3 Questions for Amulya Sreekumar

1. What is the focus of your research?

Breast cancer mortality is driven largely by incurable recurrences seeded by residual tumor cells that survive first-line therapy. My previous work identified glycan biosynthesis as a selective vulnerability in these therapy-resistant cells. My current research asks what adaptive advantages are conferred upon residual tumor cells by elevated glycan biosynthesis, and whether this regulatory axis can be targeted to delay or even prevent recurrence.

2. What do you like most about Berlin?

As a former Master’s student in the Molecular Medicine Program at the Charité, I was struck by the breadth of scientific expertise and the opportunities for inter-institutional collaborations across the city that make the scientific environment here truly unique. Returning to Berlin as a Junior Group Leader, I am excited to build my research program in this interdisciplinary scientific community.

3. What is one thing that makes a great workday for you?

A great workday is one where I get to share science with researchers and unlock an unexpected insight or research direction. I particularly enjoy interacting with trainees, whose curiosity and fresh perspectives push me to explain ideas more clearly and to question assumptions I might otherwise take for granted. Mentoring them is also a chance to pay forward the guidance that shaped my own career.

Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself with the community?

Learn more about our research and upcoming open positions on our lab website: https://amulyasreekumar.owlstown.net