Ankita Menon Transitions to Research Study Coordinator
The Merkel Cell Carcinoma Collaborative (MC3) Institute is pleased to announce that Ankita Menon (she/her), a former undergraduate research assistant, will be transitioning to a full-time Research Study Coordinator! Ankita officially started her new position on April 1, 2025.
Originally from Redmond, Wash., Ankita first joined the MC3 Institute via the laboratory of Dr. Paul Nghiem in April 2022 as a freshman at the University of Washington. Since then, Ankita has made many notable contributions to the Nghiem Lab's research projects.
We are proud to support Ankita as she takes this next step in her career, further developing her skills while contributing to ongoing research in Merkel cell carcinoma.
Welcome Q&A
What is your previous work and education experience?
I'm a recent graduate from the University of Washington, where I earned a BS in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology. For the past three years, I've worked as an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the MC3 Institute and Dr. Paul Nghiem's lab, and I'm very excited to continue my journey at the MC3 Institute in this new role.
What areas of research are you most interested in learning more about?
Through my time as an undergraduate research assistant, I've developed an interest in optimizing radiation therapy regimens and in palliative treatments. As a research coordinator, I hope to branch out and explore some new facets of MCC research - I'm particularly interested in how we can help patients who don't respond to immunotherapy, and how lifestyle factors (diet, exercise, etc.) can play into a patient's MCC journey.
I also have a keen interest in patient education and making medical and scientific material more accessible.
What skills do you hope to gain in this position?
Being involved in clinical MCC research has been transformative in my decision to pursue a career in healthcare — I'm now looking forward to taking on a more patient-facing role and learning more about the clinical decision-making process and how to improve patient care. I also hope to refine the skills in scientific communication and medical education that I developed in my previous role and apply them to our newly formed institute!
What do you like to do in your free time?
I love to read — I collect used and antique books and have some up to 200 years old! I also love traveling and trying new foods, especially with my friends and family.
