“I have learned that research is hard and that it does not always work,” Kayla says, “But perseverance and dedication pays off and I hope to bring this attitude into graduate school and the future!”

Over the past two years Kayla Marks has worked in the Judson-Torres lab at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, contributing to research on melanoma, an aggressive form of skin cancer. One of her projects is focused on a specific gene (and the protein it codes for), which allows melanoma cancer cells to evade immune system detection. These cancerous cells can persist, survive and spread (ie… metastasize to other parts of the body). Kayla’s work involves developing a fluorescent reporter for this gene which allows researchers to track when and where this gene is active and how it affects the development and progression of melanoma. Kayla’s second project involves helping build an AI database for processing large amounts of laboratory data to better predict which experiments to run in the lab, accelerating the research process and ability to go from the laboratory to human clinical trials. This brings us closer to identifying the cancer therapies that offer the greatest promise and ultimately improves cancer care. The highest incidence of melanoma, in the U.S., is actually here in Utah! Factors such as spending time outdoors, fair skin, and elevation contribute to this statistic. Thus, Utah turns out to be a perfect laboratory for understanding melanoma.

Kayla’s undergraduate studies in cell and microbiology have truly shaped her passion for science and cancer research. Her favorite course was microbiology with Dr. Naina Phadnis, where she delved into diseases and the inner workings of the immune system. “It’s crazy to learn about how everything works and communicates in our cells and body,” she explains. “As my classes progressed, I realized how complicated these systems are.”

“I wanted to do innovative research and ask new questions,” Kayla says. “I enjoy working hands-on, and being in the lab gives me that experience.” She’s eager to continue building on the work she’s done and pursue further opportunities in cancer research as she moves forward in her academic and professional journey.

After completing her undergraduate degree, Kayla plans to take a gap year before entering a PhD program. She hopes to use this time to explore her research interests even further, immerse herself in nature and visit her favorite national parks, such as Yosemite where she’s climbed the Half Dome.

–Kayla Marks is a senior from Saratoga, California and is majoring in biology with an emphasis in cell and molecular biology. She is set to graduate this spring with her name on three published papers.

By: Vedi Vekaria, health, society, and policy major and Communications Intern, School of Biological Sciences.

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