Angie V Ramirez Jimenez

Angie V Ramirez Jimenez is a second-year student in the Master of Science in Biomedical Data Science program. In this Q&A, she discusses why she chose the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.

Why did you decide to study at Icahn Mount Sinai?

After completing my undergraduate degree, I came to Mount Sinai to work as a research associate in the lab of Michelle E. Ehrlich, MD, and Samuel Gandy, MD, PhD, in the Neurology Department. There I had the opportunity to work on various projects that investigate the mechanisms of neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer’s disease, dystonia, and Huntington’s disease, and learn about all the research opportunities that were available at Mount Sinai. The chance to learn from professors at the forefront of biomedical research made it the ideal place for me to expand my knowledge and skills.

What attracted you to study Biomedical Data Science? What about it inspires you?

My journey into Biomedical Data Science stemmed from a fascination with the intersection of biology and technology. The realization of the potential of programming to revolutionize scientific research sparked my interest in this field. I was inspired by the ability of data science to unlock insights from various biological datasets, leading to a deeper understanding of complex biological systems. The prospect of using data to drive advancements in precision medicine and ultimately improve patient outcomes motivated me to pursue a career in Biomedical Data Science.

What were some of your achievements as a master’s student?

During my time as a master’s student, I trained and worked in the Bioinformatics for Next Generation Sequencing (BiNGS) core at The Tish Cancer Institute at Mount Sinai. At the core, I was able to contribute to various projects, in addition to my own capstone project, which included assessing the effectiveness of a novel keratinocyte differentiation protocol on induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and embryonic stem cells (ESCs), as well as investigating the impact of different extracellular matrix (ECM) environments on cancer cell dormancy. For my capstone project, I analyzed RNA-seq, ATAC-seq, and CUT&RUN data to dissect the epigenetic and transcriptional landscapes of hepatocellular carcinoma models.

What activities outside the classroom have contributed to your success?

I believe that my involvement in research projects outside the classroom have been pivotal to my success. As an undergrad, I went on a research trip to Costa Rica to investigate the resilience of microbial communities in Costa Rica’s rainforests post-hurricane. This was the first time I was part of real-world scientific research, and thanks to that, I saw a side of research I had not seen in the classroom—large-scale data analysis and how powerful it can be in understanding complex biological interactions.

This experience helped me realize this was something I wanted to pursue and once I started working in the Ehrlich/Gandy lab I was able to pursue my interest in bioinformatics and work alongside great postdocs who mentored me on how to do various types of analysis.

I’ve also worked at Liberty Science Center in Jersey City, New Jersey, where I taught kids how to do different lab experiences. I think working with the kids really taught me how not to make assumptions about how much people may know about a topic, which really helps me when trying to teach others. I also learned that everyone has the power to make an impact on others even when we may not realize it.

I think that just being open minded and not closing yourself off to opportunities, even when they seem very daunting or even insignificant, when they come is really what helps you learn and grow. Sometimes opportunities arise from the most unexpected places, but you will never find them if you don’t put yourself out there.

What are your plans after you have completed your degree?

I plan to continue my journey in the field of Biomedical Data Science. My goal is to help make a positive impact in the biomedical field, potentially preventing others from experiencing the loss of loved ones to diseases like cancer. In the distant future, I also hope to open a bike shop that can also serve as a sort of community center where people can connect with others and learn about bikes.

Sooyun Caroline Tavolacci, MD, MSCR

Sooyun Caroline Tavolacci, MD, MSCR, is a first-year student in the PhD in Clinical Research Program at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. As a graduate of the Master of Science in Clinical Research program, she reflects on her experiences and achievements, and discusses why she chose Mount Sinai for her PhD education.

What brought you to Icahn Mount Sinai as a master’s student?

Five months after arriving in the U.S. following my graduation from medical school in South Korea, I began searching for a master’s program. While I had gained experience in basic science research throughout my medical education, I lacked exposure to translational and clinical research. I sought a program that would bridge the gap between scientific research and clinical practice. Mount Sinai’s Graduate School seemed ideal for gaining insight into both realms and stood out for its distinguished physicians and scientists.

