Nikia A. Laurie

Field:  Cancer Biology and Epigenomics
SR-EIP:   Brown University (1993) & Yale University (1994 )
Undergrad:  Xavier University of Louisiana (1996)
Graduate School:  Brown University (2004)
Current:  Assistant Professor, Department of Pediatrics, Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine

 

• Could you talk about any memorable experiences from your Leadership Alliance summer research at Brown and Yale?

My interest in cancer research started during my undergraduate career as a result of exceptional summer research experiences through the Leadership Alliance. I was provided with great mentors who encouraged my excitement for science. During the summer of 1993, I enrolled in the Summer Research Early Identification Program (SR-EIP). Through this program, I conducted clinical research at Brown University under the direction of Dr. Darrel Abernethy. During that summer, we sought to determine the effects of local angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibition on endothelin-l induced increase in forearm vascular resistance. Dr. Abernethy was very interested in my development as a scientist, and he taught me how to plan and execute our research project, as well as how to analyze the data for publication. He also encouraged me to write a comprehensive report on our findings, and our work was subsequently published in Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics. This was the first time that I had ever authored a research article, and following that experience, my excitement for science could not be contained. That summer taught me the importance of understanding the biological mechanisms of disease in order to develop more effective clinical treatments. In addition, it also opened my eyes to the possibility of pursuing science as a career.

During the following summer of 1994, I enrolled in the SR-EIP program and conducted research at Yale University, which involved characterizing the genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae. My mentor was Dr. Michael Snyder, an extremely brilliant and patient teacher. The research in Dr. Snyder's lab involved characterizing the genome of Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model for the human genome in order to better understand the functions of known genes, and for discovering novel genes. It was during this summer that I learned the importance of understanding gene function, and how that knowledge can aid in understanding the genetic changes that occur during disease progression. It is this type of knowledge that is vital to scientists seeking to develop new treatments for conditions such as cancer. Subsequently, I was also invited to present my research at the inaugural meeting of the Leadership Alliance Symposium at the National Academy of Sciences in July 1995. That experience was invaluable, because it was my first opportunity to present my research at a national meeting. It was also inspiring, because it was held at the National Academy of Sciences, a place where many great scientists that I admire have presented their research. As I stood at the podium, I remember thinking that in the future I might also have the power to influence the world in a positive way through my research, just as the scientists that had graced that stage before me. I often reflect on my presentation at the National Academy of Sciences, because that experience continues to serve as a source of inspiration and encouragement to me.

• Can you talk about how your Leadership Alliance summer experience prepared you for graduate school?

Influenced by my incredible summer research experiences through the Leadership Alliance, I decided to pursue cancer research as a career, and I enrolled in the Pathobiology Graduate Program at Brown University. I chose to enroll at Brown largely due to the cutting-edge science that I had been exposed to as an SR-EIP student. While in the graduate program at Brown, I studied the effects of the cell adhesion molecule, CEACAM1, on hepatocellular carcinoma. The experience I gained during my summer research experiences was invaluable, because I entered graduate school with knowledge of how to conduct bench research. During my final year at Brown, I was awarded the Leadership Alliance - Schering Plough Dissertation Fellowship, which helped me to conduct the key experiments I needed to finish my thesis.

• Can you talk about your work as a mentor for the next generation?

The Leadership Alliance showed me how important mentoring is. I benefited from great mentors, and I know I have a responsibility to pay it forward. My mentors are renowned experts in their field, and yet they took the time to contribute to my growth as a scientist. I’ve been in touch with several Leadership Alliance students as they make the transition from graduate school to postdoctoral positions. There is no single path to success, but I tell them about my experience and things to prepare for. Now that I have my own lab, I seek to encourage, support, and train the next generation of scientists.

• Can you talk about the importance of the Leadership Alliance alumni network?

The Leadership Alliance alumni network is extremely important because it allows us the opportunity to interact with people who are on a similar path. It allows us to celebrate the joys and successes of our path, as well as support each other through the trials and tribulations. I met another Leadership Alliance student, Dr. Rachelle Salomon, at Brown University, and we’ve supported each other at each stage of our careers over the last ten years. I am very grateful for her friendship and support.

• What advice would you give to this year’s Leadership Alliance participants?

Take full advantage of the opportunities being given. When people open their hearts and resources it can be life transforming. Get to know your mentors and the people in the lab. Those relationships can be important to your career advancement.