 Molecular Microbiology & Microbial Pathogenesis program, incoming class 2014;
lab of Dr. Shabaana Khader
What is your educational/professional background?
I completed my undergraduate degrees at North Carolina Central University, a historically black college and university (HBCU) in Durham, North Carolina (Go Eagles!). I earned both a B.S. of Pharmaceutical Sciences with a minor in Chemistry and a B.S. of Biology.
Why did you choose to attend Washington University DBBS? What is your favorite part about pursuing your PhD training here?
My first experience at Washington University was my first summer outside of North Carolina before my sophomore year as a BioMedRAP student. I was excited to come here because several of the NCCU faculty had trained at WashU so I knew I was going to have a great experience in training. Over the course of that summer, WashU made quite an impact on my parents and I. During my summer, I got to interact with a couple of black PhD students and understand the basis and rigor of research at a Research I institution, which made a huge impact on my career trajectory. WashU flew my parents out, received a tour of the genome center with Cherilynn (Shadding) and Latricia (Wallace) and learned about the people that became my "scientific" family during the summer.
Throughout my undergraduate years, WashU's impression of great scientific training, embracing and integrating diversity initiatives and having a "family" feel remained and made me choose WashU. My favorite part of pursuing my PhD training here is the access that I have to experts within different fields to expand the scope of my learning and scientific reach. People sometimes laugh when I say, "I can't wait until my thesis update," but it is truly a great and enjoyable experience!
What research are you currently working on? What is a fun fact about your current research?
As a PhD candidate in the Khader lab, I study Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative bacterium of Tuberculosis (TB). My research explores whether neutrophils, an immune cell, are harmful or protective in those who have TB.
Fun fact: It has been almost 100 years since the discovery of bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG), a vaccine against TB, yet TB has not been eradicated.
Are you involved in any student groups, volunteer work or other ventures outside of the lab?
During my time here at WashU, I have served as a tutor for YSP, Chair and Co-chair of the Association of Black Biomedical Graduate Students (ABBGS), Graduate Representative for the Student Advisory Committee (SAC), Graduate Senator and Co-chair of the Graduate Research Symposium (GRS), and a member of the Bouchet Honors Graduate Society. Currently, I am the Graduate Representative to the Washington University in St. Louis Board of Trustees. Outside of student groups, I volunteer with AfroStem, which aims at giving kids of all ages a positive experience with science and technology. I also do various volunteer projects at my church.
What is your favorite part about living in St. Louis?
There are many things I like about living in St. Louis. The music, free events and close proximity to larger cities are amongst the top reasons why I love it here. I love the musical artists that come to St. Louis! I have seen John Legend, Common, MC Lyte, and Kool and the Gang all for free. I have also had the opportunity to attend concerts of many of my favorite or new artists from a wide range of genres, like Stevie Wonder, Ledisi, Hiatus Kaiyote, Tonina Saputo, Corrine Baliey Rae, Metro Boomin' and Big Sean and Noname. I have also discovered so many local musicians, especially regarding jazz. So many good memories and so affordable!
What hobbies do you enjoy?
As you may notice from the above question, finding and listening to music is a big hobby for me. I enjoy finding new artists, exploring new genres and going to concerts. In addition to music, I really enjoy painting, playing card and board games, cooking, hanging with friends and family, and traveling.
What is your favorite quote?
This is a really hard question, but Michelle Obama has had so many gems so here are my top 3:
"If I made a commitment, I stood by that commitment -- and try to make it real. Because when you become leaders, the most important thing you have is your word, your trust. That's where respect comes from."
"We learned about gratitude and humility -- that so many people had a hand in our success, from the teachers who inspired us to the janitors who kept our school clean... and we were taught to value everyone's contribution and treat everyone with respect."
"I have learned that as long as I hold fast to my beliefs and values -- and follow my own moral compass -- then the only expectations I need to live up tore my own"
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
I never considered it one. Interesting take!
What movie would be greatly improved if it were made into a musical?
Some of my favorite movies are sports and comic movies. I can only imagine if “The Avengers” or “The Justice League” breaks out in song.
Who is your biggest role model?
