Dr. Giulia Furesi is a postdoctoral researcher under the mentorship of Dr. Roberta Faccio and has been recently awarded the Cancer Research Institute (CRI) Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship. This esteemed fellowship program supports qualified young scientists globally, offering training in fundamental immunology or cancer immunology at distinguished universities and research centers. Giulia´s research aims to characterize Osterix (Osx), a protein-expressing cells, and investigate the mechanisms through which Osx influences tumor development and anti-tumor immunity.
Kanwal: Hi Giulia, how are you doing?
Giulia: Hey Kanwal, I am good thank you! How are you?
Kanwal: I am great, thank you for agreeing to have an interview with us. We are really excited to hear about your journey and achievements. Please tell us about your educational background. How did you end up here at washU? ☺
Giulia: I have Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Experimental and Applied Biology. My doctoral research was conducted at the University Hospital in Dresden (Germany), where I focused on Prostate Cancer and Bone Metastases. Recently, I made the move to the United States to pursue my postdoctoral studies. I’m currently engaged in exciting projects at the Faccio Lab. My primary focus involves studying how stromal cells, originating from bone and infiltrating tumors beyond the skeletal system, influence cancer cell behavior and immune responses.
Kanwal: good, please tell us what did inspire you to become a researcher?
Giulia: Growing up, I was always fascinated by the human body and how it functions. This curiosity about biology led me to pursue a career in research. As I learned more, I realized the significant impact of cancer on people’s lives. Witnessing this drove my interest toward cancer research with the goal of making meaningful contributions to its understanding and treatment.
Whether it’s exploring innovative therapies or investigating the underlying mechanisms, I see my passion for science as a tool to make a tangible difference in the lives of those affected by this widespread health challenge.
Kanwal: You are from Italy and you did your PhD in Germany. Now you are working in USA. It’s been quite a journey. How do you feel about it?
Giulia: Through my journey across Italy, Germany, and now the USA, it’s been an incredible adventure filled with learning and exposure to diverse cultures and lifestyles. Imagine diving into new ways of thinking, embracing different traditions, and meeting people from all walks of life—it’s been truly thrilling.
But let’s be honest, it was not a walk in the park. Adjusting to constant changes and new places meant shaking up my routines, sometimes feeling a bit distant from the comfort of family and friends. From time to time, I felt (and I still do) like a wanderer without a map.
On the other hand, the connections I’ve made worldwide have been priceless. Meeting people from different backgrounds has been like opening a door to a whole new world. It’s widened my perspective, giving me unique insights that have shaped both who I am as a person and my career path. These experiences have been challenging, yes, but they’ve added so much value to my life.
Kanwal: What is wildest fantasy you have your research and your life?
Giulia: In the field of research, there’s always a tendency to imagine groundbreaking findings that may initially appear like a wild fantasy. I envision a future where our research doesn’t just find treatments for cancer but unlocks a completely personalized approach, tailored uniquely to each individual’s genetic composition, offering precise and effective solutions.
On a personal level, instead, growing up on the beautiful island of Sardinia in Italy, surrounded by the sea and the nature, really shaped how I see my life. Indeed, I’ve found something I really aspire to, which I call the ‘S of happiness.’ It’s a mix of science, sunny days, and sea breeze, a combo that will certainly make me feel happy. This combination represents the kind of place where I imagine my future and where everything I love come together ☺
Kanwal: You have been recently awarded a prestigious CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship. Fellowships and grants are very competitive for non-US citizens. Please tell us something about that.
Giulia: Receiving the CRI Irvington Postdoctoral Fellowship is a significant milestone for me. It was my first venture into writing a grant proposal, which turned out to be quite a challenge. I had to learn how to effectively present my research in a clear, concise manner while emphasizing its importance among numerous other exceptional applications. However, I was fortunate to receive invaluable guidance from my advisor, whose support was instrumental in refining my proposal and understanding the intricacies of grant writing. Her mentorship not only helped me secure the grant but also taught me essential skills for my future career in research.
Kanwal: great so what is your long term career goal?
Giulia: My primary career goal is to become a prominent scientist, contributing to cutting-edge research and innovation, either in a prestigious academic institution or a top-tier industry-based organization, all within the field of cancer biology. I would like to be a mentor who inspires young minds to love science as much as I do!
Kanwal: Sounds great, now we will have a fun rapid fire round with you, are you ready?? ☺
Giulia: Yes, I am ☺ ☺
Kanwal: If you have to live on a distant island for one year and you are allowed to take only one person with you, who would it be?
Giulia: If I had to spend a year on a distant island and bring just one person, it’d be my best friend! We’d lounge on the beach, sip coconuts, and have epic karaoke sessions under the stars. Because what’s better than chilling, singing our hearts out, and enjoying each other’s company on a deserted island?
Kanwal: If you were not a researcher, what would you be?
Giulia: If I weren’t a researcher, I’d probably be a fashion enthusiast or a stylist. I’ve always had a passion for putting together stylish and creative outfit combinations. Matching colors, fabrics, and styles feels like painting a canvas with clothes, allowing me to express my creativity in a different way!
Kanwal: wow, and lastly, what is your favorite thing about St Louis?
Giulia: One of my favorite places in St. Louis is the Japanese Garden at the Missouri Botanical Garden. It’s a peaceful spot with beautiful ponds and well-designed gardens. I love going there because it’s so calming and helps me relax. It’s like stepping into a serene world, making it a perfect place to unwind and take a break from my daily routine.
Kanwal: Being Italian, if you have to choose between pizza and pasta, what would you choose?
Giulia: Oh mamma mia!! Choosing between pizza and pasta? That’s like asking me to pick a favorite Italian hand gesture – impossible ☺ ☺ smiles
Kanwal: and that’s all for today ☺ thank you Giulia for giving us time and sharing your experience with us. It was fun to have you.
Giulia: thanks for having me, it was a nice chit chat.
Interviewed by S. kanwal Batool Naqvi, PhD
Edited by Outreach Committee 2023-2024.