Fourth-Year PhD Candidate in Molecular and Cellular Biology. Irma Vlasac was one of the organizers behind Science Day 2025.
What program are you in, and what inspired you to pursue this field of study?
IRMA: I am a 4th in MCB, specifically in the cancer biology program. I am also an Innovation Fellow through Dartmouth as well. I was part of an academic outreach program at the Broad Institute when I was in high school, and I spent the summer working on a genomics research project focused on bipolar disorder. I loved our work so much that I decided to pursue biology in college and continued interning at different research institutes to learn more about how I could transform my love for learning biology into a career.
Where do you consider your hometown, and how has it impacted who you are today?
IRMA: I grew up in Brockton, MA, the City of Champions! It’s a small city with a large immigrant population, and I think growing up in Brockton taught me to be resilient and hard working. I especially think my AP high school biology teacher, Ms. Squires, and high school guidance counselor, Ms. Neary, were impactful, they saw my potential and were always so supportive of my interests and dreams.
Where did you earn your undergraduate degree, and how did your academic journey lead you to Dartmouth?
IRMA: I went to Worcester Polytechnic Institute and got my bachelor of science in biology and biotechnology! I didn’t come directly to grad school after graduating though, I worked for a few years after college (I wanted to experience life for the first time outside of school) and it was during my time working as a research assistant that I grew to a point where I knew I was ready to pursue my own research questions.
Which faculty members are you collaborating with on your current project, and how have they influenced your research?
IRMA: I’m being trained by Dr. Brock Christensen, and I work closely with Dr. Lucas Salas as well. I am currently working to identify early epigenetic alterations in ovarian cancer and endometrial cancer, and I am applying what I’m learning to other understudied areas of women’s health. They’ve been really positive influences on my research.
I love studying epigenetics (I hadn’t worked in this field prior to coming to Dartmouth) and I see a future for myself where I continue working in epigenetics to develop precision medicine measures for women’s health.
What motivated you to get involved in organizing Science Day, and what do you hope participants take away from the event?
IRMA: When Sarah (Vandal) reached out, I was excited about sharing my love for science with kids, and getting to work with my friends (Sarah and Sam) to organize the event. As someone who was so positively impacted by scientific outreach, I’ve actively tried to contribute throughout the years, and before coming to Dartmouth I mentored elementary age kids for science projects they’d present at their school’s science fair. Three years of organizing Science Day later, and it continues to be so deeply fulfilling!
Can you share a memorable moment from this year’s Science Day? How do you think events like this impact the broader community?
IRMA: While Science Day is geared towards kids, it really is for our entire community, and at this year’s Science Day I really appreciated having a conversation with an elderly gentleman, who took the time to say how wonderful our event was and how import it is to highlight science, especially given how science has been under attack in our current political climate. He was a former engineer and spent his career working with biologists, and it was a lovely reminder of the cross-disciplinary nature of our work, something which I think Dartmouth excels at fostering, such as through the PhD Innovation Fellowship.
Why did you choose Dartmouth to pursue your degree?
IRMA: Everyone was so kind and friendly during my interview weekend, and I felt a sense of belonging and community that I didn’t experience at other schools. Choosing Dartmouth was an easy decision, and one that I stand by (no regrets!).
Outside of your studies, what are some of your hobbies or interests?
IRMA: I love Crossfit, spending time with my friends, making art, being in nature, and playing with my cats!
What are your favorite places or activities at Dartmouth or in the Upper Valley, and why?
IRMA: I like the River Valley Club and spend a lot of time there. It’s a nice community outside of my school community and I have made amazing friends there. I also love local spots like Putnams Vineyard (for coffee/study sessions during the day, and wine in the evening) and Wolf Tree (my favorite date night spot!). I also love the outdoor Norwich Farmer’s Market, and walking around Woodstock. I’ve grown to love this area so much, it’ll definitely be hard to leave.
