Isaiah Toth
What does receiving this scholarship mean to you?
Receiving this scholarship means a great deal to me. It will allow me to attend the International Gordon Research Conference on Phosphorylation and G-Protein Mediated Signaling Networks. This prestigious international conference that will be invaluable for both my academic growth and professional development. Opportunities like this one remind me that the work I do every day matters and is recognized beyond the walls of my own lab.
What inspired you to pursue your field of study?
My undergraduate mentor, Dr. Mark Beilstein, was a defining force in my scientific journey. His belief in me and their willingness to support me through independent research showed me what it feels like to be trusted as a scientist. That experience, combined with the incredible support system I've built around me, fuels my drive every single day. I pursued research because someone saw potential in me before I fully saw it in myself, and I hope to one day do the same for others.
What achievement are you most proud of, and why?
I am proud of myself every single day for showing up and making things happen but one milestone I am especially looking forward to is publishing my first first-author paper later this year. It will represent years of persistence, troubleshooting, and growth, and will be a tangible mark of what I've contributed to science.
What motivates you to keep pushing forward, even during difficult times?
There is nothing quite like the feeling of a positive result after weeks of troubleshooting. It makes every frustrating moment worthwhile. Outside the lab, my partner and dog are my anchors. They bring me joy and remind me that my worth isn't defined by an experiment. That balance between scientific exhilaration and personal happiness is what keeps me going.
What kind of impact do you hope to leave in your field?
I study the regulation of mTORC2 in the context of cell migration and cancer metastasis. Metastasis is the spread of cancer to other parts of the body and is the number one cause of cancer-related deaths, yet it remains one of the least treatable aspects of the disease. By deepening our understanding of how cells regulate migration, my work could open the door to new therapeutics that target metastasis directly. That possibility is what gets me into the lab every morning.
Do you have a motto or idea that guides you?
The idea that "I get to do this." Scientific research is an incredible privilege. I get the opportunity to ask questions no one has answered before, to contribute new knowledge, and to do it every day as my life's work. On the hardest days, reframing the weight of the work as a gift rather than a burden makes all the difference.
What are your plans after graduation?
After completing my PhD, I hope to continue my research as a postdoctoral fellow, focusing on signaling networks and developing molecular tools to address human health challenges. Ultimately, my dream is to establish my own research lab and if the opportunity arises, to pursue research abroad and bring an international perspective to my work.