PhD Candidate Sierra Love shares her experience at UW-Madison and her research identifying novel inhibitors of pre-mRNA splicing

Sierra Love is a current PhD candidate at UW-Madison working in the Hoskins lab. In this Q&A, she talks about the mentorship that encouraged her to pursue a PhD, her experience as a PhD candidate at UW, and her current research that looks to identify novel inhibitors of pre-mRNA splicing.   

Love highlights the collaborative attitude and strong community she has experienced within UW Genetics and the Hoskins Lab. She encourages potential PhD candidates to lean into community and support structures, science is about asking questions and learning from each other. 

 

What lab are you in?  

I am in the Hoskins lab.  

What is the focus of your thesis?  

My thesis focuses chemical inhibition of pre-mRNA splicing in yeast. 

What are the big-picture questions and significance of this work?  

One big-picture question of my research is whether we can identify novel inhibitors of pre-mRNA splicing. Dysregulated splicing is implicated in many human disorders. Recent advancements in sequencing technologies have revealed how mutations in spliceosome components contribute to various blood disorders, including myelodysplastic syndromes and leukemias. My research aims to deepen our understanding of how these mutations lead to such disorders and to assist in the discovery of new treatments. 

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in your research? 

The biggest challenge I’ve faced in my research has been learning how to ask for help. I take pride in being an independent researcher and often want to have all the answers, but I’ve come to realize that science does not operate in a vacuum. It thrives on collaboration, benefiting from diverse thoughts and experiences. Once I set aside my pride, I found that my research improved significantly when I opened up, asked questions, and allowed others to assist me.   

What have you completed and what are the next steps?  

Right now I am wrapping up two projects that show some exciting results and my next steps are to submit them for publication and write my dissertation.  

Where did you get your undergrad degree and in what subject?  

I got my BS degree in Forensic Science from Hilbert College, Hamburg NY. 

What was your educational journey leading up to your PhD candidacy?  

Since I was a kid, I’ve known I wanted to be a scientist. I initially pursued a degree in Forensics, but I found that the program was more field-based and less focused on science and laboratory work. After completing my Bachelor of Science degree, I returned to school to earn an Associate of Science in Math and Science to fulfill the prerequisites for graduate school. 

What made you choose to pursue a PhD?  

Honestly, I didn’t realize that pursuing a PhD was an option while growing up, and I didn’t initially consider research as a career path. It wasn’t until after I graduated from my undergraduate program that a mentor suggested I would be a good candidate for a PhD in science. This encouragement opened my eyes to the possibility, and I decided to pursue a PhD. 

Why did you choose to complete your PhD at UW-Madison? 

I chose to complete my PhD at UW-Madison not only because the Genetics program is among the first and best in the country, but also because of the collaborative atmosphere I experienced during my interview weekend. The students I met were genuinely excited about their work and seemed to have a healthy work-life balance. Additionally, Madison is a beautiful city that was quite affordable when I entered grad school. 

What are your next steps after you complete your PhD?  

My goal after completing my PhD is to work in a biotech or pharmaceutical company that focuses on RNA biology or therapeutics. I’m also open to pursuing a postdoc to gain more research independence. 

What is the single person, event, or experience that most influenced your trajectory to where you are today?    

The single person who most influenced my trajectory is my mentor from undergrad. She recognized my potential and encouraged me to consider pursuing a PhD, something I hadn’t even considered before. Her belief in my abilities opened my eyes to the possibilities within academia and the scientific community. This experience not only shaped my career path but also instilled in me the importance of mentorship and collaboration in scientific research. 

What advice would you have for a young person interested in pursuing a PhD?  

My advice for a young person interested in pursuing a PhD is to understand that the journey can be challenging, and it’s essential to maintain a work-life balance. Immerse yourself in environments where you can explore your interests and find a community! I can’t emphasize this enough—just as it takes a village to raise a child, it takes a village to complete a PhD! Community has been a crucial support throughout my journey and is a significant reason why I chose to continue with grad school. Additionally, don’t be afraid to ask questions and seek mentorship from those already in the field. Cultivating resilience and the ability to ask for help when needed is key to succeeding in a PhD program.  

What is your favorite memory from your time here at UW so far?  

The best memories I have are the ones I have with my friends and cohort members. One of my favorites was early on before the pandemic and one of my cohort members threw a holiday party.