Sumaya A.

This summer, I was given the opportunity to participate in the Fred Hutch Pathways Research Explorers program where I gained invaluable skills in the lab and outside of it. Throughout these two weeks, I took part in multiple tours, performed labs, engaged in numerous guest talks, and expanded my understanding of cancer research. This whole program was a unique experience, matched by no other. The knowledge I gained would otherwise be inaccessible to me, and I am extremely grateful to everyone who supported me in this program giving me the chance to experience what it is like to be a scientist working in an actual lab environment.

All of us played battleship with pipettes

As mentioned above, I performed multiple labs such as DNA extraction, CRISPR gene editing, PCR, and Gel Electrophoresis. Over the two weeks, the labs we were expected to do became more advanced. On the first day, we extracted DNA from a strawberry and as the two weeks continued, we gained more skills in the lab and finally ended our last lab by testing for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia where we performed gel electrophoresis and did a CML Spot Test to see if a patient has leukemia. It was gratifying to see our progress in the lab from the first time we did gel electrophoresis and saw one band to the last time where we completed it almost perfectly. It felt like our hard work had paid off and it was such a wonderful experience. On top of that, the TAs were in the lab with us, supporting us but also giving us the chance to learn from our mistakes, ensuring that we understood what was happening and were enjoying the process.

Our TAs in the process of teaching us

 Our Gel Electrophoresis

There were many highlights to this program, but one that stood out me was the guest talk we had in the first week given by Dr. Barbara Norquist. Dr Norquist spoke with us about the BRCA1 gene in breast cancer, and her career related to it. In this guest talk, I obtained so much knowledge about the BRCA1 gene, how it was discovered, and so much more. Before this, I did not even know what the BRCA1 gene was, and this opened my eyes to the broad field of research done by world scientists. For me, what was so remarkable about Dr Norquist was how open she was about her career and personal life. She took us through her journey from high school to where she is now, giving us valuable insights on how to succeed in the medical field knowing that every person’s experience is unique. She was very detailed especially when explaining how she balanced her career with taking care of her children and this was very special because this is an extremely personal subject, however, she still shared this openly so we could better understand her experience and what the life of a doctor truly entails.

Beyond the labs and guest speakers, I also had a wonderful experience working with my lab partner Izabella. We had such an awesome dynamic where we could delegate tasks to each other efficiently. We made sure to get our work done but also had fun working together. Additionally, I was able to build a strong community with the people in my cohort. From playing mafia during breaks to sharing our individual experiences during discussions, we were able to foster a community built on trust and support. Everyone in my cohort was so incredibly kind, encouraging, and I felt so welcome in this space.  Furthermore, our TAs Alex, Layan, and Shayan were such a tremendous part of our success in this program. They were here with us every single day, helping us in the labs, giving us lectures, telling us about their career pathways and being there for us when we needed them. This program would not be the same without them.  I also had the absolute best experience working with Dr. G here in this lab.  She was one of the best leaders I have ever had the honor of learning from, and I am profoundly grateful for the opportunity I was given here. Finally, I am grateful to everyone who has supported the Pathways Explorers Program. Because of them, I was given the chance to thrive in a scientific community and this experience, along with the memories I made, will stay with me forever.