Trainee of the Month – Karolina Krygier

Karolina is a member of the Rullo Lab. Her research centers on designing and synthesizing bifunctional molecules that harness the immune system to target heterogeneous tumors by modifying naturally occurring antibodies and directing them to tumor cell receptors for cancer cell killing. She developed her passion for cancer research during her undergraduate work in small-molecule synthesis and continues to be driven by personal connections to those affected by the disease. Outside the lab, she enjoys outdoor activities, cooking, and spending time with friends, family, and her two cats.

Karolina was the first author of this paper in ACS Chemical Biology, and it was featured in the blog “In the Pipeline” in Science.

1. What is your current research focus?

My research focuses on designing and synthesizing bifunctional molecules that can program the immune system to tackle heterogeneous tumors. One end of the bifunctional covalently modifies antibodies naturally present in serum, while the other end directs these modified antibodies to tumor cell receptors to elicit an immune response for cancer cell killing.

2. What made you interested in pursuing cancer research?

During my undergraduate degree I had the opportunity to do research in another cancer research lab, synthesizing small molecules that could degrade cancer proteins. Here, I became really interested in the interplay of chemistry and the biological effects of such molecules and how they can play a therapeutic role for cancer patients. Having friends and family members also affected by this disease has driven my academic goals to try to improve and develop cancer therapies.

3. What are your interests outside the CDCR and the lab?

Outside the lab, I enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and playing pickleball. I also enjoy cooking and spending time with friends, family and my two cats, Millie and Maven!