Megan Tandar '27 - Broad Summer Research Program at MIT

Meg

This summer, I was an intern in the Broad Summer Research Program, a 9-week summer research experience at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard. I was in the Vázquez-García lab, located at Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, and the Broad, studying computational oncology. Specifically, I explored extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA) in the context of cancer, as many aggressive cancers with poor treatment responses have high ecDNA content. 
   
Using computational methods, we probed large-scale genomic datasets, including the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia and DepMap, to identify ecDNA-specific vulnerabilities in lung, breast, and ovarian cancer. We were able to identify key genetic vulnerabilities present in these cancers, with hits corresponding across both genetic and drug screen contexts. We aim to follow these results up with single-cell techniques, exploring more of the genomic structure underlying these vulnerabilities. From this study, our ultimate goal is to pursue therapeutics that target these genes in ecDNA, allowing for better patient treatment outcomes. 
   
Being able to fully dedicate 9 weeks into scientific research was truly life-changing-- from living in Boston and experiencing the scientific environment it offers, to working alongside passionate and kind scientists, and making long-lasting connections with my cohort - I was absolutely thrilled to be a part of BSRP 2025. I learnt so many different approaches to research, and gained an independence in project planning that will be critical for graduate school and my future. The mentors of the BSRP program were also wonderful - they showed me all the amazing things that science can accomplish, the different ways science invokes change, and the passion and drive of people behind it. It left me with a deep sense of inspiration and commitment to the scientific field- not just as a field of study, but as a community to learn and grow with. 
   
I'm so grateful I had this experience this summer - and it truly wouldn't have been possible without the help of SPIRE. I can't wait to share all I learned with my SPIRE friends!!