Irene Mok
Research Assistant, Biorepository
I grew up in Rock Springs, Wyoming, and spent many wonderful summers in Southern England. As a kid, I always had an interest in animals, bugs, and plants. Growing up in two very different climates and regions exposed me to so many different things and it ultimately led me to develop a deep curiosity about the world around me.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, with a minor in fine arts, from Brandeis University. Brandeis is a research university in Waltham, Massachusetts; my time there cemented an appreciation for the unique intersection between nature, art, and science.
After college, I spent the first five years of my career, working as a reference and cataloging librarian. I loved being in the library but my love of animals, combined with my deep desire to answer questions, led me to Colorado State University. I started working at the vet hospital with the intent of going to veterinary school.
However, after a few years here, I realized that I enjoyed research more, and it was a better use of my organizational and computer skills. I have now worked at the hospital for more than 20 years. When the biorepository began, I knew it would be the perfect combination of all my interests and background. I was thrilled to be hired as a research associate on the team.
The biorepository is a dedicated facility for accumulating, curating, and storing samples from patients with cancer evaluated at the Flint Animal Cancer Center. Approximately 25,000 samples for tumor/normal tissue and associated fluids in a variety of formats are available for our own researchers, as well as teams across the globe.
As the biorepository was being developed, I played a role in setting up the database so we could quickly and accurately catalog samples and query information requests. Now my job includes managing and updating the database, finding and shipping samples to researchers, and helping to manage the lab.
The second part of my job at the FACC is to help collect and analyze data from the Vaccination Against Canine Cancer Study. The goal of this long-range project is to evaluate a new vaccine strategy for the prevention of cancer. If successful, this study could provide important justification for eventually looking at a similar approach in humans. I help with managing the data and keeping the study’s database up to date.
The best part of my job is stepping up to the challenge of adapting database software to work for us so that we can better utilize and organize the biorepository. I love finding better ways of making our databases function better for my coworkers. Best of all is knowing that I am helping to make the sample donations worthwhile for these animals and their families.
Unfortunately, cancer affects all of us. My aunt died of cancer at a young age, we have had two greyhounds who died of cancer, and several friends who have died. I gain satisfaction knowing that my efforts are contributing to our knowledge of this disease through our work in the biorepository.
When I’m not working, I love to spend time with my family. I dabble in all sorts of fiber arts including felting, crocheting, and macrame. Currently, we have four dogs – the Pomeranians, and one Dachshund.