What are you studying at LMP and why are you interested in studying it?
I study how a small population of lung cancer cells that survive targeted therapy by entering a drug-tolerant state. These drug-tolerant cells often lead to minimal residual disease and can cause cancer relapse in lung cancer patients. Thus, understanding the mechanisms enabling tumour cell survival during targeted therapy is critical for informing new treatment strategies to combat lung cancer relapse.
I’m drawn to this work because understanding how these drug-tolerant cells persist can reveal vulnerabilities that can be targeted in combination with current targeted therapies.
Tell us about your research
My research focuses on understanding how a small population of cancer cells, known as drug-tolerant persister (DTP) cells, survive treatment in EGFR-mutant lung cancer.
These DTP cells survive targeted therapies like the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor Osimertinib, and eventually give rise to drug-resistant tumours. Dr. Ming Tsao’s lab sequenced the transcriptome of xenograft DTP cells and identified genes that are consistently upregulated in DTPs compared to treatment naïve tumours. We suspect some of these genes help the cells survive therapy.
To test this, I’m developing both in vitro and in vivo models of Osimertinib tolerance in Cas9-expressing EGFR-mutant cell lines, which will be used to perform CRISPR/Cas9 dropout screens using the expertise of Dr. Kelsie Thu’s lab.
My goal is to identify which of these genes are essential for DTP survival, and then validate them as potential therapeutic targets for EGFR-driven lung cancer patients.
What is the most interesting thing you’ve done, seen or got involved with while at LMP?
One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had at LMP has been mentoring an LMP undergraduate student in the lab. They joined with minimal wet lab experience, so I worked closely with them to build foundational molecular biology skills and to guide their critical thinking around experimental design and data interpretation. Over the course of a year, I watched them go from learning how to pipette to troubleshooting experiments on their own. It was fulfilling to watch them grow in confidence and technical expertise. This experience really reminded me just how meaningful mentorship can be in shaping a student’s research journey.
What was the best career advice you ever received?
The best career advice I received is to treat my PhD as a rare opportunity to fail and learn. It is a time to explore ideas, ask questions, and develop my way of thinking. This perspective helped me acknowledge this degree is not just a credential, but it is a formative period for building a toolbox for problem solving in research.
What has been an important learning experience in your life?
Routinely visiting the Philippines and the cities that raised my parents have been important learning experiences that continue to ground me. Seeing first-hand the unmet needs and challenges that many people face there and in many underdeveloped countries puts my own life into perspective. I am reminded of how fortunate I am to have access to education and reinforces my commitment to making the most of this opportunity and using that privilege to support others in my life who haven’t had the same access.
Who is an influential person in your life and why?
It may be cliché, but my dad is one of the most influential people and greatest support pillars in my life. He is deeply pragmatic in carefully weighing his options, doesn’t shy from difficult decisions, and always chooses the path that makes the most sense in the long-term, even when it’s not the easiest. His clarity, discipline, and growth mindset will always be a cornerstone of my development.
What would it surprise people to know about you?
I used to compete in dragon boating, and I miss it a lot! I miss the physical and mental intensity and team comradery. If there are ever any plans to start an LMP dragon boat team, please count me in.
What activities do you enjoy doing outside of work and studies?
I enjoy the small pleasures in biking along the Martin Goodman trail, sipping coffee, and taking walks with friends.
What is your favourite album, film and novel?
Album: It changes all the time. Right now, it’s Kali Uchis’ “Sincerely,” album. It will be on repeat this summer!
Film: My Dinner with Andre. Each time I watch it I make a new connection.
Novel: In terms of fiction, my favourite novel is Hunger Games, but I prefer nonfiction and one of my favorite books is “Love: A History” by Simon May.
Who would be your dream dinner guests?
I would love to meet Jennifer Doudna and Emmanuelle Charpentier, the Nobel Prize winners of CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Their work fundamentally changed the field of genetics, and I’d love to hear how they navigated the scientific, ethical, and collaborative challenges of developing the transformative technology, especially as women in science.
Where or what is your favourite place?
I am obsessed with the R.C Harris Water Treatment Plant nearby Woodbine Beach. Especially at sunset, it’s a peaceful place to hangout. I bring my friends there whenever I get the chance.
If you were stuck on a deserted island but had all your basic needs taken care of (i.e. food and water), what two items would you bring with you and why?
If I could bring a speaker that plays updated playlists, as well as an espresso machine with unlimited coffee beans to roast, I would be a happy camper.
