Building and nurturing a community of support and belonging is a cornerstone of my approach to academia and beyond.”
Jamie Nelly Guillen Magaña (she/her)
PhD Candidate in the Driskill Graduate Program in Hematology and Oncology
Jamie Nelly Guillen Magaña is a PhD candidate in the Driskill Graduate Program (DGP) in Hematology and Oncology at the Feinberg School of Medicine. Her research focuses on the role of the Schlafen 12 protein (SLFN12) in glioblastoma progression and therapeutic resistance. Jamie served as an intern for the TGS Office of Diversity and Inclusion and is an active member of several organizations, including the DGP Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee and the cancer biology cluster leadership team. She also serves as the president of Communidad Latinx.
How would you describe your research and/or work to a non-academic audience?
In my current project, I am focused on a protein called SLFN12, which is often found in high levels in a type of blood cancer called Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). I wanted to see if we could use certain small molecules, called velcrins, as potential AML therapeutics.
What we discovered was pretty exciting—these velcrins could actually make the cancer cells die, especially in leukemia cell types that have a lot of SLFN12 and another protein called PDE3A. By tinkering with these proteins, we figured out they're important for how well the velcrins work. We also found that the velcrins trigger a process called apoptosis, which is like a self-destruct button for the cancer cells.
We tested all of this in samples from AML patients and in mice injected with AML cells, and it seemed to work really well at slowing down cancer growth and improving survival. So, it's an exciting step forward in exploring new ways to treat this type of leukemia.
What have been some of the most memorable twists and turns of your career?
One of the most memorable aspects of my graduate journey has been the realization that setbacks can often lead to unexpected opportunities for growth and success. When I first entered graduate school, I was focused on projects related to brain cancer. However, after exploring several research avenues, it was a setback in my last project that proved to be a pivotal moment in my graduate school journey. This setback prompted me to move towards my current research project in Acute Myeloid Leukemia, which has shown promising results.
Despite the initial challenges and setbacks, every project before this one taught me valuable lessons (such as designing my own research projects, following the data, etc) and also helped further develop my research techniques along the way. However, this journey hasn't just been about scientific discoveries; it's also been a personal journey of growth and resilience. While I initially underestimated the mental toll of graduate school, I am grateful for the unwavering support of my mentors, friends, and the nurturing community that has helped me navigate through the challenges. Their guidance and encouragement have been invaluable, and I am appreciative of the lessons learned and the meaningful relationships formed along the way.
Tell us what inspired your research and/or work.
My academic journey initially centered around my fascination with the complexities of the brain and behavior. However, it was the profound influence of my tía Ana, someone I loved like another mom, that steered my research interests in a new direction.
While oncology wasn't initially on my radar, witnessing her courageous battle with cancer profoundly impacted me. It's incredibly hard to watch someone you love pass away, but at the very least, the stark reality of her struggle ignited a deep sense of purpose within me—a passion fueled by empathy, sadness, and determination. I would not be where I am today without her. My inspiration comes from wanting to contribute to finding novel therapeutic avenues for treating cancer, hoping that one day I could help prevent someone else from going through the heartbreak that cancer brings to everyone it touches. This is unfortunately not an uncommon experience in the field of cancer research, where personal experiences often serve as catalysts for unwavering commitment to making a difference.
How do you unwind after a long day?
After a long day, I have a few go-to ways to unwind and recharge. One of my favorite activities is taking my dog, Oliver Myelin, for a walk or heading to the dog park. Of course, catching up with friends is always a highlight of my day. Whether we're exploring new coffee shops, going to brunch, or simply bonding over grad school woes, these moments of connection are incredibly grounding and uplifting. I also really enjoy thrifting. And, if I'm lucky enough to have a long weekend, you'll likely find me hiking or camping. There's nothing like immersing myself in nature and just completely disconnecting.
What advice would you give your younger self or someone considering a similar path?
Firstly, I would remind myself to embrace my identity and background as strengths rather than obstacles. I am a proud daughter of Mexican immigrants and first-generation student who grew up in a low-income family. I’ve been in the workforce from a very young age working an assortment of jobs (mostly in the restaurant service industry) and didn’t know a single scientist until sophomore year of college. I went through so many cycles of shame, embarrassment, and heavy bouts of imposter syndrome, because I didn’t see people with my background represented in these academic spaces. What I didn’t realize was how powerful diverse perspectives and life experiences can be in academia, and that's one of the best lessons I learned throughout my time here.
Secondly, I would emphasize the importance of seeking out mentors, building a support network, and finding your community early on. Having mentors and a community who understand your journey and can offer guidance and support is invaluable. Having a trusted support network to cheer on even the smallest of wins can sometimes be the fuel that keeps you going. Thirdly, I would encourage prioritizing self-care and mental well-being. The journey to a PhD can be demanding and stressful, so it’s essential to take breaks, seek support when needed, and lean on/create community with those that share similar struggles.
Lastly, I would remind myself to never underestimate my potential and to persist in the face of challenges. Our backgrounds may present obstacles, but they also instill resilience and determination. By staying true to our whole selves, seeking support, and believing in our abilities, we can overcome any challenges and achieve our goals. So, to my younger self, I will repeat to you what your parents always say to you: Si se puede.
What are you most proud of in your career to date?
Though there is still a lot of work to be done, I take pride in the small contributions I've made to foster inclusivity and diversity within Northwestern University. Through various roles, including interning with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, serving as President of Communidad Latinx, and offering insights as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion liaison for the cancer biology cluster, I've been privileged to play a part in enhancing our university's ethos of inclusiveness.
Creating spaces where everyone feels valued and supported is paramount to me, especially in the challenging environment of graduate school. I hold mentorship in high regard, striving to be a positive influence and source of guidance for both my current and past mentees. Building and nurturing a community of support and belonging is a cornerstone of my approach to academia and beyond.
Publish Date: June 25, 2024
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