My biggest role model would be a combination of a lot of people -- a combination of my parents, and professors from NCCU. My parents for encouraging me to explore, ask and answer questions on my own. Dr. Daniel Williams, my undergraduate mentor, trained me to be an independent researcher and demonstrated a model environment for learning and training. Drs. Veronica Nwosu and Antonio Baines also demonstrated that I, too, could be a Dean or a Director of a PhD program, as well as teach and have an impactful research career
What career would you like to pursue after completing your PhD training?
My ideal career will give me the opportunity to understand basic molecular mechanisms responsible for prevalent human infectious diseases contribute to our collective scientific knowledge and make translatable treatments. Overall, I want to encourage and empower the next generation of scientists by sharing my journey, providing advice and opportunities, serving as a role model, and cultivating an inclusive and supportive community.
What advice would you give to prospective graduate students?
“Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love it and be able to make sacrifices for it.” – Maya Angelou
“Some people have jobs, some people have careers… If you’ve got a career, thank God. If you’ve got a job, I hope you get a career one day. Because when you’ve got a career, there ain’t enough time in the day. When you’ve got a career, you look at your watch, time just flies…” – Chris Rock
First of all, I am so proud and happy to welcome a future scientist in the making to the field. As you go through this journey, remember to assess the activities that you like, do not like, things that come easy and hard for you. Often times people overlook these things as they go through life. Determining these things will help you narrow down your focus and truly find your passion. You would not have gotten to this point without sacrifices, so remember your passion, dreams and goals in those hard times. They will help ground and motivate you.
“My ambition didn’t grow out of nowhere. It was planted in me by a community that nurtured me” – Michael Eric Dyson
“For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required…” – Luke 12:48
Remember that you did not get here by yourself. You have had parents, friends, classmates, mentors and perhaps siblings that have supported you throughout your journey, which I call a “love village.” As you go through graduate school (and life), create more memories with your love village. You have been given support, guidance, and opportunities up until this point, so return the favor. Reach out to those around you.
“Celebrating the life no matter who you are /If you've been working hard give yourself a round of applause” – Ledisi (Bravo)
Take time to celebrate the little and big accomplishments that you will no doubt have! Life is not all about studying, so explore, be daring, and be bold.
Grants, honors, and awards
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease and National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences travel awardee, T32 Pulmonary and Critical Care trainee, NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program Honorable Mention, NIGMS IMSD trainee, Edward A. Bouchet scholar
Justin Miller
 Biochemistry, Biophysics, and Structural Biology program, incoming class 2015;
lab of Dr. Audrey Odom John
What is your educational/professional background?
I received a B.S. in both Chemical Engineering and Biochemistry at Iowa State University before starting here. As an undergrad I worked in a biochemistry lab trying to understand the structure-function relationship of very long chain fatty acid enzymes in corn.
Why did you choose to attend Washington University DBBS?
What is your favorite part about pursuing your PhD training here?
I absolutely loved the collaborative, interdepartmental, and interprogram nature of DBBS. The people here (grad students, post-docs, staff, and faculty) were incredibly genuine, caring, supportive, and humble, and made WashU feel like home immediately. As I've continued here in DBBS I'm continually amazed by just how true my original assessment was.
What research are you currently working on? What is a fun fact about your current research?
I study how proteins choose the substrates they accept and the products they make (both in vitro and in vivo) in the laboratory of Dr. Audrey Odom John. Specifically, I now focus on how ester pro-drugs are activated in pathogens and am trying to bias activation towards specific activation in a pathogen, rather than activation in the host. We hope that this will lead to better pharmacokinetic properties of drugs.
Fun fact: I’m absolutely enamored with puns (don’t get me started, I’m punstoppable), and through time have warmed my lab to the idea that puns are great. Now we start our weeks off by solving a visual pun every Monday morning.
Are you involved in any student groups, volunteer work or other ventures outside of the lab?
I'm currently serving as the senior co-chair of the Student Advisory Committee, the governing student body of DBBS. We mediate discussions between students and the administration, provide social outlets for students, and develop resources for students in the division. I also spend time with Future Educators, where I coordinate journal club discussions on current best practices in teaching and mentoring. Additionally, I sit on a few committees in the Biochemistry program/department, and am helping out on DBBS’s curriculum reform committee.
