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Anna 
North Quincy High School
Quincy, MA

Mentor: 
Jada Coffey 
Epigenomics Program | Griffin Lab

Anna arrived at BSSP with a deep interest in genetics and a drive to learn hands-on molecular techniques. In the Griffin Lab, she targeted SETDB1 — a histone methyltransferase that silences tumor suppressor genes and helps acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells evade immune detection. Understanding how SETDB1 works could inform new cancer therapies.

Her project involved designing and cloning single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) for CRISPR cytosine base editing, which allows precise DNA changes without double-strand breaks. Using CRISPR design tools, Anna created multiple sgRNAs targeting SETDB1, cloned them into base-editing vectors, transformed them into bacteria, and verified her constructs by Sanger sequencing. Of the eight guides designed, six were successfully cloned and validated — reagents the lab can now use for functional experiments on SETDB1’s role in cancer biology.

Anna gained proficiency in molecular cloning, bacterial transformation, and sequence verification, while also learning the value of precision and patience in experimental science. Her work lays the foundation for testing how SETDB1 loss affects gene expression and immune activation in AML cells.

“Thanks to BSSP, I gained the greatly impactful opportunity to explore my passion in studying biology, learn, and collaborate with an amazing cohort of like-minded peers!” she said. The summer gave her both the skills and confidence to advance in genetics research.