Interviews with Scientists: Emiliano Cocco
Dr. Emiliano Cocco is an Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, USA. He completed his BA and Masters degrees at the University of Milan, Italy, before moving to the USA in 2008 to join Dr. Santin’s laboratory at Yale University. During this period he worked as a research technician and went on to complete his PhD, with his research being focused on the genomic characterization of gynecological malignancies, on the study of mechanisms of resistance to therapy in these tumors and on the development of targeted imaging systems for the identification of residual microscopic disease.
In 2016 he joined the laboratory of Dr. Maurizio Scaltriti and Dr. José Baselga at the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, where his research focus shifted towards the study of the biology of tumors that harbor rare oncogenic drivers, their biological and biochemical characterization and their response to targeted therapy. He now studies the role that epigenetic regulators have in tumor’s development and in resistance to targeted therapy, and his independent work at the University of Miami will continue to focus on these research areas.
We spoke to Emiliano about his current role, the lessons he has learned in his career so far, and the challenges of setting up his own lab.
Thanks for speaking with us, Emiliano! Firstly, please tell us a bit more about your current role...
I am currently a Research Assistant Professor of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine. I am also a member of the Sylvester Cancer Center in Miami. In this position, I lead a laboratory that studies the biology of tumors that harbor rare oncogenic drivers. These include gene fusions and exon skipping mutations. Our laboratory is also interested in evaluating the role that specific epigenetic regulators have in the development of cancer and resistance to targeted therapy. As a new lab we are still in the ‘hiring phase’ and are specifically looking for laboratory technicians/managers and a Postdoctoral fellow.
Did you always want to work in science when you were younger, and if so, why?
The decision to pursue a scientific career was made after high school. Back then in Italy, military service was still mandatory, unless it was postponed for educational reasons. My dream was to enrol to a Conservatory to study the bass. However, the one in my hometown was not suitable and studying in another city would have been very expensive. Scientific subjects were the disciplines I liked the most after music, and studying Biology meant that I would be able to continue learning the bass too. So that is how it started! I have to admit that I liked the university and the subject, and I loved my Master thesis mentors and projects, so that gave me the courage to continue my science career abroad.
You will soon be opening your own lab at the University of Miami. Has this always been a dream of yours?
Well, after the first dream to become a musician failed, yes! The University of Miami leadership’s vision of combining basic science with translational Medicine is what I like to study, and it’s what I was trained for. This is definitely the right environment for me and my scientific interests.
What are the biggest challenges involved in setting up a new lab?
Certainly, hiring the right people. It’s not my first experience of hiring staff, but I realise that I was incredibly lucky the previous time.
What will be your first research projects in the lab?
I will continue the projects that I started in the last part of my Postdoctoral training which will be natural follow-ups to my research at MSKCC.
What are your long-term goals for the lab?
To be able to get funds, perform excellent and rigorous science and to mentor some brilliant young trainees.
What has made you most proud in your science career so far?
The fact that so many people I’ve met during my scientific training have been very excited about me opening my own laboratory due to the possibility of collaboration. It’s nice to think that scientists enjoy working with me and I hope this is a reflection of the scientific value they see in my work (or because I am a nice person; I will take either one!).
What's the most important lesson you have learned in your career so far?
This job is a constant learning experience, and this is where the fun is. I have never known a great scientist who does not constantly study, just as a great athlete continually trains or a great musician will always practice. We push ourselves to the limit because we are passionate about what we do.
What do you think are the biggest challenges facing life scientists today?
The uncertainty. This is a highly qualified job in which people depend on your success to advance in their career or, more simply, to pay the bills. It is a great responsibility and certainly the biggest challenge. After a few years, the lab needs to be self-supported. If I do not get funds, not just me, but my employees will have a hard time.
Who has been your greatest role model, and why?
I have had several. During my master’s degree thesis I had the privilege and the honor to work in the Biotechnology Department at the University of Brescia. My mentors there were a real inspiration! Mentors I had later at Yale and at MSKCC equally contributed to the growth of my passion and curiosity for science. I also would like to mention that I also consider my colleagues and collaborators to be mentors too. I have learned a lot from people both in academia and industry.
If you weren't working in science, what do you think you would be doing instead?
As mentioned before, a bass player. Blues, bossa nova, Standard Jazz and “Cantautori Italiani” would have been my music.
What does a typical day at work look like for you?
Start early and finish late…. write grants, look for other grants, propose ideas for potential grants, read and study, coordinate the lab work, meet with collaborators and team members.
Outside of your career, what do you enjoy doing most? (e.g. hobbies, passion projects, etc.)
Besides music, I love playing tennis, playing and coaching soccer and cooking.
What’s your favourite science quote?
“Do not ask for permission, ask for forgiveness”. This is what was written at the entrance of the lab at MSKCC. I believe it is the best way to be efficient.
_________________________________________________
Thank you so much for a fantastic interview, Emiliano! We wish you all the best with your new lab.
Connect with Emiliano Cocco:
- Twitter: @EmilianoCocco2
- LinkedIn: Emiliano Cocco, PhD
_________________________________________________
If you enjoyed this article, why not check out the other resources available on our blog. We are passionate about supporting life scientists including early career life scientists and PhD students - with really low-priced reagents and biochemicals, early career scientist grants, and resources to help with both personal and professional development. We know how tough it is - so we hope you find these helpful!
More General Support for Life Scientists
For advice on writing papers, dissertations, presenting at conferences, wellbeing, PhD support, networking and lots more, we have a huge range of articles to help - just click below:
Save up to 50% on our high purity reagents...
When you get to the stage of planning your experiments, don't forget that we offer a range of low-cost, high-purity agonists, antagonists, inhibitors, activators, antibodies and fluorescent tools (yes - they really are around half the price of other suppliers!) You can use our Quick Multi-Search Tool to search for lots of products in one go, and the range includes:
- Enzyme inhibitors and activators
- Chemogenetic ligands
- Ion channel modulators
- GPCR & ionotropic receptor ligands
- Cell biology reagents & biochemicals
Technical resources
Try our Molarity Calculator: a quick and easy way to calculate the mass, volume or concentration required for making a solution.
Try our Dilution Calculator: an easy way to work out how to dilute stock solutions of known concentrations
And finally, don't forget to check back in with our blog regularly for our latest articles. If there’s something you’d love to contribute to the community, whether that’s an interview or article, drop us a line at hello@hellobio.com
---
