Name: Ben Laxer
Lab Position: Research Student
Degree: BMSc (Candidate)
What’s your background?
I am from London Ontario. Currently, I am completing my undergraduate degree at Western University studying Interdisciplinary Medical Sciences. I will be working as an internship student here during 2021-22 school year and summer.
What research projects are you currently working on?
I am working with the Hawkins lab to assess the ability of their NanoString assay to characterize and diagnose pediatric low-grade gliomas. These tumours’ response to treatment is not accurately predicted from the DNA mutation and histology alone so with this assay we are investigating the protein and RNA signatures to better predict response to treatments.
Do you have any advice for someone interested in a career in research?
Find out what you are interested in, always stay curious and willing to learn more. Don’t be afraid to reach out to researchers in your area of interest to ask them about their work.
What are your interests outside of science?
I have been teaching myself 3D animation using Blender software in my spare time. Also, I enjoy running, reading and playing with my dog.
What’s your favorite food?
My favourite food is ice cream.
Do you prefer coffee, tea, or none?
I like a cup of coffee in the morning and a tea at night.