Nnenna K.

This year’s Fred Hutch Pathways Explorers Program revealed the work being done at Fred Hutch today—through advanced biomedical technology. This program helped me see that there are different pathways in life, and that it’s totally okay to not know what pathway to take yet. During this two-week program I met so many skilled and experienced speakers that helped me narrow my fields of interest. Specifically, I would like to highlight Dr. Raabya Rossenkhan, during her talk she mentioned that you should, “do whatever you do from your heart”. That quote has really stuck with me, and I plan on holding that to my heart as I make decisions in my life. I would also like to highlight Dr. Barbara Norquist lecture, one of the things that stuck out to me was how she was able to do both bedside and bench side research. Knowing that I can do both really show me that I can do whatever I put my mind into. It was also very insightful to learn that while each person follows a unique path, they often end up in similar institutions. In addition, through many facilities tours we took during this program, I had the opportunity to learn about many different pathways and programs that are available at Fred Hutch and similar institutions.

I also made meaningful connections with the other program participants. Being surrounded by highly dedicated peers pushed to be my best. Together we participated in complex lab procedures like Gel Electrophoresis, PCR’s, DNA Extractions, and CRISPR. I want to specially highlight the Gel Electrophoresis Labs. The first time we conducted a Gel Electrophoresis was the Dye/ Indicator Lab, my lab partner and I did not get good visible bands. But the second time we did a Gel Electrophoresis in the CRISPR Lab, my lab partner and I were able to identify well-lit bands in our gel. Although I faced many challenges and errors while doing these labs, my lab partner and I overcame them by skills that we had obtained throughout the program from various labs, lectures, and tours. I also was to give a shoutout to my wonderful, intelligent lab partner Akshara. She was so patient with me and such a fun person to have as a partner.

Lastly, during this program I also had the opportunity to talk with mentors around my age! I specially want to highlight Lac and Layan. They talked to us about their pathway after completing the program last year. Their talks gave me an idea of where to go from here and how I can still be involved at The Hutch. I also want to highlight their support that they expressed towards me throughout this program. When I had troubles and questions in and outside the lab, they had no hesitations to clarify any of my confusions with kindness and care.

 Our first time conducting a Gel Electrophoresis, as you can see the band is not as visible

Our second time conducting a Gel Electrophoresis, as you can see this time the individual bands are more visible

My lab partner Akshara and I first time as partners ready to do a Dye/ Indicator Lab Activity