A conversation with the 2022 PhD student cohort for the GW Cancer T32 training grant: Joselyn Padilla, Tyler Seckar, and Trace Walker. The Cancer T32 (T32 CA 247756) is designed to provide specific training and mentoring to students to pursue cancer research within their PhD and into their careers.

What research are you pursuing and how does it relate to the Cancer T32?

Joselyn: My research will focus on breast cancer, particularly contralateral breast cancer (CBC). I am studying genes in contralateral breast cancer that can serve as potential biomarkers for treatment and diagnosis of patients diagnosed with CBC. For the cancer T32, I narrowed my focus to one specific fatty acid metabolic gene, Hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (HPGD). HPGD has been shown to alter expression levels not only in contralateral breast cancer but also in other types of cancer. My goal is to identify how this altered expression level plays a role in regulating breast cancer progression and metastasis, and how it can serve as a biomarker. 

Tyler: My research project focuses on characterizing the sequence of alterations capable of advancing adenoma-adenocarcinoma (AD-AC) tumorigenesis in the small intestine.  Since little is known for this rare cancer, patients are often diagnosed at late stages, have a poor prognosis, and are largely referred to colorectal adenocarcinoma treatment regimens. In relation to the T32, we aim to generate murine-derived 3D small intestinal cell culture models that demonstrate AD-AC tumorigenic potential, which will be a useful tool for characterizing molecular mechanisms driving tumorigenesis and to screen available targeted therapies for this rare cancer. 

Trace: My research focuses on ovarian carcinomas and epigenetic therapies. We use both computational and molecular biology techniques to answer questions about how repetitive elements in the genome can be leveraged to engage an immune response, and how the combination of epigenetic and immunotherapies may improve tumor recognition. The integration of multiple disciplines like bioinformatics, epigenetics, and immunology are integral to the goal of the T32 training program.

What types of training are you exposed to as part of the Cancer T32?

Joselyn: As part of the T32 I will work alongside my PI, my main mentor who will guide me in the research I am conducting. Additionally, I will be able to meet with a T32 advising committee that will allow me to gain different points of view on my research. The research I conduct will be presented at monthly meetings and at the Cancer Center retreat in 2023. With these I will be exposed to training in my research, analytical and presentation skills throughout my time as a T32 fellow. 

Tyler: Through the T32 cancer program, I’ll have an advisory committee that I’ll meet with bi-yearly, who will provide support and guidance as I carry out my research project. We also have monthly meetings to openly discuss our research with colleagues and peers in the T32 cancer program, alongside a workshop series on cancer disparities and attending the GWCC seminars. In general, the T32 program is a resource in and of itself, integrating you into a community of like-minded researchers with whom you can connect on a consistent basis, and discuss topics of cancer biology and its applications to each of our own work.  

Trace: Being part of the T32 enables the direct training from leaders in the cancer biology field, opens access to seminars on cancer healthcare disparities, and gives opportunities to improve scientific communication through travel to external conferences.

For future T32 applicants, what would you recommend when preparing the application?

Joselyn:  I would definitely recommend choosing to apply with a PI you are interested in and that seems willing to help you train you in your PhD career. During the application process I think it is also important to ask questions if you are not sure about something in the application. The application also requires letters of recommendation, so I suggest not losing strong connections with your undergraduate or previous work supervisors. When drafting the Biosketch and Research Plan, I benefited from having multiple people read and make edits or suggestions to enhance my writing. Finally, start early, that way you have time to revise everything before sending the application off. 

Tyler: I think honing in on the impact and purpose your project brings to the field. How does the research you are proposing fill that gap, and how does it make room for future investigation that can further add to that discussion? Additionally, I think it’s important to emphasize the resources and technology that you plan to use to carry out your research and how that best addresses your research aims and fills the corresponding gap in the field. 

Trace: To prepare for the T32 application process, I would recommend spending time discussing the goals of the lab you have joined with lab members and your PI. Once you have an idea about what direction the lab will be moving, you can combine those goals with cutting edge techniques that you are interested to learn. This will help develop a novel idea that shows you understand the scope of your research lab and how you can apply new technologies to bring the cancer biology field forward. 

Finally, why did you apply to the Cancer T32 and would you recommend the program to others?

Joselyn: I applied to the T32 because I think it is a unique program that allows you to mature as a scientist and also gain important research, analytical, and presentation skills early on in your career as a scientist. I would definitely recommend the program to others. I was a first year student when I applied. At the time, I was not sure if I could compete with those in years above me, but I took the chance and applied with the support of my PI Dr. Jiyoung Lee and those of my peers. 

Tyler: I applied to the T32 cancer program because I knew it would provide me with unique and diverse opportunities for mentorship and guidance throughout my scientific training and writing skill development. I’m honored to be part of this cohort and am looking forward to this program challenging me and pushing me to become a better cancer biologist.

Trace: I applied to the T32 because I am interested in understanding healthcare disparities, having access to a variety of experts in various cancer-related fields, and adding a clinical advisor to my team that can help keep the research I conduct focused on improving patient outcomes. I was also interested to gain experience in grant writing and scientific communication. I would definitely encourage any students interested in an academic career to take advantage of this opportunity to practice grant writing, learn from others, and develop their communication skills.

The GW Cancer Biology Training Program (CBTP) offers mentored research training opportunities in the GW Cancer Center. For more information on this training opportunity click here.