Why Research Wednesday: Annette Prah

Annette Prah is a 4th year student studying Biology in the College of Arts and Sciences. Prah’s research is through the Moffitt Lab in the Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, where she currently studies the genetics of acute myeloid leukemia. Her project includes using bioinformatics approaches to identify current and novel mutations, assess sensitivity and specificity of clinical testing, and categorize patients into risk groups based on their cytogenetic and mutational profiles. After completing the fall semester of her junior year, Prah reached out to the TA of her genetics course expressing interest in participating in genetics research. He put her in contact with an associate dean in the Office of Undergraduate Education, who gave her guidance while contacting faculty. Prah contacted Dr. Moffitt, whose prior research on hematological malignancies such as B and T cell lymphomas was intriguing to Prah. The two had a meeting to discuss Dr. Moffitt’s current research and Prah’s research interests. Prah became a lab member at the start of the spring semester of her junior year, marking one year with the Moffitt lab in January 2024. 

 

Growing up with two brothers afflicted with sickle cell disease, Prah has long been interested in the genetic basis behind human diseases and hematological afflictions especially. After completing a course covering the human perspective of genetics during her junior year, Prah found that the genetics course stood out as a highlight in her academic experience. After discussing the opportunities and projects in Dr. Moffitt’s lab during their first meeting, Prah was eager to integrate the knowledge she gained from her coursework into her research.  

 

For Prah, participating in research certainly has its benefits. She has not only been able to learn conceptually about genetics and data analysis in her courses, but then see their real-world application by utilizing them in research that can benefit many. Prah has also been able to develop her public speaking and presentation skills by sharing updates about her project with members in the Moffitt lab, and with fellow researchers interested in genetics, oncology, and hematological malignancies alike. Prah finds it inspiring and motivating to be surrounded by people so deeply dedicated to their research, and she hopes to continue to grow in this collaborative environment.  

 

When Prah first joined the Moffitt Lab, she was interested in learning more about how research operated on a day-to-day level, and how her involvement through her project could help her learn more about genetics in relation to acute myeloid leukemia. As an aspiring physician, she also has an appreciation for the research behind novel medical treatments, so she hopes to get first-hand experience of healthcare innovation by working on projects that both researchers and clinicians can find useful for treating patients. She also hopes that through research, she can gain more experience to inform a decision of pursuing a PhD, teaching, and mentoring students along with a medical degree.