Hyeje Sumajit

Motivation to pursue a graduate degree

I was inspired to pursue a graduate degree after gaining hands-on experience in a research setting, and realizing how much I enjoyed the process of asking questions and figuring things out. This motivated me to pursue PhD training to enhance my skills and contribute meaningfully to the field. I chose FSU because I had the opportunity to work with my current PI and found his mentoring style highly supportive and aligned with my career goals. I was also interested in the lab’s research, as well as the collaborative environment in the Biomedical Sciences department, which fosters interdisciplinary research.

Importance and/or impact of research and work

My research focuses on the role of type I collagen in driving tumor aggressiveness and progression in glioblastoma (GBM). Because GBM is highly invasive, it has very low survival rates and limited treatment options, especially in pediatric patients. My work aims to better understand how these tumor cells behave and interact with the surrounding matrix, ultimately, contributing to evaluating potential therapeutic strategies to inhibit tumor growth and invasion.

Career aspirations

My long-term goal is to build a career in the biotechnology or pharmaceutical industry, where I can contribute to the development of effective therapies for cancers with poor prognosis and limited treatment options. I am also interested in pursuing mentoring opportunities, since I've experienced great mentors throughout my own training and would like to support and guide others in their scientific careers.

Advice for anyone considering graduate school

Find what you’re genuinely passionate and curious about, because that will keep you going when things get tough and experiments don’t work out. Also, pay attention to mentorship styles and find what works best for you. Some people say grad school is all about the project, others say it’s all about the PI, but I think it really takes both. You need work that excites you and a mentor who supports your growth and helps you become the scientist you want to be.

Accomplishments during graduate career

I am most proud of my contributions to my lab’s publications, including one co-authored paper and one first-author manuscript currently under review. I was also honored to receive an Honorable Mention from The Bryan Robinson Endowment for my current research project. In addition, I am proud to have won both First Place and the People’s Choice Award in the 3MT competition at the Biomedical Sciences department level as well as the FSU-wide competition. These accomplishments are meaningful to me because they reflect both my personal and professional growth and my ability to contribute to the broader scientific community.