In my free time I volunteer at the St. Louis Science Center as an interpreter for the life sciences department. I help lead discussions with the public on genetic modifications of crops and lab animals, synthetic biology, and evolution. This past summer I put together a hands-on synthetic biology summer camp for 7-10th graders. We had tons of fun exploring why tomatoes are red and carrots are orange by cloning* the lycopene and b-carotene synthase genes into E.coli. *some shortcuts taken.
What is your favorite part about living in St. Louis?
So much! I'll parrot the past few featured students in saying that the truckloads of free/cheap activities (both in and out of the park) are incredible. There's an overwhelming number of things to do and try — from restaurants on South Grand, to glass blowing demonstrations at the Third Degree Glass Factory — which perpetually fill my "to-do" list. Lastly, we're not far from cool hiking and camping which is a huge bonus.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I absolutely love to rock climb, hike, swim, and camp (bonus points for all four in a weekend). I've also recently developed an interest in baking sourdough bread and pickling. The latter I'm sustaining by gardening in a community garden plot!
What is your favorite quote?
I have two that I try and keep in the back of my brain on a regular basis:
"One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world." ― Malala Yousafzai
"We never know which lives we influence, or when, or why.” ― Stephen King
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
Only if you eat your hot dog with the buns parallel to the ground ... which would be weird ...
What movie would be greatly improved if it were made into a musical?
Next on Broadway: “Star Wars the Musical.” It's got the story setup for it all: two drastically different best friends (Han and Chewie), an awkward love story (redacted, spoilers), and I personally can't wait for a song by Yoda.
Who is your biggest role model?
My post-doc turned staff scientist mentor during my undergraduate career remains a huge role model for me to this day. She constantly amazes me in the way she balances science and teaching — from hands on mentoring of undergraduate researchers in lab, to developing new research-based lab courses, to leading initiatives to help freshman get involved in research.
What career would you like to pursue after completing your PhD training?
I would love to have a career with equal parts outreach, teaching, and research. I love the moments when I'm able to sit down with someone and talk science with them. It's amazing to see their faces light up when they realize just how many cool things are possible.
What advice would you give to prospective graduate students?
Find something that you love (both in science and outside of lab) and pursue both with gusto. As many have highlighted it's important to maintain a balance between lab and life. Additionally: Fail fast and fail often. We often dream of all the ways that our hypothesis might be successful and look to prove it correct. However, I’ve found that when I’m in that mindset I think of the experiments I “could do,” rather than the “killer experiment(s)” which really tell me if my hypothesis is correct. Don’t be afraid to fail, take what data you have and move on!
Work smarter, not just harder. It's so easy in graduate school to pile on extra experiments, class time, seminars, papers, etc., that you must have a way to prioritize what is the most important, not only for you right now, but also for your future self. Look to your mentor(s) for help with prioritization! Don't be afraid to ask for help. We've all been at the point of an experiment where we don't know what to do or we're just confused about the results. Trying to find the answer on your own may be a useful exercise sometimes, but often you'll get a more complete answer (in less time) when you ask for help.
Sohini Sengupta
 Computational and Systems Biology, incoming class 2013; lab of Dr. Li Ding
What is your educational/professional background?
I attended Johns Hopkins University (class of 2013) and double majored in Biomedical Engineering and Applied Mathematics/Statistics. My focus area within my major was computational biology; I was doing research in a cancer genomics lab, which was the inspiration for the work I am doing now. I came straight to graduate school after completion of undergrad.
Why did you choose to attend Washington University DBBS?
What is your favorite part about pursuing your PhD training here?
I chose to come to WashU DBBS because of how happy all the students seemed when I came to interview here. I wanted to be in a place where I would not only be able to explore an interesting scientific problem, but also thrive and be happy. During my interview weekend, the professors were also equally enthusiastic, very much involved, and very approachable. My favorite part of pursuing my PhD here is the very collaborative environment that allows for open communication among peers and professors, and also the very interconnected DBBS student population that has become family.
What research are you currently working on?
