My time at Belfer was a blast. For me, this experience built upon a modest research foundation, grew my lab skillset, and greatly strengthened my scientific competencies. Working among other RAs, the guidance of PhD-level scientists, and MD collaborators, Belfer provided a balance of independence and support which shaped my ability to think critically, creatively, and solve problems. This unique structure developed my confidence as a young scientist which has carried over into a PhD program. I came into Belfer interested in translational research, and after collaborating with clinical trials, my appreciation and excitement for impactful patient-focused research grew even more. Most invaluable, however, are the close friendships I developed which I anticipate will last a lifetime. My experience at Belfer undeniably shaped my future research goals and prepared me for success.

Right from the beginning of my interview, it was obvious that my future supervisor and mentor Pat was someone not only incredibly knowledgeable but genuinely excited about science, and someone who approached his job with the kind of respect and care you can’t pretend. Even more, he showed a practical, interpersonal wisdom of life as a researcher and displayed relaxed confidence that I aspire to gain with experience. A good day is enjoyable anywhere, but the Belfer Center gave the impression that even a bad day will be just fine. During my three years, that proved to be true. As a research associate, I had the opportunity to follow the whole narrative of projects, as they grew from ideas, to plans, to data and new insights. The good company of everyone at Belfer created a wonderful place to grow and enjoy the inevitably imperfect but invaluable process of real research.

The Belfer Center is an environment with unparalleled access to cutting-edge research and some of the brightest minds in field. I look back fondly on my time at the Belfer Center because I’m so proud of the work that we do. But what truly sets this place apart is the amazing community who have remained as close mentors and friends. Everyone here is excited about the science, but also takes great care to build a positive work culture. As a research associate, I noticed how my supervisors and collaborators involved me in all aspects of a project and gave me ownership over my contributions. What’s more is that they nurtured my strengths and interests in computational biology and made every effort to set me up for success in my next steps. This opportunity showed me how rewarding a career in translational research can be and ultimately shifted my trajectory to follow in pursuit of it.

The Belfer Center promotes a well-rounded learning experience for junior researchers. During my time there, I learned cutting-edge techniques like testing pre-clinical immunotherapies on patient-derived organotypic tumor spheroids and important basic immunology skills like flow cytometry, microscopy imaging, and cytokine assays. The technical experience set me up for success during my PhD as I came in with a great toolset to use during my thesis work. The leadership team at the Belfer developed a nurturing culture, especially during the challenging times of COVID-19 lockdown where they provided us with structure so we could discuss science virtually while prioritizing our safety. The open-door policy was truly implemented at the center, and that led to many conversations with giants in the field that I cherish today. As an international student, I always felt welcome and supported. A special shoutout to my direct supervisor Dr. Elena Ivanova who is a wonderful mentor, and an extremely talented scientist I am lucky to have been able to work with.

My experience at the Belfer Center profoundly shaped my growth as a scientist and enhanced my skills in collaboration, critical thinking, and professionalism. From presenting a poster at the AACR to leading projects, I was immersed in opportunities that allowed me to learn from leaders in the field of cancer research. The mentorship and support from the managers and leadership were instrumental in helping me make informed decisions about graduate school and exploring the various career paths available to me. However, it was the people at the Belfer Center that truly made my experience unforgettable. The friendship among the research assistants was special—we supported each other at work and shared many fun memories outside of it. The collegial atmosphere made every day at work exciting and enjoyable, creating an environment for us to thrive both personally and professionally.

My time at the Belfer Center was invaluable in preparing me for graduate school and kickstarting my career. Coming from a small liberal arts college, I had little experience in how scientific research was as a full-time career, or in being a part of a large-scale and fast-paced lab environment like Dana-Farber. At the Belfer, I was able to take ownership of high-impact projects and be directly involved in collaborations with both industrial and academic partners, allowing me to build confidence in my own abilities and in my capability to pursue a career in research. Beyond the science, by joining the Belfer I joined an amazing community of people who were passionate about their work but also about enjoying life outside of the lab. I learned a lot in my years at the Belfer, and I certainly wouldn’t be where I am now without that experience.

The Belfer Center offered such a unique working environment, providing us with opportunities to work in both academic and industrial projects, and allowing us to gain insights and experience from working in these research settings. The proximity to all the cutting-edge and exciting research in the Longwood Medical Area enabled me to learn an incredible amount about cancer biology. Exposure to different aspects of cancer biology, the diversity of projects that I worked on, and most importantly, guidance from management all steered me in the right direction, helped me figure out the next step in my career and what field I wanted to pursue. During my 3.5 years there, I got to improve many valuable research skills and techniques, namely in time management, data analysis, working both independently and collaboratively, and science communication. Most of the techniques and other skills I learned at the Belfer have now become my routine in grad school. All the valuable experiences at the Belfer certainly made me a more desirable graduate candidate, prepared me to immediately take on my doctorate program more efficiently, and shaped me into a better independent researcher.

I decided to spend a year at the Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science to continue exploring how I might wed my evolving research and clinical interests. My time at the Belfer Center helped clarify that I enjoy doing translational research. I’ve realized that such work can be more easily integrated with clinical practice and can offer one the ability to do more basic science research or clinical research depending on how a project evolves. Given that my interests are often in flux, I found this flexibility intriguing. Although I’m still not sure what specialty I want to pursue, I’ve been told that most people figure that out in medical school. As I look back on my time at the Belfer Center, I can only hope that in this next chapter of my life I will meet mentors as committed and friends as supportive as those I’ve met here.