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USC Dornsife Magazine

Cancer survivor and aspiring physician-scientist pioneers lung cancer liquid biopsy

USC Dornsife junior Anya Shah, who was diagnosed with leukemia at age 8, has worked at the Convergent Science Institute in Cancer (CSI-Cancer), based at the USC Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, since her freshman year.
ByRachel B. Levin July 11, 2024

At the laboratory of USC Dornsife cancer researcher Peter Kuhn, University Professor and Dean’s Professor of Biological Sciences, junior Anya Shah analyzes fluorescent images of blood samples collected from individuals undergoing a diagnostic workup for lung cancer. Her work identifying a variety of tumor cells circulating in the blood is aimed at increasing the accuracy of those diagnoses, thereby improving patient care.

What motivated you to join the lab?

Being a childhood leukemia survivor led me to my life’s purpose, which is to become a physician-scientist, treat patients and research cancer interventions. Joining Peter Kuhn’s lab to understand and explore the use of precision medicine in advancing oncology felt like a perfect fit.

What do you enjoy most about the research?

Knowing that there’s so much potential to detect cancer sooner is very exciting. The goal of directly impacting patient outcomes through this research has been incredibly meaningful given my background.

What is the most important thing you’ve learned?

One thing that this environment has emphasized to me is the significance of collaboration and convergence, both of which are pivotal in advancing our understanding and treatment of cancer.

What is unique about working in the lab?

The people around me are pretty incredible. I’ve learned so much just in peer-to-peer conversations and through the direct transfer of knowledge from experts in the field.

Has working in the lab impacted your future goals?

It’s been life-changing to see how exhilarating and cutting-edge medicine can be. It’s really reinforced that I’m on the right path.