Name: Sarah Gao
Class Year: 2025
Major: Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
Hometown: Beijing, China
Internship Organization: MD Anderson Cancer Research Center
Internship Title: University Outreach Program
Location: Houston, TX
What's happening at your internship? We would love to hear what kind of work you are doing!
I primarily worked on brain tumor development in the Hu lab at MD Anderson. My project focuses on unraveling the mechanism of glioblastoma (GBM), which is one of the deadliest and most aggressive brain tumors, yet the causes of development remain unclear. The theme of the Hu lab lies in the effect of Quaking, a keystone protein frequently altered or mutated in brain tumors. For my own part, I investigated the protein CARM1, which is an important enzyme that potentially regulates Quaking activity. In order to examine the effect of CARM1, I knocked out its expression in neural stem cells and mice pups via tamoxifen treatment, evaluating its impact on Quaking transcriptional activity using RT-qPCR, Western Blot, Immunofluorescence, and Co-Immunoprecipitation.
Why did you apply for this internship?
I applied for this internship because I am interested in oncology and pathology. I aim to pursue a career in medicine, and MD Anderson is a prestigious cancer research institute with substantial resources for exploration. I believe the opportunity to work at MD Anderson this summer will provide meaningful experience in oncology research so that I can learn more about cancer (especially brain tumors) and various projects from my peers and mentors.
What has been your favorite part of this internship?
One of the highlights of my experience has been the chance to work with an experienced mentor and a supportive lab community. My mentor guided me through various skills and new materials during my time at MDA. I learned a lot from her besides lab techniques: experiment design, decision-making, and troubleshooting. By shadowing and collaborating with her, I gained valuable insights into potential future career paths. Meanwhile, the Hu lab is a special lab in terms of its supportiveness among its members. I enjoyed collaborating with the post-doctoral fellows and other PhD students, who have always been patient with my questions and willing to help me through different protocols.
Can you give us three adjectives and three nouns that describe your internship experience?
Adjective:
1. Challenging
2. Meaningful
3. Supportive
Noun:
1. Epigenetics
2. Brain tumors
3. Animal models
Career & Civic Engagement Biochemistry and Molecular Biology