I am doing my PhD research in Li Ding's lab, which specializes in cancer genomics and proteomics. My research is primarily focused on creating computational approaches to identify the genetic mutations that are directly responsible for driving cancer. Specifically, I am looking at cancer mutations in the context of how they cluster on protein structures with each other as well as with proximal structural/physical features and how we can utilize that information to distinguish causal and non-causal mutations.
Are you involved in any student groups, volunteer work or other ventures outside of the lab?
I was involved with the Young Scientist Program for a portion of my graduate school helping with tutoring high school kids, helping with the Summer Focus program, and various other aspects. My biggest endeavor was planning the YSP 25th Anniversary Gala, which was a very fun and enriching experience! I was a python tutor for students taking the Genomics course. I also like staying well connected to other DBBS students and have served as social chair for the Student Advisory Committee, ran the Comp Bio student run seminar, and been on the CSB recruitment planning committee to help recruit future graduate students to our program. I also was part of the Lethal Mutants softball team which is part of the WashU intramural softball league. I love planning social events in general because we all know you have to strike a balance.
What is your favorite part about living in St. Louis?
OMG. So much. I did not expect to love the Midwest so much being an East Coast gal. I absolutely love all the free things to do here. Every weekend there is some kind of free festival or concert going on that tends to be a ton of fun! Also, I love to eat and there is a restaurant for every type of food you are craving. I also got introduced to so many outdoorsy things here, which I had never done before like float trips, camping, and hiking!
What hobbies do you enjoy?
Aside from what I mentioned above, I love to hang out with friends and explore new experiences. I have been fortunate to have found a great group of friends in graduate school that I can explore new endeavors with in STL and beyond. I love staying healthy and fit by working out and cooking. I also love to dance every kind of dance. Being trained in Indian Classical Dance my whole life, I have wanted to expand and learn new types of dance. In graduate school, I have dabbled with going to salsa clubs, taking hip hop lessons, taking Zumba classes, and I've been consistently taking Argentine Tango lessons for 2 years now.
What is your favorite quote?
“Happiness can be found in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.” -Albus Dumbledore (Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban)
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No. Definitely not.
What movie would be greatly improved if it were made into a musical?
Cloud Atlas. Because that would be so confusing.
Who is your biggest role model?
Without a doubt, my parents. They are the source of my scientific and academic inspiration. They immigrated here to the United States from India at a very young age to pursue PhDs in mathematics, leaving behind everything that is familiar. They have sacrificed so much to ensure my sister and I get the best education and topmost quality of life. They have constantly pushed me to my highest potential, supported me throughout life, and have taught me to never settle for anything but the best.
What career would you like to pursue after completing your PhD training?
Currently, I am leaning towards working in industry and engaging in outreach in my free time.
What advice would you give to prospective graduate students?
The single most important skill I have learned in graduate school is how to strike a proper work-life balance. Graduate school has ironically been the least stressful time in my life because I have learned how to create my own work schedule and learned how to balance it with activities I love doing. My advice would be to:
1) Pace yourself in graduate school by balancing your work with focusing on yourself. Treat yourself and do the things you love doing outside of science, so that you can be so much more productive and rejuvenated when you try to do your science.
2) Never compare yourself to other graduate students. Everyone's experiences, type of research, lab environment, timelines, advisors, personal life, etc. are different. There is no ONE way to be successful in graduate school.
3) Stay connected to your fellow classmates and form friendships because these are the people who will relate and get you through the experience, when you are hardest on yourself.
Grants, awards, publications, or other honors:
I am an honorable mention recipient for the NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program. I have a published first author paper entitled: Protein Structure Guided Discovery of Functional Mutations across 19 Cancer Types (Nature Genetics, 2016), and two additional first author papers submitted and revised. Fingers crossed! I also have multiple co-author papers as part of collaborations within and outside of the lab.
 Tomás Lagunas Jr.
Molecular Genetics and Genomics, incoming class 2016;
lab of Dr. Joseph Dougherty
What is your educational/professional background?
I attended the University of California Riverside where I received a B.S. in Biological Sciences with an emphasis in Environmental Toxicology and a B.A. in Chemistry. As an undergraduate, I worked for three years in a lab studying defense peptides in Arabidopsis and one year in a lab studying enantioselective organocatalysis. Directly after undergrad, I worked in ag-biotech for four years at Cibus US LLC. Here, I worked with a group of scientists to optimize oligonucleotide-directed precision gene editing for trait development in plants.
