Visitor of the Week: Danielle Roush

Meet Danielle Roush of the University of North Dakota! Danielle is a Ph.D. student in Dr. Turk Rhen’s lab, and she just took part in her first meeting at CSHL: Translational Control. Danielle will “return” for the Germ Cells virtual meeting later this month.

Tell us about your research.
My dissertation research focuses on the population and evolutionary genomics of temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) using the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) as a model.

How did you decide to focus on this area/project?
My interest in sex determination started with an undergraduate research project, while genetics and genomics were favorite topics of mine from the first time I learned about them. I like that genomics allows me to approach the mechanisms of sex determination from a broad perspective.

What and/or who is the inspiration behind your scientific journey?
I have wanted to be a scientist for as long as I can remember. I was fascinated by my early biology classes and the idea that there is always more to know. I value the ability to continue learning at every stage of my career, and scientific research offers endless opportunities to do so. Every discovery leads to more questions. I am also excited by the opportunity to contribute to the ever-growing body of scientific knowledge. I like the idea that sharing research might benefit multiple projects in unexpected ways.  

What impact do you hope to make through your work?
I am hoping to add to the understanding of the mechanisms of TSD and the processes involved in sex determination in general.

What do you love most about being a researcher?
I love learning new things. Being a researcher lets me explore the process of learning, figuring out which questions to ask, which problems need solving. I like the flexibility of being able to alter one’s research path as questions (or interests!) change.

What drew you to attend this meeting?
I really appreciated the breadth of material covered in the sessions, and the wide variety of researchers presenting even within each session. While my work focuses primarily on genomics, this meeting offered a great opportunity for me to learn about a range of topics related to translational control, and I always appreciate the chance to learn about systems that relate to and play a role in my research.

What is your key takeaway from the Meeting; and how do you plan to apply it to your work?
The meeting reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary research and really highlighted the need to continue using an interdisciplinary approach to my research.

What feedback or advice would you share with someone considering to participate in this meeting?
In addition to presentations and posters directly related to your work, seek out those that might only be tangentially related, or even those that seem unrelated but interesting. Take notes so you can look up interesting topics or methods, and don’t be afraid to ask questions.

What’s the most memorable thing that happened during the Meeting?
This was my first virtual meeting, and I really appreciated how the remote presentation was handled. The chairs were patient and helpful and did a very good job of contextualizing the panels and speakers. The speakers themselves handled the remote format very well (time zones, technical difficulties) and still conveyed their passion and excitement for their work. It was a pleasure to take part in a meeting that was so welcoming and enthusiastic.  

Thank you to Danielle for being this week's featured visitor. To meet other featured researchers - and discover the wide range of science that takes part in a CSHL meeting or course - go here.

Image provided by Danielle Roush

Visitor of the Week: June Bryan de la Pena

Meet June Bryan de la Pena of the University of Texas at Dallas. Under the direct supervision of Dr. Zachary Campbell, the Filipino national is a postdoctoral research scientist in the Laboratory of RNA Control and the Center for Advanced Pain Studies (CAPS). June Bryan was on campus this week for the Translational Control meeting. This is June Bryans’ first CSHL meeting and his participation debut included him presenting a poster entitled “Mechanistic insights into translational controls that drive chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy”. 

What are your research interests? What are you working on?
My current research is focused on the translational control mechanisms that govern chronic pain. In particular, we study translation in peripheral pain-sensing neurons in response to insult or injury and how it contributes to pain plasticity. 

How did you decide to make this the focus of your research?
I have always been fascinated by the notion of doing research to improve our quality of life. Chronic pain causes tremendous burden and suffering to millions of people worldwide; yet current strategies to manage it are limited and has even led to new problems, such as the opioid epidemic. The enormity and the obvious need of solving this problem has led me to focus on this topic. 

How did your scientific journey begin? 
My scientific journey began at home. My father, a national Farmer Scientist in the Philippines, encouraged me to wonder, dream, and explore. My mother also nurtured my inquisitiveness. With the full support of my family, I set out on my scientific journey, crossed the ocean, and braved the exciting world of scientific research. In this journey, I have met a lot of people that inspired me to move forward and soar higher. 

Was there something specific about Translational Control meeting that drew you to attend?
My primary motivations to attend this meeting are to be exposed to the translational control field and to become abreast of the latest developments and techniques. In addition, I was given the opportunity to present my preliminary data and receive input from colleagues.  

What is your key takeaway from the meeting?
In this meeting, I learned that translational control is a huge, diverse, and exciting field. The principles and techniques of translational control can be used to shed light into the mechanism of – and ultimately develop – new treatment strategies for various clinical disorders.   

What did you pick up or learn from the meeting that you plan to apply to your work?  
The field of translational control is all new to me. This meeting has exposed me to what other people are working on and has given me ideas on how to expand and tweak my current research project. I have also established contacts with colleagues who I can potentially collaborate with in the future. 

If someone curious in attending a future iteration of this meeting asked you for feedback or advice on it, what would you tell him/her?
I only have good words to tell them. This meeting is jam-packed with relevant and the latest content for anyone interested in translational control. Each session was very informative, and the speakers are all well-respected in the field. The atmosphere is filled with contagious enthusiasm that promotes discussion and learning. 

How many CSHL meetings have you attended?
This is my first CSHL meeting and I will definitely attend another one in the near future. This has been one of the most comprehensive and informative meeting that I have attended so far, and has set the standard for me of what a scientific meeting should be.  

What do you like most about your time at CSHL?
This was my first time in CSHL and I am greatly pleased. Surrounded by lush greenery and breathtaking waterfront, the campus is both relaxing and stimulating. The food was great too!

Thank you to June Bryan for being this week's featured visitor. To meet other featured scientists - and discover the wide range of science that takes part in a CSHL meeting or course - go here.