Transitioning to immunology inspires new focus

For Michelle Bessiake, the path toward a PhD program at the University of Chicago was winding.

After graduating from Texas Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry, Bessiake took a few years off to decide whether to pursue her doctorate. She entered the immunoengineering program at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering (PME). Initially she wanted to research tissue engineering but after taking immunology classes she joined a lab focused on basic immunology research.

Through her studies at the university, Bessiake now focuses on understanding regulatory T cells (Tregs) and the diseases that manifest when they aren’t functional due to mutations in important genes. In humans this cause systemic autoimmunity, particularly a syndrome called immune dysregulation, polyendocrinopathy, enteropathy, and X-linked (IPEX) syndrome, which Medline Plus defines as an autoimmune condition that causes the body’s immune system to attack its own tissue and organs. Her research involves understanding how this complex cell type can impact the cells around them. Tregs can also have a contradictory role where it protects cancer cells, so understanding how these cells work could help lead to better cancer treatments, she explains.

“Big picture wise, if you can get a full understanding of [what’s] going on in the whole system, we can work harder [and] have more avenues with treatment,” Bessiake said.

While searching for her ideal graduate program, Bessiake said she sought out institutions where she could feel safe as a student and grow as a person. Ultimately, she chose the University of Chicago for multiple reasons. For one thing, her initial weekend visit to the university “felt a little bit like home for me,” she said. Another perk was being closer to her family, who now mostly live in Michigan and Indiana.

Making the transition from undergrad, which uses grades to evaluate progress, to independent research has been an adjustment. The process of doing so has been “scary, but it's also really exciting, too. So just embrace it,” Bessiake said.

Beyond her research, Bessiake also serves as a representative on the university’s graduate council. She joined the organization to facilitate connections between grad students. Most recently, the council organized a therapy dog event during which the students made dog toys and gave donations to PAWS Chicago, the local animal shelter.

Reflecting on a game night hosted by the council, “I really had a great time bringing people together,” she said. “We've all been very passionate and making so many events where people can come together and just not be scientists for a second.”

Now that she’s immersed in her work, Bessiake has been able to build a support system of with her peers. The University of Chicago has connected her with a diverse group of people who can bring their own viewpoints and expertise to solve problems as they emerge during her research, she added.

She’s also developed a supportive community among her peers, who help one another reach their research goals. She and her friends have been particularly supportive of one another during their candidacy, Bessiake said.

“We were practicing with each other for weeks to make sure we all pass. That's the kind of support system I've been able to have here. I think that's awesome,” she said.