It is my pleasure to be considered for election to the IBBS Steering Council as a trainee member. I am an MD/PhD candidate at West Virginia University in the laboratory of Dr. Paul Lockman, studying BBB endothelial cell signaling and drug repurposing for anticancer therapeutic delivery to the CNS. I will re-enter clinical training in 2027, continuing to residency in 2029. I was previously trained in translational breast cancer research in the Lee-Oesterreich lab (University of Pittsburgh) from 2018 to 2021. Throughout my training, each of my mentors has demonstrated the importance of connecting with patient advocates. Breast and CNS cancer advocates have been crucial in my scientific formation, providing me renewed motivation and valuable perspective. If elected, I will integrate my experience with patient advocates into IBBS events, strengthening our discussions for members across career stages. I will build on the council’s outstanding work highlighting trainees through the Horizons seminars by including talks from senior investigators on career development and our field’s historical challenges, ensuring trainees have ample opportunities to learn from distinguished leaders on topics beyond the laboratory. I thank the IBBS membership for their consideration, and look forward to working with the Society throughout my career.
