Sadie Levering
Sadie is a first-year master’s student studying cellular and molecular biology. Sadie just recently joined Dr. DeCicco’s Lab and really loves the positive community she has found there! Before coming to DC she did her undergraduate degree in Pittsburgh where she received a bachelors in Biology with a concentration in Physiology and Pre-Medical Studies. Her current project is investigating the relationship between fat and multiple myeloma, a blood cancer. After her masters she will be pursuing a PhD! In her free time outside of the lab Sadie likes to spend time with friends, exercise, and try new restaurants around DC. She also really enjoys art and has been to several galleries in the area
Laura Purkey
Laura graduated with a B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Communication Studies from California University of Pennsylvania. Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Laura is a lifelong 412 lover at heart, but hopes to travel and live many places during
her life. One of her favorite things about living in D.C., though, is being close to her older sister (and best pal) Hannah!
She was drawn to the research in the DeCicco lab as she finds cancer biology enthrallingly challenging. Specifically intrigued by the Tpl2 gene and the complexityof the MAPK pathway, Laura decided to primarily focus research on the SCC project. In addition to the projects, Dr. DeCicco’s positivity and authenticity, and the close-knit community within lab were welcoming. Eventually, Laura plans to earn a PhD (hopefully in genetics) and become a professor. She contributes to chaos by using pipette tips randomly.
Laura has always been a true music enthusiast. She has a (halfway decent) vinyl collection and crafts playlists constantly. Laura is also an avid runner, painter, advocate of flare jeans, and champion for well-articulated thoughts.
Always sentimental, Laura often uses quotes and lyrics. When it comes to her attitude about lab, she quotes Pittsburgh native Mr. Rogers: “It’s good to be curious about many things.”
Update: Laura is now in a Ph.D. program at Emory!
