Merisa
Merisa
Pioneer Charter School Of Science
Everett, MA
Mentor:
Jada Coffey
Epigenomics Program | Griffin Lab
Merisa joined the ӳý Summer Scholars Program, excited to apply and grow her molecular biology skills on a project with potential impact for cancer research. Partnering with Anna in the Griffin Lab, she worked on developing CRISPR cytosine base-editing tools to target SETDB1, a histone methyltransferase that silences immune-related genes and supports acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cell survival.
From design to validation, Merisa was involved in every step. She helped design eight single guide RNAs (sgRNAs) — five targeting SETDB1 and three controls — using CRISPR design software. She annealed oligos, inserted them into base-editing vectors, transformed them into E. coli, and prepared plasmid DNA. Sequencing confirmed that six guides matched their intended design, providing the lab with validated reagents for future functional studies.
Throughout the process, Merisa refined her technique in cloning and bacterial transformation, learned to troubleshoot when results were unexpected, and built confidence in her ability to generate high-quality experimental tools. Her contributions advance the lab’s work to explore whether disrupting SETDB1 can trigger immune responses against AML cells.
“BSSP was truly an amazing experience… I will always treasure and be grateful for it!” she reflected. The project gave her not only technical skills but also insight into the persistence and collaboration that drive impactful science.
