Name: Leiah Carey, PhD
Current title: Research Associate
BCBP Lab: Sharon Campbell lab
Years affiliated with BCBP: January 2018 – present
Funding: Lineberger – independently funded by Integrated Training in Cancer Model Systems (ITCMS), American Cancer Society Postdoc Fellowship (Jan 2021 – Dec 2022).
What projects are you currently working on?
I currently use a combinatory structural biology approach, incorporating NMR spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, and molecular dynamics, to interrogate subtle and large-scale structural characteristics of oncogenic RAS mutants. A subset of these oncogenic mutants possess unique conformations and we are investigating how these structural changes impart functional changes in signaling and potential druggability.
What was your background before coming to BCBP?
I received my PhD in Chemistry from NC State in 2017. I studied metalloenzymatic mechanisms and my lab identified that substrate oxidation from Dehaloperoxidase occurred via 4 mechanisms. I introduced X-ray crystallographic efforts to the Ghiladi lab and we observed subtle structural differences amongst substrate binding sites directing which mechanism oxidation occurred.
What motivates you to do what you do?
The science. I actually went to graduate school to learn NMR, but life went down another amazing path. So when the opportunity to work with Dr. Campbell arose, I jumped on it and have no regrets. However, the potential impact of my projects in the Campbell lab could be game-changing for patients with cancers driven by RAS Q61 mutants. This greatly enhances the value of my investigations to above my personal interest of structural biology and love of NMR spectroscopy.
What have been some of your best experiences with BCBP? 
The collaborative environment is by far my best experience. The willingness of others to discuss scientific problems offer advice or assistance, and general support for my scientific endeavors has been imperative in my growth as an early-stage investigator. I feel the environment at BCBP is conducive to scientific advancement, on the institutional and personal level, for which I’m deeply grateful.
Do you have any advice for current or future trainees at BCBP?
Follow your curiosities to remain personally satisfied with your work. Not every day at work is positive, but my curiosities keep me engaged and help get me through the “everything is breaking and nothing is working” type of days.
What are your favorite activities outside of the lab?
I love music, hiking in the Appalachians, playing racing video games, biking on warm days, archery, and napping with my cats.