Why did you choose to attend Washington University DBBS?
What is your favorite part about pursuing your PhD training here?
From all the schools I interviewed at, none surpassed Wash U DBBS with regard to the level of support that staff and faculty give the graduate students. Also, the genetics department and program at Wash U has built a strong reputation for creating successful scientists. My favorite part about pursuing a PhD here is the collaborative nature that Wash U has constructed. I feel this type of environment fuels innovation and makes for more efficient science.
What research are you currently working on?
My thesis advisor is Joseph Dougherty and the lab is broadly interested in studying the genetics of neurodevelopment disorders. Currently, I'm working on a collaboration with the lab of Rob Mitra using their Calling Cards technology to profile cell-type-specific enhancers in the brain. I've generated data from in vivo models looking at layer 5 pyramidal neurons and GABAergic interneurons. Recently, I've started a second project where we are using a Massively Parallel Reporter Assay to look for functional variants in the untranslated regions of autism relevant genes. Lots of exciting research going on!
Are you involved in any student groups, volunteer work or other ventures outside of the lab?
I've been involved in the Young Scientist Program since I started my graduate career doing tutoring, continued mentoring, teaching teams, and coordinating Summer Focus events. I'm also one of the core members for the Graduate Association of Latin American Students and coordinate/plan several of the Showcase events. Finally, I've completed and plan to continue consulting with the BALSA group. Needless to say, I'm a busy guy.
What is your favorite part about living in St. Louis?
I was born and raised in southern California, so it's nice to finally experience seasons — although, funny story (or maybe it isn't), I broke my arm my first winter in STL by slipping on some ice. Good times.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I'm almost always discussing music with peers — it's been one of the biggest influences in my life. My other hobbies are an unyielding dichotomy: I enjoy being outdoors hiking or camping, but I also like laying on my couch watching Netflix.
What is your favorite quote?
“Se dejó llevar por la convicción de que los seres humanos no nacen para siempre el día en que sus madres los alumbran, sino que la vida los obliga otra vez y muchas veces a parirse a sí mismos.”
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No?
Who is your biggest role model?
As far as a role model in life, I'd have to say my mom. This woman has made unimaginable sacrifices in her life and you would never know it, since she continues to be this strong-willed and resilient Latina. On the career side, I'd say my previous and current mentor since they have all demonstrated excellence in science and tackle scientific challenges with a fearless demeanor.
What career would you like to pursue after completing your PhD training?
As of now, I'd like to return to industry. I enjoyed and thrived with the structure, research impact, focus, and technical work that industry offers.
What advice would you give to prospective graduate students?
Here is some advice that I've found useful:
- Graduate school is not easy. It's important to stay productive, but always pace yourself.
- You will gain nothing from comparing yourself to your classmates/peers, since we come from all walks of life.
- Your mental health is just as important, if not more, than your physical health.
- Find a solid group of friends that can provide support in all forms.
- Have fun. We're all here because we are passionate about research and discovery.
 Leeran Blythe DublinDevelopmental, Regenerative, and Stem Cell Biology, incoming class 2014, lab of Dr. Heather True
What is your educational/professional background?
I received a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Kentucky University in May of 2014.
Why did you choose to attend Washington University DBBS?
What is your favorite part about pursuing your PhD training here?
I chose to attend Washington University in St. Louis because DBBS is very supportive of students. I was an Amgen Scholar at WashU before coming here for grad school and saw then that DBBS really cares about the students and their happiness. When I interviewed the older graduate students told me about how the coordinators support them throughout graduate school by helping them find housing, arranging tutors for classes they struggle with, setting up advising appointments, assigning student mentors to new students, and more. I also learned about the student run seminar programs that allow students to present to one another and offer feedback. Also, the students told me about the different student groups they participate in, including BALSA, which allows students to get consulting experience, and YSP, which allows students to teach and mentor high school students.
What research are you currently working on?
