Written by Cheryl Crentsil, BS candidate in Health Sciences, Gettysburg College and participant in the Institute for Public Health Summer Research Program
I never thought research was a career option until I came to WashU for the summer. Gaining acceptance into the Summer Research Program – RADIANCE Track, I’ve gained the opportunity to work with Jesus Jimenez, MD, PhD in the Center for Cardiovascular Research. In his lab, we are investigating colorectal cancer and immunotherapies’ effect on murine hearts, combining cardiology and oncology research into a summer project. Coming in with no research experience, I was terrified of making mistakes; however, Dr. Jimenez reassured me that mistakes are a part of the research process. After receiving the reassurance, I was able to breathe and relax.
Immune checkpoint inhibitors are the newest drugs used to fight cancer as they reduce tumor size by stimulating T-cells through blocking inhibitory signaling induced by cancer cells. A recent study in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated a 100% cure rate in patients with advanced colorectal cancer following treatment with immune checkpoint inhibitors. However, they can cause fatal adverse cardiac events such as myocarditis, inflammation of cardiac muscle tissue. It excites me that a cure for cancer is developing and will be able to help people in the future. For my research this summer, I’ll work with immune checkpoint inhibitors to reverse adverse cardiac events while reducing tumor volume.
As a future cardiologist, this program has given me a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself. Gaining acceptance into the RADIANCE program has opened my eyes to racial disparities within American cities and has further ignited my interest in the cardiovascular field. Additionally, by working in the Jimenez lab, I’ve realized cardiovascular research is embedded into all research areas. I’m grateful to the RADIANCE program for choosing me to participate in this program. St. Louis will always have a special place in my heart as I gained research experience, turned a new age, and developed beautiful friendships and a mentorship that I will carry for the rest of my academic career.