Bailey A. Martin-Giacalone, BS

Bailey A. Martin-Giacalone, BS

Graduate Student
Baylor College of Medicine
Houston, Texas

Abstract 683. Identification of common germline variants associated with pediatric rhabdomyosarcoma survival: A report from the Children’s Oncology Group (COG).

What are your long-term goals?  

My research interests have focused on identifying factors that can inform genetic testing and risk stratification for childhood sarcomas. I plan to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship that will guide me in integrating my training in genetic epidemiology with social epidemiology and community-centered approaches to cancer research. My goal is to become a transdisciplinary independent investigator in cancer epidemiology.  

Please share information about how the pandemic has impacted your research over the last two years.  

My research relies on data science methods for experimentation and analysis. Therefore, I have been able to work remotely at any time of day. This has allowed me to reflect on my time management skills and work-life balance, but it has also resulted in burnout and other mental health issues. While I have enjoy some aspects of working remotely, virtual meetings have turned organic conversation in the lab into scheduled Zoom meetings, which often feel forced. The bulk of my graduate training has spanned the pandemic, which has hindered my ability to participate in lively scientific discussion and natural networking opportunities at conferences.