Meet Szu-Hsien “Sam” Wu investigating the molecular process of metastasis

What did you know about D-BSSE before you came here, and what was your motivation to come to ETH Zurich?

I heard a lot of good things about D-BSSE and ETH Zurich from friends and colleagues. I knew about the unique combination of different research disciplines at D-BSSE, such as synthetic biology, stem cell biology, single cell omics and genome editing. As a wet lab person, I wanted to be exposed to different fields of research. I would say it was a combination of world-class research and facilities, diverse research backgrounds, and the collaborative environment that motivated me to pursue my postdoc at the D-BSSE.

What were your expectations, and were your expectations met since you arrived in Basel?

During my interview here at D-BSSE, it noticed that people used novel approaches to tackle intriguing scientific questions. Besides working hard in the lab, I was told what people do outside the lab. I expected this place to help me become a more mature scientist as well as a person with multiple competences. During the past few months, I have already learned a lot and I am quite confident that in a few years’ time I will say: my expectations have been met.
Every time when I move to a new country, I worry about how smoothly or difficult the visa application process would go. Switzerland is the 6th country I am living in, and I must say the colleagues at D-BSSE are tremendously helpful and made settling-in a lot easier.

What were your first impressions?

When I first arrived, I found everyone to be very welcoming and communicative. In my first meetings with my PI Andreas and other lab members, I was encouraged to pursue creative and difficult scientific questions. I appreciate the freedom in pursuing new ideas and the openness of people to share their thoughts as well as their experiences. I was also very impressed during the tour around the single cell facility. It is a privilege to be here with so much support!
Besides getting familiar with the lab, I also received a lot of help with finding an apartment and settling in. I still think it is funny that people would occasionally ask around who was willing to go for a swim in the Rhein after work. Eventually I managed to join (after saying no…three times!), and it was very refreshing!

Which research will you pursue at D-BSSE?

I will, together with other lab members, set up in vivo CRISPR screens to address how cancer cells progress and invade other tissues, a process known as metastasis. We now have the tools to perform diverse genetic perturbations and molecular profiling at the single cell level. We will use a combination of computational prediction tools, as well as genetic labelling techniques, to functionally dissect cell-cell interactions during cancer metastasis. We want to understand better when and how cancer cells decide to migrate from their primary tissues. Ultimately, this will hopefully point towards new interventions or preventive treatments for late-stage cancers.

Which hobby do you hope to pursue in Switzerland?

I like to run and travel to different places, and I will definitely continue doing both, running and travelling. In addition, I want to go on more hikes and skiing, explore nature as much as possible. I also look forward to floating in the Rhine again next summer!

Many thanks, Sam, welcome to the D-BSSE and and all the very best to you and your research!