Huck Friedman - Research

Cornell University

Undergraduate Researcher
Mentor: Andrew Grimson

Identified a microRNA cluster potentially responsible for differential T-cell development in infants vs. adults.
Working toward first-author publication.
Manuscript drafting planned within the next year.

Summer Lab Intern (June 2025 – August 2025)
Mentor: John Heymach, Chair of Thoracic Oncology

Developed a proposed therapeutic pathway targeting HER2 protein in lung and breast cancer.
Project received lab funding; continuation by MD/PhD and research staff.
Demonstrated presence of a therapeutically relevant tumor antigen not previously investigated in the lab.
Compound discovery phase anticipated next year.

July 2023 – September 2023

Investigated a novel small molecule disrupting a cancer-relevant protein–protein interaction.
Demonstrated strong inhibitory efficacy.
Produced four recombinant proteins (>40L E. coli culture).
Self-taught Skyline MS and Schrödinger for experimental analysis.

July 2022 – July 2023

Identified gap in mechanistic understanding of ribosomal RNA-derived fragment biogenesis.
Consulted researchers at Johns Hopkins, UPenn, Jefferson, and other institutions.
Designed CRISPR screen to elucidate mechanism; initiated vendor coordination and cost assessment.

July 2022 – August 2022

Conducted independent qPCR analysis of 8 genes across 10 mouse liver samples to study vitamin A’s role in lipid metabolism.
Contributed to proteomics workflow (protein extraction and sample preparation).
Investigated small RNA classes, DNA methylation, and histone modifications to prepare for independent rRNA-fragment research direction.

R&D Sessions Participant (June 2023 – July 2023)

Invited by CEO Server Ertem.
Collaborated with academic presenters (Rockefeller, Columbia, others) on translational integration into company workflows.