My name is Samaya Krishnan, I am a doctoral student in the Integrated Biomedical Science (IBMS) Graduate Program- Cancer Biology track, working under the guidance of Dr. Ratna Vadlamudi. My research interests include breast cancer and cancer signaling pathways. I am passionate about the development and commercialization of life science innovations.

Please provide a few sentences summarizing your research.

My dissertation research demonstrated a role for the oncogene, PELP1, in regulating the DNA damage response pathway and I developed a drug that inhibits PELP1’s oncogenic functions which has implications in the treatment of therapy resistant breast cancer.

What did you learn during your graduate student career?

Persistence, critical and independent thinking, multitasking and time management. I also learned to distance myself emotionally from the outcome of an experiment.

What’s next?

To gain exposure beyond academic research, I interned with the office of technology transfer and commercialization, and I really enjoyed my work. I am in the lookout for opportunities in commercialization and business development.

Any advice for your fellow graduate students?

It’s never too early to plan your next step. Don’t give in to your inhibitions; take a conscious effort get step out of your comfort zone.