Meseret S.

Mezzi’s experience at Fred Hutch!

My experience at Fred Hutch has been incredibly immersive, and I am beyond grateful to have participated in this program. While there have been many highlights, one that stands out the most to me was when Ms. Mitra came to speak to us about her journey to becoming an oncology nurse. I hope to work as a doctor in the future, and her story gave me clarity about the path I want to take.

I asked her if seeing sick patients everyday, especially during clinical trials when outcomes are uncertain, has ever taken a toll on her. She explained that her role as a nurse is to make her patients feel comfortable and at ease, no matter where they may end up. Knowing that she has made their journey a little easier is what motivates her to keep going, because either way, she is helping them for the better. This deeply resonated with me because I could truly see myself in her shoes. Her advice, encouragement, and passion for medicine were inspiring, and her visit was one of the most impactful moments of the program for me.

This experience has brought me closer to my dreams than ever before. Being surrounded by brilliant scientists who openly share their research and stories has made me believe that my goals are achievable. I have grown comfortable with working in the lab, learning skills and techniques that go far beyond what school teaches. This program has been a crucial part of my development as both a future researcher and doctor. I've built meaningful connections with my peers who share my passion through games and shared laughs, and I have met people who are living the career I aspire to have. The resources, experiences, and confidence I've gained here will stay with me as I continue my journey in science and medicine. This program has taught me to aim for the stars and never underestimate myself.

Caption: This photo above shows the first lab we completed, where we created our own protocols to isolate DNA from strawberries. On the right is our first trial, which resulted in less pure DNA, and on the left is our second trial, where we extracted cleaner DNA. At the Hutch, scientists develop and refine their own protocols daily to run experiments, tracking results and making adjustments until they succeed.

Caption: This photo shows my notes on the hallmarks of cancer, which we learned about on our second day. The hallmarks connect to nearly everything scientists do in cancer research. At the Hutch and beyond, they are essential for developing targeted cancer treatments and identifying different cancer types to determine how to treat them. These notes represent the foundation of understanding cancer biology.

Caption: This final photo shows the product of our last lab, where we used gel electrophoresis to test which patients had CML (chronic myeloid leukemia) and which did not. Gel electrophoresis is a fundamental tool in the lab, used to separate molecules for various experiments and discoveries. At the Hutch, this technique plays a vital role in advancing research and making breakthroughs.