jessica Shaw

ABOUT THE RESEARCHER:

1. Who are you doing research with this summer and what kind of research project are you doing?

I am working in Dr. Asha Suryanarayanan’s lab with her graduate student , Jenny Bundy. This summer we are using immunohistochemistry, western blot, and cellular assays to develop a better understanding of receptor expression and how it can affect cellular activity of breast cancer cells. In the big picture, this knowledge could be used to develop a more effective treatment for breast cancer.

2. What do you find fascinating in the research you’re doing?

Something that I find fascinating about the research I am doing is that we are exploring completely uncharted territory. The function of the receptor we study is known but it is not known how it affects breast cancer development and progression. Understanding the function of certain receptors can help improve efficacy of cancer drugs as well as potentially decrease adverse effects. This would be monumental due to the fact that chemotherapy treatments can be highly toxic to patients.

3. What skills are you learning through the USURF experience?

Throughout the eight weeks I acquired lab experience that would have taken me years to obtain otherwise. I have been able to utilize aseptic technique while cell culturing and develop a better understanding of many of the assays used on a graduate level. The most useful thing I have learned is how to effectively read a scientific article and take notes on them effectively. These are all skills I will be able to use in my present and future career.

4. What are the challenges you’re encountering in your research?

One of the biggest challenges that I have faced with research is being able to handle setbacks.  Sometimes in the lab, assays take awhile to optimize , and we do not always get quality results. When this happens, one has to think critically both individually and with peers in the lab about what to do next and how to move forward with optimizing the experiment. Having troubles with optimization can be discouraging but it is all a part of conducting quality research.

5. How is your USURF experience impacting the way you view your field?

The USURF experience gave me an inside look at what it would be like to have my own project and work in the lab as a graduate student. It has made me excited for when I am able to conduct my own research and publish papers of my own.

6. Tell us something interesting about yourself.

In my free time I love exploring the city and walking around with friends. I have lived in Philadelphia for 2 years now and there is still so much to see!!