McKenna Finley

Rogers Science Research Alumni Profile

September 2025

What research project did you work on?

I have worked at the OHSU Knight Cancer Institute since the beginning of my sophomore year at Lewis & Clark. Hired as a student worker, I worked part-time for 2.5 years, and have been a senior research assistant on the same team since graduation. I work in the lab of Dr. Elie Traer, where we now research the mechanisms of therapeutic resistance and relapse in acute myeloid leukemia.

Why did you decide to sign up for the program?

I decided to apply for this position because I wanted to gain technical skills and independence as a scientist. Deeply resonating with the work done in the Traer Lab, I was compelled by the tangible translation of this research to the clinical setting. As a biochemistry and molecular biology major, I was trying to decide whether I wanted to pursue a more biology- or chemistry-heavy track in my career, and thought this job would be a perfect opportunity to see if I aligned with cell biology.

What’s a favorite memory from the experience?

One of my favorite memories from the experience was conducting fluorescence microscopy for the first time. We had stained our samples with three different fluorescent dyes to visualize different cell structures on the spinning disc confocal. I was taken aback by the rainbow of colors that appeared when the microscope was turned on, amazed by the tools that scientists have developed to visualize a vast array of microscopic structures.

What role did faculty mentorship play during your time in the program?

Faculty mentorship was an invaluable component to my time in research as an undergrad. My principal investigator, Dr. Traer, actively worked to provide me with opportunities to advance my knowledge and skills. He was happy to teach me about new concepts and techniques, and I was grateful to be able to come to him with questions. His mentorship has been one of the critical factors in my decision to pursue the physician-scientist pathway.

What specific skills or knowledge did you gain during the program that have been especially valuable in your post-L&C life?

The skill that immediately comes to mind is flow cytometry. I learned how to operate the cytometer during undergrad, and have since done a deep dive into the world of flow, now responsible for much of the assay development and optimization on our team. It is one of my favorite parts of my research and is an invaluable skill in translational science.

How did the experience shape your thinking about your future career plans?

The experience has been essential to the shaping of my future career plans. Inspired by Dr. Traer, and wanting to bridge the gap between science and medicine, I am currently applying to combined MD-PhD programs. I had always been curious about this path, but my time at OHSU confirmed my desire to pursue academic medicine. At this point, I hope to remain in the same field (hematology/oncology) for my graduate studies.

What advice would you give to students considering the summer science research program in the future?

Short and sweet: Do it! Whether it is Rogers, or another research program, I highly recommend finding a way to get involved. You will grow as a scientist, both in your skills and critical-thinking. It can be tough to know where your passions lie without trying new and varied experiences and, even if you decide to not to continue in the same field for your career, you will be able to carry your learning into wherever you end up.

Anything else you would like to add?

The Rogers professors are all incredible scientists and teachers, and it is an incredible opportunity to research alongside them for a summer.

Rogers Science Research Program