From CMB to Cancer Research

Rajasree Tumula graduated in December 2025 with an M.S. in Cell and Molecular Biology. She now works as a Research Lab Manager in the Department of Hematology and Oncology at the University of Michigan, studying how fatty acid metabolism influences blood cell development and blood cancers.

What CMB experience had the greatest impact on your career?

My time in the Molecular Monitoring Lab had a major impact on my development as a researcher. Dr. Sheila Blackman, Dr. Tsou, Laura, and Austin helped me build my laboratory skills and confidence. Dr. Blackman, in particular, believed in me when I struggled to believe in myself and gave me opportunities to prove my abilities. Their support helped me prepare for a career in research.

How has your CMB education helped you in your career?

My CMB education gave me the hands-on laboratory experience and critical-thinking skills I use in my current role. Today, my work involves mouse experiments, genotyping, transplantation, and cell culture to study stem cells and cancer. My time at GVSU helped me develop the confidence to troubleshoot experiments, learn from mistakes, and take on new challenges.

What advice would you give current CMB students?

Stay curious, ask questions, and don't be afraid of making mistakes because every challenge is an opportunity to learn. Make the most of hands-on laboratory experiences, understand the purpose behind each experiment, and develop your troubleshooting and critical-thinking skills. Most importantly, be open to feedback, keep learning, and believe in your ability to grow.