Building a graduate school experience around the cancer research he loves

Cancer research wasn’t part of Josh Lindenberger’s original career plan. He entered college expecting to pursue medicine and began working in infectious disease research. An undergraduate research program later placed him in an oncology lab.

Then something unexpected happened. He fell in love with cancer research.

Today, Lindenberger is a PhD student in the Genetics and Epigenetics Program at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Houston Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. He conducts his research in the lab of renowned UT MD Anderson cancer geneticist Guillermina Lozano, PhD.

A culture of collaboration and support

Lindenberger’s training extends well beyond his lab. He points to the culture of his program and the relationships he has built with other students as an important part of his graduate school experience.

“One of the cool things about the graduate school is peers supporting each other. Bringing together different skill sets helps students push all of our careers forward.”

He recalls an instance when a fellow student reached a point in her project where she needed a skill Lindenberger had developed. He was able to contribute that expertise while learning from her work in return.

That support extends to graduate school faculty and staff who, Lindenberger said, “will have your back no matter what.”

Connections across the Texas Medical Center—and beyond

The Texas Medical Center (TMC) expands Lindenberger’s opportunities to collaborate across institutions and disciplines, but its impact on him goes beyond research. One of his favorite views in Houston is the TMC at night. For Lindenberger, the view reflects the scale of the work taking place there and the people working to advance health in Houston, across Texas, and around the world.

“I think it’s really pretty, but it’s also really inspiring,” he said.

Lindenberger’s training network extends beyond the TMC through a T32 training appointment with the Gulf Coast Consortia, connecting him with researchers at institutions including Texas A&M University and The University of Texas Medical Branch and broadening his opportunities to collaborate and network outside his field.

Outside of the TMC, Lindenberger finds inspiration when exploring Houston museums with friends. He recalls being particularly drawn to an Impressionist art exhibit at the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston.

“Kind of like research, you get caught up in the little things, and it doesn’t make any sense, but stepping back, when you put it into the bigger picture, it all comes together.”

Building broad skills for the road ahead

As part of his training, Lindenberger has served on committees within the Genetics and Epigenetics Program, helping plan retreats and invite scientific speakers, and as a student ambassador for the International Student Association. Those experiences have given him opportunities to grow his soft skills and become a more well-rounded scientist.

As he looks ahead, Lindenberger is confident that his experience at UT MD Anderson UTHealth Houston Graduate School has prepared him to explore different directions for his career.

“Whatever I choose, the Career Development Office is fantastic and will help me however I need, and the skill set that I’ve been able to build here will help me with whatever I choose.”