I study protein folding fidelity and prion formation in yeast. The NAC (nascent polypeptide-associated complex) is positioned at the ribosome exit tunnel and the first point of contact for newly synthesized proteins. While NAC deletion is embryonically lethal in higher order eukaryotes, our lab has found that NAC partial deletion in yeast leads to protection against prion-induced toxicity, reduction of nascent prion formation, and impaired prion subunit joining. My research explores the mechanisms by which NAC deletion leads to better protein folding and the extent to which NAC deletion is protective of protein folding fidelity.
Are you involved in any student groups, volunteer work or other ventures outside of the lab?
I am Co-President of Connections, a diversity and inclusion student initiative that seeks to improve the experience of those in our community through disseminating knowledge and engaging in intergroup dialogue on topics of diversity. Connections hosts one lecture and one intergroup dialogue meeting a month focused on a social justice issue, such as mass incarceration, health disparities, first generation college students, systemic racism, and diversity in biomedical research. I truly believe that by educating our community on social justice issues we build a better environment for all, which leads to better and more efficient scientific discovery.
What is your favorite part about living in St. Louis?
Right now I live in the metro east, however for three years I lived in the city and still love going out in The Grove, which is the "gayborhood" of St. Louis. Being able to socialize with other lgbtqia folx in my city is so empowering and affirming. I also love spending time in Tower Grove park and the surrounding shops and restaurants. There is a great variety of cuisine and culture to explore in Tower Grove.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I love hanging out with my labradoodle Rainer, playing board and card games with friends, and putting together jigsaw puzzles.
What is your favorite quote?
I love Maya Angelou and so here are some of my favorite quotes by her: "We can learn to see each other and see ourselves in each other and recognize that human beings are more alike than we are unalike." "Nothing will work unless you do." "You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them."
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
NO! You can't cut it in half.
Who is your biggest role model?
As a non-binary individual it has been very difficult to find people to look up to who reflect my identity. However, I have found that most of my role models are women, people in the queer community, and people of color, because I know they all had to overcome barriers to get to the positions they are in today. One of my biggest role models is Dr. Sharon Milgram, the Director of the Office of Intramural Training and Education at the National Institutes of Health. Dr. Milgram encourages young scientists to pursue their dreams and see their identities as strengths in that pursuit. She has encouraged me to explore my interests in science, teaching, and diversity and find career paths that fulfill me, instead of pursuing a specific career because it is "safe" or seen as the "right" path for someone with a PhD. My PI Dr. Heather True is also an exceptional role model for me. Heather sees PhD training as much more than learning how to do research. She considers what training I need to go on to the next step in my career and encourages me to seek out opportunities to get that training. She has made sure I have had opportunities to mentor students, get experience teaching, and think critically about my project in order to propel it forward.
What career would you like to pursue after completing your PhD training?
I am interested in teaching science, developing curriculum, and designing diversity programming for the scientific community at the college level.
What advice would you give to prospective graduate students?
Graduate school is full of ups and downs. Make sure to surround yourself with friends from within and also outside of your scientific community. It is great to have friends to talk about your science with; it is also great to forget about your science for a little while with other friends. I love science and have loved my graduate school experience, but there are extreme ups and downs that are made easier by having non-scientist friends.
 Kiona Elliot
Plant & Microbial Biosciences, incoming class 2017
What is your educational/professional background?
I received a B.S. degree at the University of Florida in Horticultural Sciences with a specialization in Plant Molecular and Cellular Biology. During my undergraduate career, I worked as a student research assistant in Dr. Kevin Folta's lab studying a novel class of plant growth regulators. Prior to starting graduate school, I worked as a research assistant in Dr. Mark Settles’ lab also at the University of Florida studying Maize genetics.
Why did you choose to attend Washington University DBBS?
What is your favorite part about pursuing your PhD training here?
My decision to attend Washington University DBBS was largely based on the incredible legacy of the Plant and Microbial Biosciences program and the opportunities DBBS provides graduate students. I felt that the resources offered here, such as the Initiative to Maximize Student Development, the pathway program, the courses, seminars, etc., would provide the best training for me as a graduate student. I was especially attracted to how happy the graduate students at Washington University seemed during my interview weekend. During interviews, I found all the students I met to be happy with Washington University's training and support by faculty and fellow peers. I have found support offered by DBBS to be incredible and it is my favorite part of pursuing my PhD training here.
