Meet Ashwin Srivatsav
Major: Neuroscience
Graduation Year: May 2017 Field of Study: Internal Medicine Abstract: BRAFV600E is the most common mutation in thyroid cancers and is associated with lower expression of markers of terminal thyroid differentiation, such as the sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) encoded by Slc5a5. Radioiodide (RAI) treatment is a mainstay of thyroid cancer therapy, but clinically aggressive forms often lose expression of terminal differentiation markers, including Slc5a5. One study has shown that restoration of NIS expression through inhibition of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway can be an effective method to improve treatment outcomes. Here, we utilize a genetically engineered mouse model of thyroid cancer to study regulatory mechanisms of NIS expression and function. |
My Experience:
I had no prior experience in molecular biology research prior to entering the Green Fellowship. As a result, I entered the program unsure of what I would be doing, but excited at the opportunity. Research is tough. For the first time working in a lab, I had to take complete ownership of what I was working on. Instead of listening to a PhD student or a postdoc tell me what to do, I took initiative and made decisions on what to do next. This is a stark difference from school, where we passively listen to what teachers say and then repeat it on exams. It's an overwhelming experience initially with a large learning curve, but within a couple of weeks I had acclimated well. Working on an independent project is a unique experience, and I learned a lot through it. Studying the effects of genetic engineering in mouse models of cancer gave me a perspective on how these studies can translate to human patients. All forms of medical practice begin with biomedical research, and my time at UT Southwestern has given me valuable skills in basic science. As an aspiring physician, I hope to use these skills in the translation of benchwork to patient care. |
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Instead of listening to a PhD student or a postdoc tell me what to do, I took initiative and made decisions on what to do next. This is a stark difference from school, where we passively listen to what teachers say and then repeat it on exams.
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My Advice:
Spend some time really looking up the different fields and what you might want to research. There's a lot of options at UT Southwestern, and there are several investigators who specialize within each field. And whatever topic you end up researching, give it 100%. It's a unique opportunity to pursue research without other commitments, and in order to make the most of that you should be willing to put in a lot of time. Be actively engaged in lab meetings, attend seminars, read papers, and if you think of a new idea, try to implement it. The more you put into the fellowship, the more you get out of it. Also take advantage of being on UT Southwestern campus; if you get the chance, try to interact with some of the medical and graduate students. Have fun with what you do, since it's a great chance to meet people and make connections. |