1. What is your current role at the CMRI?

Beyond making sure the lab doesn't burn down, I oversee and consult on pharmacogenetic (PGx) projects brought to us by clinician-scientists at Children’s Mercy Kansas City (CMKC). So, for instance, if someone has a research question like "How do X DNA variants affect Y-drug metabolism?", we help the investigator decide what kind of genotyping is needed, perform the subsequent lab testing, and do the data analysis and interpretation. We also work with academic and industry collaborators around the U.S. and other parts of the world with their PGx questions. Our own research includes using and developing testing methods for allele characterization.

One of my favorite parts of my job is teaching, whether that be students, trainees, or visiting high school students. I think what we do is really cool and exciting, and I love being able to show that to others! It's also fun for me to come up with creative ways to explain complex scientific concepts and have it resonate with people.

I'm thankful that my boss, Andrea Gaedigk, asked me to be a part of the Decoding CMRI project. We created a challenge for area high school students to decode the DNA sequences that are represented by the lights of the building. I had such a great time putting all the materials together and working with people at CMKC that I might not have had the chance to meet otherwise. It was also super awesome to help get kids in our community excited about science and genetics! Currently, we have also been heavily involved in the implementation of the Kiddose PGx testing panel and that has been incredibly gratifying too.

2. What drew you to a career in research at the CMRI? 

I was earning my undergraduate degree in Clinical Laboratory Science, and part of the molecular biotechnology concentration was to do research rotations through different labs. The lab I am working in now was one of my rotations. I just really enjoyed the work and the people and figured it wouldn't be a bad move as a fresh science-baby. From being a rotation student, I was hired as a research assistant, moved up to research associate and now I'm the supervisor! Again, I'm eternally grateful for the supportive mentorship I've gotten in the lab. Dr. Gaedigk taught me everything she knows about PGx and CYP2D6 (our lab's pet gene) and giving me challenging projects that have really helped me grow and thrive as a young scientist. Dr. Erin Boone was my research mentor when I was a student, and now we work together as the dynamic duo in Clinical Pharmacology. Her mentorship has really helped me understand the "whys" behind everything and to leave no stone unturned when it comes to scrutinizing data. I believe the reason I am so effective at what I do is because of these absolute queens!!

3. What are your research/career goals? 

I'm excited about finishing my master’s degree and working on some publications! Long-term, I would like to do a PhD in pharmacogenomics and maybe a clinical fellowship after that. I was really unsure about a PhD but should have known it was over for me when I was talking with someone and uttered the words "I think a thesis would be fun."

4. What is your favorite thing about working at the CMRI?

Honestly, the windows and the natural daylight that comes into our workspaces is sweet. Laboratories are often in basement dungeons, closed off from all other lifeforms, so being able to see that outside world is such a bonus.

5. What is on your bucket list? 

I really want to take my family on a trip to Taiwan! We haven't been back since we immigrated 30 years ago, and I want to thank my parents for all their hard work and the sacrifices. I have no memories from when we were in Taiwan, so I think it would be special to experience it with them too.