Currently residing in Childersburg AL, Lance is a postdoctoral trainee conducting research in the Division of Nephrology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine under the mentorship of Jennifer Pollock, Ph.D. Lance obtained his B.S. in biochemistry and molecular biology (magna cum laude) from Harding University in 2018.
His undergraduate research experiences included the development of a novel method to collect and analyze headspace around plants, the isolation and purification of a fat-mobilizing substance excreted in human urine as the result of fasting, studying micro-geographic adaptation in a local population of Hemidactylus turcicus, and working a month at Meyer Children’s Hospital in Florence, Italy learning to utilize biochemistry and biology in a clinical laboratory setting. This last experience became particularly relevant when Lance completed his undergraduate studies and started working as a clinical laboratory specialist at the Harris Medical Center in Newport, AR. Responsibilities included microbial screening, urinalysis, compatibility testing for red blood cell transfusions, running chemical, coagulation, hematological, and immunoassays for the hospital, and performing phlebotomies as needed.
Lance began his graduate studies at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock in 2019. Under the mentorship of Shengyu Mu M.D., Ph.D., Lance successfully identified a molecular mechanism mediating the contribution of CD8+ T cells to the pathogenesis of salt-sensitive hypertension, and his work was published in several journals including Circulation Research.
In addition to publications, Lance received several national and international awards for his graduate work as well funding from both an NIH T32 grant and an AHA predoctoral fellowship. His present interests include characterizing mechanisms that underlay the involvement of the immune system in cardiovascular diseases and elucidating the contribution of circadian rhythm disruption to immune cell dysregulation in hypertension.
Q: Do you have any particular experiences, interests, or passions that have shaped you as a researcher?
A: My experience as a clinical laboratory specialist / MT was formative to my career as a researcher. This opportunity allowed me to directly interact with patients semi-regularly and see the long-term impact of biomedical research on not just lifespan but also quality of life. My passion for research has never dwindled after seeing this for myself. On multiple occasions, I was reminded of the importance of considering all data points reported by a battery of tests before reaching a conclusion; sometimes an unforeseen variable will lead to an odd result that is not reflective of the patient condition. It is the job of a laboratory specialist, a physician, and, especially, a scientist to think through how each piece of information fits into the bigger picture.
Q: How did you come to specialize in your field of research?
A: I came to specialize in researching hypertension through my graduate studies working under the mentorship of Shengyu Mu M.D., Ph.D. Dr. Mu devotes his passion for science, technical expertise, and systems biology approach to unravelling the myriad of potential mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of hypertension. His mentorship coupled with the dire medical need to lower blood pressure (hypertension is the primary cause of cardiovascular disease, the number one global killer) helped fuel my own drive to understand and improve treatment of this disease.
Q: What advice would you give to undergraduate scholars who want to get more experience with research?
A: Be curious. Sign up for any opportunity available, even if the project isn’t your ideal “cup of tea,” and work hard (this actually makes research more fun!). Every research question presents a unique opportunity to learn novel ways of thinking, network with world renown researchers, and learn the thinking and work of a scientist. You’ll probably find, like I did, that the process of research turns any project into something worthwhile and enjoyable.
Q: What is one thing you wish you could tell your younger self about academia/research/life in general
A: Networking early and often is a fantastic way to learn new skillsets, improve the quality of your work, and develop your career opportunities.
Q: What thought/philosophy/principle has helped you during difficult times?
A: Keep perspective. Who doesn’t have difficult times? I am not owed an easy life or freedom from stressful situations. Trying to shirk hard times or avoid difficult situations has never and will never make someone happy or healthy. Rather, responsibility and discipline are the pathway to true freedom and true happiness.
Q: How do you hope your findings will impact the broader community? In other words, what do you hope to achieve with your current research?
A: I hope my current research will result in the identification of novel therapeutic targets to help manage, and, maybe, one day, “cure” hypertension more permanently in patients so that they don’t have to continue taking medication for the rest of their lives. Likewise, I hope the concepts of my research will improve the applicability of animal models going forward.
Q: What are you most looking forward to being part of the KUH PRIME TL1 #KUHmmunity?
A: I am very thankful to be part of the KUH Prime TL1 community and excited to be networking with -and learning from- incredible scientists and physicians!