MIT News breed · Science

Student Pursues Cancer Research at MIT

Marina Milea, a biology major from the City College of New York, spent her summer at MIT's Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research as part of the BSG-MSRP-Bio program. She investigated how KRAS-mutated lung cancers develop resistance to targeted therapies.

Milea's research focused on the adeno-to-squamous transition, a phenomenon where lung cancers change subtype to evade treatment. By studying the signaling pathways involved, researchers aim to identify new therapeutic targets for patients with resistant cancers.

She aimed to work on research with translational aspects that could potentially change patient therapy, finding this motivation as an undergraduate.

Milea highlighted the importance of understanding the biology behind complex mouse and organoid models to interpret results and their potential translation to human biology.

Her prior research experience at Columbia University, where she learned techniques like CRISPR and T-cell engineering, prepared her for the demanding research environment at MIT.

At MIT, she benefited from close mentorship from graduate student Carrie Rodriguez, who explained not just protocols but the underlying biology, allowing Milea to contribute her own ideas.

Milea plans to pursue a PhD in biomedical sciences, aiming for a career combining research, teaching, and mentorship, with a long-term goal of advancing women's health research.

She encourages students to pursue opportunities that may seem out of reach, noting that programs like MIT's value original thinking and intellectual contribution, regardless of background.

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