Western Blot Screening for HOX Antibody Development to Find Glioblastoma Cure

Presenter: Kareem Ahmed, Public Health Science, Global Public Health Scholars

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For my practicum, I interned at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), specifically within the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS). I worked in a glioblastoma research lab led by Dr. Patrick Cimino, with support from lab manager Allison Shelbourn. Over the course of the summer, I assisted in a project focused on identifying protein structures in mice using CRISPR and Western blotting techniques. One of my key responsibilities was helping to develop and screen HOX antibodies, which may one day help in the diagnosis or treatment of glioblastoma, a highly aggressive and deadly form of brain cancer. I also presented my research discoveries over the summer during the NIH summer intern presentations, which helped me improve my science communication skills. Beyond the technical skills I gained in the lab, I learned the importance of asking meaningful questions, paying attention to detail, and understanding the overall purpose behind every experiment. The mentorship I received from Dr. Cimino and Allison deepened my appreciation for the collaborative environment that was in the lab. From a public health perspective, this experience helped me connect basic science to real-world impact. I saw how laboratory research, though it may seem far removed from clinical care, plays a critical role in advancing public health by informing treatment strategies and improving outcomes for patients. My practicum experience showed me how the work done in a lab can eventually lead to breakthroughs that benefit entire populations, and it reiterated my interest in pursuing a career that mixes medicine and research.