking forward to reading.
Lastly, the picture on the left shows my group on the rooftop of the Allen Institute, where we enjoyed a stunning view after an insightful tour of their different labs. On the right, you can see us in the training lab, all geared up in our lab coats, ready to tackle our hands-on projects. These photos capture not only the skills and knowledge we gained but also the strong bonds we formed as a team during this experience.
In the very end, reflecting on these incredible experiences, I am filled with gratitude and excitement, knowing that the knowledge and skills I've gained here at Fred Hutch will not only shape my future but also inspire me to continue pursuing my passion for science with an open heart and a curious mind.
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