Hello, my name is Shalom and I had the opportunity to be in Fred Hutch’s Explorers program. I was encouraged by my Biology teacher to apply. At first, I was definitely nervous and intimidated to be working with highly educated adults on a huge campus but when I got to Fred Hutch everyone was so welcoming. I was left in shock at the diversity in age, race, and gender there was here. We started out the first day breaking the social ice by getting to know each other through games. Before we started learning about cancer we got together and answered what we already know and what we want to know. To me particularly it was really interesting that just after two weeks I was able to not only explain this horrible disease but use big science words without even realizing it.
This was our first lab which was mainly focused on heLa cell splats and we also had a chance to learn and discuss Henrietta Lacks where the cells are originally from. Her cells have helped make the medical business millions of dollars while her family is still in poverty. This discussion also led to public health and bioethics which were covered by speakers from different departments. We were privileged enough to attend a seminar and many talks held by highly respected scientists who have truly changed my views on science. For instance, a few days ago we had Alicia Morales speak to us about Imposter Syndrome. This was truly eyeopening to me and my friends because we never realized how much pressure we put on ourselves until then.
In the program, we spent about 40% of our time in the lab whether it is working on new skills like learning how to use micropipettes or running gel electrophoresis. We did many labs like PCR, CRISPR, and my personal favorite ELISA. I find it interesting because it’s used in so many labs by real scientists. It also involves a lot of micropipetting which is my favorite. The main purpose of ELISA is to check for certain proteins/hormones using the patient’s antibodies. We can also see how aggressive the (BRCA) gene is based on the subtypes.
In conclusion, Fred Hutch is definitely the highlight of my education life but beyond that, this place has helped me meet so many amazing people. I’ve gained so much knowledge about having a successful school career which will help jumpstart my future career. One of the biggest takeaways is the friends I got and all the people I connected with on a different level. I’ve never met a nicer staff and a more welcoming community, from the bottom of my heart I would like to thank the advisors, sponsors and the center for giving me this huge opportunity. It was definitely hard having to say our goodbyes on the last day but I wish to return and help work for a greater cause. If you are thinking about applying to this program I promise you will not regret it. The two weeks will teach you so much and give you a sneak peek of a cancer research scientist. It taught me how much work the center is putting in to find a cure and how the small things put us a step closer to it.
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