Cancer Biology student Megan Fisher, advised by Dung-Fang Lee, PhD, has been selected for the Gulf Coast Consortia Training Interdisciplinary Pharmacology Scientists (TIPS) program. This prestigious program provides PhD students interdisciplinary training in pharmacological sciences with the goal of decreasing the expense and time necessary to bring effective and safe treatments to patients. Trainees receive education in drug discovery research and development, preparing them for roles in academia, government, and the private sector.

Fisher was drawn to the TIPS program because of its interdisciplinary approach to training, which emphasizes the science behind drug discovery and development. The program will afford her opportunities to shadow biotechnology professionals and present her research at conferences she would not have had access to outside of TIPS. She also looks forward to taking advantage of the career development opportunities offered by TIPS. As part of the program, Fisher hopes to gain hands-on experience in the core areas of drug discovery and work with her mentors to develop a project that will enhance her expertise in therapeutic development. She also expects to gain insight into how drugs are translated from discovery to clinical application by shadowing industry professionals.

“The training provided by TIPS will enhance my knowledge of pharmaceutical development and drug discovery, which complements my research on therapeutic approaches for cancer,” says Fisher. “It will also give me invaluable insights into the operations of biotechnology and biopharmaceutical companies, helping me identify potential career paths and align my research focus with industry needs.” She adds that the experience will help her build the skills she needs to effectively present her work and communicate her research to diverse audiences.

In her recent co-authored article, "Decoding Cancer Etiology with Cellular Reprogramming," published in Current Opinion in Genetics & Development, she explores how patient-derived and engineered human pluripotent stem cells are revolutionizing cancer research.

After graduation, Fisher plans to work for a biotechnology or biopharmaceutical company focused on therapeutic treatments for cancer. Her goal is to contribute to the discovery and development of safe and effective drugs to improve patient outcomes. The training she receives in the TIPS program will help guide her research and provide opportunities to learn the industry, network with biotechnology professionals, and gain knowledge and skills for her career.