Shealyn O’Connor

Mary Gates Research Scholar, Autumn 2024

Research Project: Exploring Type 2 Immunity Activation and Regulation in the ApcMin/+ Tumor Microenvironment through Mast Cells.

Project Description: We are working to understand how tumors activate and regulate a type 2 immune response using a mouse model (ApcMin/+) which mimics pre-malignant human colorectal cancer. This project focuses on the role of mast cells; a key component of type 2 immunity attributed with both pro- and anti-tumor properties. Preliminary reverse transcriptase, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) data and immunofluorescence (IF) imaging supports the idea that mast cells have a role in activating the type 2 immune response in tumors. Ongoing, I am focused on IF imaging to continue to explore where cells and molecules are located in these tumors, as this facilitates our thinking about how interactions may be taking place.

What have you learned throughout your research project? Beyond a new depth of technical laboratory skills, I really value how I have improved my professional communication and collaboration skills through this project. Discussing findings and experimental strategy with my mentor, then presenting at our weekly lab meetings has improved my comfort and confidence talking about science. Also, as research has been under pressure from NIH funding cuts recently, I have really appreciated how passionate and resilient the UW research community is. I am especially grateful to the people in my lab, who have truly inspired me to pursue a career in medical research.

What piece of advice do you have for future applicants? I would really recommend leaning into your mentorship! You don’t need to know everything about your field or even your project to have a competitive application, and your mentor(s) can be an excellent resource in sorting through what background information and project details are most important.