Siddharth N.

Hello, my name is Siddharth Narla, and I am a rising sophomore at Glacier Peak High School. This summer, I was part of Session 1 of the 2025 Pathways Explorers program, and I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity that allowed me to experience the realm of cancer research.

The Pathways Explorers program introduced me to the world of biomedical research through the various studies and careers at the Hutch. I was able to learn how research and experiments were conducted in the various labs and the contribution those findings made in the bigger picture of cancer therapy and cures. This program equipped with key lab techniques, such as micro-pipetting, gel electrophoresis, and PCR. As a high school student with a passion for research, this program not only provided me with lab experience, but it also challenged me to think about the future I have biomedical research. As I interacted with different faculty members around campus and saw how they contribute to Fred Hutch’s mission of working to eliminate cancer and infectious disease, it inspired me to get to a position where I could do the same. All this knowledge helped me strengthen my ability to think like a scientist. Below I have shared some of my highlights from this program.

Choosing my personal highlight from these two weeks was a difficult decision to make, but it was meeting our guest speaker Dr. Barry Stoddard and visiting his lab. Dr. Stoddard’s research is focused on the 3D atomic level modeling of proteins by using various methods including x-ray crystallography and computer modeling through programs like AlphaFold. Rather than using traditional imaging techniques, X-ray crystallography makes use of investigating how X-rays diffract when pointing through crystalized proteins. This allows for computer software to analyze these patterns and generate a detailed model. With this research, Dr. Stoddard aims to modify proteins to target specific mutations that contribute to the development of various illnesses. I found it very interesting how scientists were able to design such techniques and machinery to gain so much information about a structure as small and complex as a protein. Along with his work, Dr. Stoddard spoke about his journey in research. It was incredible to hear the story about how his team worked with the Russian space program to send proteins into space for crystallization! I really enjoyed being able to speak and ask questions to such a fascinating researcher in Dr. Stoddard. This opportunity allowed me to gain valuable insight into his work and inspired me to go deeper into structural biology

Protein crystals under basic microscope

X-ray and electron microscope used to analyze protein structure

Additionally, I also really enjoyed our final lab, where we used all the valuable lab techniques, we gained experience in, to discover whether patient samples indicated CML (chronic myelogenous leukemia). CML is caused by the presence of the Philadelphia chromosome, an exchange between chromosomes 9 and 22. This results in the creation of the BCR-ABL protein, that promotes uncontrolled white blood cell proliferation, leading to cancer. To suppress this cancer, medical professionals use a drug known as Gleevec, that blocks the abnormal BCR-ABL protein from signaling for the growth of cancerous cells. We ran our patient samples in gel electrophoresis to check for a band that would show up if CML was present. This experiment made a lasting impression on me, showing how research is saving patients’ lives. In the real world, if we were not able to detect this abnormality, the patient would face serious health issues and be fighting to survive. It is remarkable how a single discovery in a lab has the power to change the future of generations of humans. When I was younger, I would always imagine working in a laboratory to be something from a sci-fi movie. Being able to see this equipment, technology, and research environment firsthand was a surreal experience.

Picture of CML Lab Gel Electrophoresis.

Well 1: DNA Ladder Well 2: Positive Control 1 Well 3: Positive Control 2 Well 4: Negative Control 3

Well 5,6,7,8 are patient samples. Well 5 has a faint band indicating CML

These past two weeks have been an incredible journey filled with new experiences, insight into cancer, and fun with my peers. I would like to sincerely thank Fred Hutch and the science education team for this opportunity. I strongly believe that the connections I formed at the Hutch will last beyond this program. Thank you to our program director Dr. G, our TAs Alex and Shayan, our student mentor Huda, my fellow Explorers Program peers, and all the faculty members that took time out of their busy schedule to make this time memorable for us.