What research are you currently working on?
As a first year in the PMB program, I am currently rotating with different DBBS professors. First, I have rotated with Dr. Barbara Kunkel studying the role of Auxin in the parthenogenesis of Pseudomonas Syringae on Arabidopsis plants. Secondly, I rotated with Dr. Rebecca Bart analyzing pathogen infection of CRISPR-Cas9 edited Cassava mutants. I am currently rotating with Dr. Blake Meyers studying the translocation of mobile RNAs in grafted tomato plants and PhasiRNAs in Maize. The opportunity to rotate in these labs has given me a great opportunity to explore my research interests and learn about different fields of study.
Are you involved in any student groups, volunteer work or other ventures outside of the lab?
I am a member of a new student led podcast called GradCast. On GradCast, we strive to build community at Washington University and beyond by sharing the life experiences and work of graduate and professional students across all disciplines. Additionally, I recently joined the graduate student group ProSPER as the Communication Director. ProSPER serves to promote the use of science in policy-making through science advocacy and literacy, facilitate inter-professional communication, and increase scientist participation in policy.
What is your favorite part about living in St. Louis?
My favorite part about living in St. Louis is the endless events and free activities that are available throughout the year. I love the amenities available in Forest Park such as the Art Museum, the Science Center, and the Zoo. There are also tons of festivals and activities around the year like the Central West End Halloween Party or the Loop Ice Carnival.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
Some of my favorite hobbies include reading (I'm currently on an Oprah kick), and documentary watching. I'm also a huge fan of themed dinner parties and board game nights.
What is your favorite quote?
Due to my current Oprah kick, my favorite quote is, "Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough." -Oprah Winfrey
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
No way.
Who is your biggest role model?
It may be a cliché, but my mom is definitely my biggest role model.
What career would you like to pursue after completing your PhD training?
After completing my PhD, I would like to pursue a career studying ways to use genetic engineering for crop improvement use. Particularly for application in developing nations.
What advice would you give to prospective graduate students?
My greatest piece of advice would be to find a support network you can rely on. Graduate school can be challenging but having mentors, friends, and family you can count on can help you get through the ruts and keep you sane! I would also say take advantage of the many opportunities around you.
Samarth Hegde
 Molecular Cell Biology, incoming class 2014
Lab of Dr. David DeNardo
What is your educational/professional background?
I got my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences in India, at BITS Pilani. I conducted post-baccalaureate research at the Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine (inStem) in Bangalore, India. During this time, I worked in the lab of Dr. Srikala Raghavan on epithelial cell biology.
Why did you choose to attend Washington University DBBS?
What is your favorite part about pursuing your PhD training here?
I was attracted to WashU and DBBS specifically for its umbrella program and its close ties to Siteman Cancer Center. I knew my interests in translational oncology would need a graduate program that was wide in its breadth of cancer research but also extensive enough in each arm to allow for focused professional development. I was very impressed by the genuineness and candid nature of DBBS faculty and students. The environment doesn't feel cut-throat at all, but don't get me wrong -- the expectations from you as a graduate student at WashU are always very high.
Slightly off the beaten path, the favorite part of my PhD 'training' has been the weekly student-run seminars (SRS), which are not only a great way to learn how to present without the perceived pressure from faculty, but also a very important way to learn how to give or receive scientific feedback.
What research are you currently working on? What is a fun fact about your current research?
I am conducting research in the tumor immunology lab of Dr. David DeNardo. Our lab focuses on the immune microenvironment of pancreatic cancer, which is a dismal disease with very poor outcomes and high recalcitrance to treatment.
My research revolves around understanding the key physiological barriers to CD8 T cell surveillance in pancreatic cancer. I use a combination of genetic/orthotopic mouse models, tissue imaging and ex vivo T cell-tumor interaction studies to determine why these cytotoxic T cells are ineffective in controlling tumors despite the presence of sufficient cues (tumor antigens). We have a unique model that enables us to study the basic biology of antigen-specific T cell interactions in naturally progressing disease, and presents opportunity to develop combinational therapies that can reawaken the poor T cell response. Results from my research will better our current immunological understanding of pancreatic cancer progression.
