Sam’s summer with the lab

I worked with Dr. Blackburn this summer through the Markey STRONG program. My project’s scope focused primarily on the radioresistance associated with missense mutations in TP53, and how those mutations (uniquely) collaborate with the H3K27M mutation found in 80% of children with DIPG. We investigated this relationship within zebrafish (WT + p53 knockout) models as well as within human cell lines.

Beyond the knowledge I was fortunate enough to gain, the sense of community and support within the Blackburn lab was one of my favorite aspects of my summer research project. Each lab member shows a real sense of dedication to the particular research they conduct, yet never hesitates to help when needed or give insight and encouragement when an experiment doesn’t go as planned.

I’ll be returning to Louisville to finish up my senior year at UofL before medical school, but will always remember the terrific team I got to work with in Jessi’s lab!