Sally Lee/Dr. Thomas J. Fahey - Week 2

 Week 2 - Brainstorming mini research project ideas

Name: Sally

Mentor: Dr. Thomas J. Fahey


    This week, I have been fully immersed in my mini research project, engaging in stimulating discussions with my PI, Dr. Shuibing Chen, and my clinician mentor, Dr. Fahey. Our collective goal was to identify a project that combines the clinical aspects of Dr. Fahey's endocrine surgeries with the research conducted in Dr. Chen's lab. After thoughtful consideration, we agreed to embark on a single-cell multiome project, focusing on pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors and their progression through different stages. The project holds promise as it offers the potential for valuable insights into the trajectory of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors. Our intention is to analyze single cells at various different points during disease progression, unraveling the molecular and cellular changes that underpin tumor development. This knowledge can have significant implications for diagnosing and treating pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, potentially leading to more effective therapeutic strategies tailored at different stages of the disease. 

    However, completing such a comprehensive study within the summer immersion program would be highly ambitious, because being added onto the protocol for collecting clinical neuroendocrine tumors might take couple of months. Realizing this, we have decided to narrow down the focus of the project for the sake of the program. In subsequent meetings, we identified a critical gap in the project - a lack of a control reference database for analyzing neuroendocrine tumors. As a result, it was decided that my mini research project for the summer immersion program would revolve around building this crucial control reference database using normal human pancreatic islets data. This foundation will prove invaluable once I obtain clinical neuroendocrine tumor samples. In addition to the project, I will be overseeing various operations related to endocrine tumors, actively participate and observe the analysis of tumor specimens in the pathology department, collaborate with the clinical team to be involved in the sample preparations. 

    I am truly grateful for the unique opportunity to be part of this collaborative project where clinical expertise converges with cutting-edge research. It is a genuine privilege to be able to observe and immerse myself in the clinical aspects of this field while simultaneously working towards enhancing the lives of patients affected by pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors through research. The intersection of these disciplines is inspiring, and I eagerly anticipate the knowledge, professional growth, and positive impact that this experience will bring. 


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