Peter Chhoy
This month, Peter Chhoy, a former research associate in the Arthur Mercurio Laboratory, sat down with MCCB. Read Peter's story below.
Peter Chhoy is a 2nd year Gerstner Sloan Kettering (GSK) graduate student in the Cell Biology Program at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. Originally from Lowell, Massachusetts, he graduated the University of Notre Dame and Duke University School of Medicine.
Broadly speaking, he is interested in how cells deal with metabolic stress and how cellular pathways are rewired in response to physiological stress conditions.
Outside of school, Peter is the Tri-Institutional Director of Communications, GSK Student Government Treasurer, and actively involved in the NYC Biotech Startup/Venture Capital communities. Outside the lab, he enjoys competitive marathon running, playing tennis, and French Baking.
What years were you in the MCCB department?
2019-2021
What MCCB lab were you in?
The Arthur Mercurio Laboratory
What was your role/position?
Research Associate
What was your favorite part about MCCB?
The scientific community. I think I got the best of both worlds in MCCB- Awesome Science and a Great Community. I think everyone was extremely friendly but most importantly the science was top-notch.
What do you do now?
I am currently a 2nd Year graduate student at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center studying the metabolic consequences of Chromosomal Instability.
How has MCCB helped reach your goals?
Prior to my time at MCCB, I did something completely different (strategy consulting for Biotech/Pharmaceutical companies). When I met with Art (Mercurio) for the first time, I knew I would enjoy working with him but didn't realize how much I would learn both scientifically and about myself. During my time in MCCB, I was given the opportunity to work with a diverse group of scientists, ranging from very senior to just starting their careers. It was because of this, I believe, I am a better teammate and colleague for my future teams and lab mates. In MCCB, we all do really interesting science but I think the best thing about the department is that we are extremely collaborative and people are always willing to help! I really enjoyed every minute I spent there.
What are some of the lessons that you have learned along the way that you would like to share with trainees who recently joined our department?
Every good question needs a good hypothesis. It's something that Art always instilled in his trainees.
Any advice you wished you had gotten when you first started as a scientist?
The small questions are just as important as the big ones. Break your question down into small, workable experiments.
If you would like to be the next spotlight, please reach out to Peter Chhoy.