Johnny Velasquez
GU IMSD Fellow
2024 Cohort
My goal is not only to contribute scientifically but also foster inclusivity and growth within the field.
The Georgetown University Initiative for Maximizing Student Development (GU IMSD) is designed to develop a diverse cadre of doctoral scholars prepared for careers in the biomedical scientific workforce. Our incoming GU IMSD Fellows share their interests, career goals, and advice for aspiring Ph.D. students.
About Johnny
Originally from West Palm Beach, Florida, Johnny Velasquez is pursuing a Ph.D. in Tumor Biology at Georgetown. Johnny obtained his B.S. in Integrative Biology from the University of Florida.
How did you become interested in your area of study?
I worked on a project using serial liquid biopsies from prostate cancer patients undergoing proton therapy, examining circulating miRNA expression profiles and their associations with clinical data, including biochemical recurrence-free survival. The potential to use circulating miRNAs for prognostication and guiding treatment decisions drew me to tumor biology. My research interests now include radiation exposure, molecular epidemiology, clinical informatics, and the implementation of data analysis techniques for cancer management and personalized care.
What are you most excited about as you join the GU IMSD program?
I hope to gain transferable skills that will enable me to manage and complete research projects, especially in a highly collaborative setting. Furthermore, I would like to explore other opportunities that are not related to academia or that can complement my Ph.D. degree.
How have your previous experiences or background influenced your personal or professional development, interests, or career goals?
While my academic focus has been on discovering blood-based molecular markers for diagnostic and prognostic predictions, I recognize the crucial role mentorship plays in enhancing workforce diversity, particularly in biomedical research. This realization has inspired me to pursue a future where I can serve as a mentor, with a particular emphasis on supporting individuals from underrepresented backgrounds. My goal is not only to contribute scientifically but also foster inclusivity and growth within the field.
What advice do you have for applicants who want to pursue doctoral programs?
When meeting faculty/principal investigators (PI) for potential lab rotations, make sure to get an idea of the number of people in the lab (undergraduates/graduate students and post-doc fellows). You want to ensure that (1) the PI has funding for you and (2) the PI has dedicated time to provide mentorship.