Where are you from and what made you join the department?
I am from the Milwaukee area but moved to Georgia where I did my undergraduate studies. I graduated from the University of Georgia (UGA) with a B.S in Genetics and a B.S in Applied Biotechnology. Over my undergraduate career, I was a research assistant in two different labs, largely focused on developmental biology. First, I worked on a project focused on the role of Elp1, a gene often mutated in Familial Dysautonomia patients, on tastebud development in a murine system. Subsequently, I worked with another lab where I studied the role of Sonic hedgehog signaling in embryonic neural patterning in Anolis sagrei. These experiences allowed me to get a feel for how research is conducted and what graduate school looks like. My passion for science was bolstered by these experiences, and because of a cancer-related experience in my family which arose during my undergraduate studies, I knew that I wanted to pursue my PhD in Cancer Biology.
Growing up in Wisconsin, I was familiar with the University of Wisconsin-Madison. I had visited Madison a few times and had always found the city to be vibrant and welcoming. I had heard from one of my professors at UGA about the incredible training given at the Cancer Biology PhD program at UW-Madison, and immediately, I knew I had to apply. I went on to interview in Madison and was incredibly impressed with how happy the current graduate students were with their training and lifestyles. I was extremely excited about what this program and city had to offer and knew that the Cancer Biology PhD program at UW-Madison was the perfect fit for me.
What made you choose your current lab and the project you are working on?
Coming in to graduate school, all of my research experience was related to basic science research. However, after my experience with cancer in my family, I came to understand how terrifying cancer is on the patient side. For this reason, I was determined to pursue my graduate studies in translational science. During my rotation with the Deming lab, it became very clear to me that every member of the lab was dedicated to pursuing science that would go on to improve the treatment of patients. Additionally, I found that the mentorship offered in this lab fit well with my learning style and the graduate students in the Deming lab really operated like a team. They really made me feel like a part of the team too. At this point, joining the Deming lab was a no-brainer for me.
My project is focused on using tumor microenvironment phenotypes as biomarkers and targets for immunotherapy. I am specifically focused on Versican proteolysis and cancer associated fibroblast phenotypes as they relate to immune infiltration and patient response to immune checkpoint inhibition.
How do you de-stress from work?
I often de-stress by trying out new restaurants in Madison with friends and visiting Dane County Farmers Market in the summers. I also enjoy chasing sunsets around Madison. Some of my favorite spots include Lake Wingra, Raymer’s Cove and James Madison Park.
What made you join the Cancer Trainee Network and how did you hear about the
Travel/ Enrichment Award?
I first heard about the Cancer Trainee Network from the students in my PhD program. I specifically heard about the Heidi Dvinge & Patti Keely Travel/Enrichment award from a student in my lab who had previously applied for and won this award.
Any advice for interested applicants who wish to join the Cancer Trainee Network and apply for the Travel/ Enrichment Award?
Don’t hesitate to reach out to the Cancer Trainee Network! Everyone is extremely supportive and is dedicated to making every student feel welcome as they navigate their studies and careers. I would highly recommend applying for the Travel/Enrichment award. The CTN really cares about helping you further your career and I’m sure a heartfelt, specific application for travel/enrichment will be highly regarded.