What were some of your achievements as a master’s student?

Nearly every course I undertook was an eye-opening experience. I was able to directly apply the research methodology and statistics I learned in class to real-world projects. Engaging in discussions with colleagues from diverse backgrounds provided invaluable insights into different aspects of the U.S. health system.

I joined the lab of Fred Hirsh, MD, PhD, at the Center for Thoracic Oncology at the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Institute and gained translational science experience while working on a National Institutes of Health-funded COVID-19 study in patients with lung cancer. I interacted with patients daily, observed clinic encounters, and gained more than just research experience under the guidance of Jorge Gomez, MD, and Nicholas Rohs, MD. In the lab, while working alongside two postdoctoral fellows, translational scientist Philip Mack, PhD, virologists, immunologists, pathologists, and statisticians, and simultaneously utilizing cutting-edge techniques to analyze serological responses, I gained invaluable experience in basic science research and statistical analysis. In my second year, I also explored the efficacy of treatment in lung cancer patients with Dr. Hirsch and Rajwanth Veluswamy, MD, MSCR, who is also a graduate of my master’s program. I participated in two studies: one evaluating the difference in the efficacy of immune treatment between sexes in lung cancer patients, and another investigating radiation pneumonitis among locally advanced lung cancer patients who received chemoradiation. I presented three abstracts as a first author at national and local conferences and published two articles under my mentors’ guidance.

Beyond my education and thesis project, I had the privilege of meeting several cardiothoracic surgeons and collaborating on research with them. I engaged in student activities and worked together with graduate and medical students on various projects. The Mount Sinai community is diverse and extensive, and I am grateful to have met such outstanding mentors and colleagues who will undoubtedly remain assets even after I graduate from the program.

What attracted you to this area of study?

Throughout my pre-medicine education, I had an exceptional professor, Ho-Yeon Song, MD, PhD, at the Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Soon Chun Hyang University, who sparked my interest in immunology. During my medical education, this interest further developed, particularly in transplantation medicine. At the time of my graduation from medical school, I was considering general surgery or cardiothoracic surgery for my specialty. I was drawn to thoracic oncology due to my longstanding interest in immunology and cardiothoracic surgery.

Why continue your education with a PhD in Clinical Research?

The two years of training in the master’s program were intense and filled with invaluable experiences. While I felt close to achieving my goal of becoming an independent physician-scientist, I recognized the need for more practice and experience. By the end of my master’s program, my mentors provided me with opportunities to continuously work on their projects. I also refined my interest in health outcomes research and wanted to pursue advanced statistical courses that would be highly beneficial for analyzing large health care data in comparative effectiveness studies. I felt like once I started my graduate medical training, I might not have dedicated time for research unless I had continuous mentorship and my own projects.

I appreciated the flexibility of my master’s program, which allowed students to gain real-world experience and tailor their education. Therefore, I was determined to continue my education in the same program, even if it meant self-funding. With the experience I gained at the Mount Sinai Tisch Cancer Institute, I was offered a promising position. However, just over six months into my new role, I faced the decision of whether to continue both work and pursue a second doctoral education.

Thanks to Mark Hurwitz, MD, Department Chair/Director of Radiation Medicine at New York Medical College and Westchester Medical Center, who supported my decision to pursue a PhD while maintaining my work duties and readily agreed to be my mentor, I am balancing both work and education. Recently, I applied for a grant to initiate my outcome research project under his guidance before entering the dissertation phase. Having mentors at Mount Sinai and in the field of medicine through the PhD program has been a great source of support as I navigate my career.

What are your plans after you complete your PhD?

After completing my second year in the PhD program and transitioning into the dissertation phase, I intend to apply for graduate medical education in surgery or cardiothoracic surgery. While pursuing training in my desired field, I aim to concurrently work on my dissertation project. My ultimate goal is to become a surgeon-scientist.