My time at Fred Hutch has been an insightful and fascinating two weeks where I learned a variety of lab techniques, visited numerous labs, and met with passionate scientists at different points in their careers. I gained so much knowledge in a variety of subjects including immunology, cancer treatment, and lab technologies that I otherwise would not have had an opportunity to become familiar with.
One opportunity this program gave me was utilizing common lab techniques and procedures, specifically PCR and CRISPR Cas9. PCR, or Polymerase Chain Reaction, is a process used to amplify a chosen piece of DNA. It begins with the denaturing of the hydrogen bonds that connect DNA, where specifically engineered primers then anneal to the single-stranded DNA, so that Taq DNA polymerase can use them as a starting point to replicate a chosen segment. This process is repeated multiple times with a thermocycler to ensure steps are carried out at the correct temperature and temperature-sensitive components such as the primers can work efficiently. We utilized PCR to amplify the B2M gene, which we later genetically modified with CRISPR Cas9. CRISPR is a gene editing tool that originated in bacteria as a defense against bacteriophages, and was later adapted to edit specific genes that scientists can choose. This technology has been used to deactivate, manipulate, and locate genes, making it an extremely useful tool to study our genome and how we can alter it.
Caption: Our CRISPR was successful, which can be seen by the separate bands of DNA
Another unique procedure that stood out to me was protein crystallography. This method of visualizing protein structures is vital to understanding how proteins work and how to create molecules that can inhibit or alter their function. For example, drugs are developed by testing how well they can bind to an active site of a drug target, and understanding protein structure can aid in narrowing down drug candidates. Protein crystallography is a multifaceted method that utilizes aspects of biology, chemistry, and physics. The process starts out by crystallizing a protein and then shooting an x-ray at it to collect data. This data, consisting of seemingly randomly placed dots, are the deflections of the x-ray beam, which is then converted into a topographical map of electrons, and finally a protein model.
Caption: The protein crystallography machine used to point an x-ray at a crystallized protein
Apart from scientific learning, we also learnt about some alternate career pathways and tips to aid us in our professional lives. This program has greatly helped me narrow my field of interest by exposing me to the countless topics researchers at Fred Hutch are currently exploring. Specifically, Dr. Raabya spoke about her journey studying HIV in pregnant women and working in a primarily lab environment and then later collaborating with biostatisticians. This helped me realize that performing lab work everyday was not my ideal work environment, as I value communication as well as working with individuals from different backgrounds. Additionally, her visit deepened my interest in the field of epidemiology and infectious disease such as HIV, which she researches, and consequently presenting a more unknown side to Fred Hutch: its studies in vaccines and infectious diseases. She also spoke to us about finding balance in the work you plan to pursue, considering what you love, what you are good at, what you can get paid for, and what the world needs. This last point stuck with me, as previously I had never taken into great consideration how the world could be impacted by the research I conduct.
Caption: The Japanese concept on how to find the right career for you.
Overall, my time at Fred Hutch has been an eye-opening experience into the sector of research and the various paths one can take, as well as a valuable hands-on learning experience. I am so thankful to have met everyone I did at Fred Hutch, whether it be the peers in my cohort, or professors we spoke with. The passion and drive for learning everyone exhibited was truly inspirational, and has played a massive role in furthering my passion for research.
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