Fun fact: As part of my dissertation research, I am slowly learning really cool techniques such as second-harmonic deep tissue imaging to visualize immune cell interactions in the tumor microenvironment.
Are you involved in any student groups, volunteer work or other ventures outside of the lab?
I am closely involved with the BioEntrepreneurship Core (BEC), a student educational group through which students and post-graduates can learn about entrepreneurial skills and opportunities in St. Louis or beyond. This experience has greatly enhanced my understanding of translating graduate research and the 'businessy' aspect of bringing an idea to fruition.
What is your favorite part about living in St. Louis?
St. Louis never feels like a big city despite being one. I can decide the pace or energy for my day, and not have the city decide that for me. Best of all, the city always surprises me with its hidden treasures; whether it be interesting food places, new bars or fun events. Often it's free or ridiculously affordable, which is never a bad thing on a graduate stipend.
What hobbies do you enjoy?
I enjoy reading literary fiction and collecting graphic novels; I am also into street photography but have been slacking off recently. Having become a craft beer snob, I have picked up home-brewing with some of my graduate school friends and that's been great!
What is your favorite quote?
"Quis custodiet ipsos custodes" - not from 'Satires', but from the graphic novel 'Watchmen'.
Is a hot dog a sandwich?
I would rather not wade into this trap...
Who is your biggest role model?
I really can't think of one person having that big of an influence, but one of the notable people I look up to is my previous mentor Dr. Srikala Raghavan. During my formative stage in science, I was deeply inspired by her collaborative achievements, unending enthusiasm for scientific discovery, and selfless interest in graduate training. I have seen these traits recurrent in so many successful academics including my current mentor Dr. DeNardo, and hope to follow in their footsteps.
What career would you like to pursue after completing your PhD training?
I plan to pursue academic research in my field of tumor immunology. I will apply for postdoctoral research opportunities in this field to prepare myself for eventual tenure-track research. The NCIF99 fellowship I have received will go a long way in enabling such a transition. I'm cognizant of the current dearth of academic careers, but feel I'm preparing myself well to be a competitive candidate for the research track.
What advice would you give to prospective graduate students?
I'll limit this to three:
1) Don't join labs/graduate programs just because the Investigator is a big name or the lab's research is the buzzword of that year. It's your research interest foremost, followed by lab environment. You'll be a part of that lab for a large chunk of your life, pick a lab you would enjoy coming in on each day (or most days).
2) There will be a lot of times you will feel inadequate in comparison to peers or other people in lab. Imposter syndrome is very real and very draining. Don't feel ashamed to acknowledge it; having a strong peer support system (helpful mentors, friends inside and outside science) is key. Don't let go of that favorite hobby of yours too!
3) Pick up a valuable skill or technique in your graduate career that makes you marketable or competitive. The earlier you identify that and start working on it, the better.
Please list any grants, awards, publications, or other honors you have received during your time at DBBS.
I am the 2017 recipient of the NCI F99/K00 Predoctoral-to-Postdoctoral Fellow transition award for Washington University. The purpose of the award is to encourage students recognized for their potential and strong interest in pursuing careers as independent cancer researchers. The F99 phase supports 2 years of predoctoral research, and the K00 phase supports up to 4 years of mentored postdoc research. This award can facilitate my seamless transition into a successful postdoctoral appointment in cancer biology, while providing me with opportunities for career development relevant to my long-term academic goals.
I have contributed to two publications in the DeNardo lab:
-Jiang, H., Hegde, S., Knolhoff, B. L., Zhu, Y., Herndon, J. M., Meyer, M. A., et al. (2016). Targeting focal adhesion kinase renders pancreatic cancers responsive to checkpoint immunotherapy. Nature Medicine, 22(8), 851-860.-Jiang, H., Hegde, S., and DeNardo, D.G. (2017) Tumor-associated fibrosis as a regulator of tumor immunity and response toimmunotherapy. Cancer Immunology Immunotherapy, 1-12.
Please list any other information you would like to share for your spotlight.
For more information on the F99 funding mechanism, check out https://www.cancer.gov/grants-training/training/funding/f99
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