My main research interest now is the convergence between immunology and regenerative biology, and thus, the Franklin Lab is focused on understanding the way immune cells contribute to tissue remodeling and repair. The ICIS community has been so warm and welcoming! Being a member of ICIS has given me a whole new network of peers and mentors at all career stages from institutions across the globe. This is invaluable to my growth as a PI and mentor! Sharing experiences and hearing advice from other PIs is incredibly helpful and inspiring. I hope to do the same for other members of ICIS in the years to come!
Please tell us your name, degree, where you currently work, and position.
Ruth Franklin, Ph.D. Assistant Professor in Dept. of Stem Cell & Regenerative Biology at Harvard University and Dept. of Immunology at Harvard Medical School.
Where did you do your training?
I completed my graduate training in the lab of Dr. Ming Li at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (New York, US) and postdoctoral training in the lab of Dr. Ruslan Medzhitov at Yale University School of Medicine (Connecticut, US).
Briefly, what is your research about?
My research interests lie at the intersection of immunology and regenerative biology. Our overall goal is to determine how immune cells contribute to tissue remodeling and repair and decipher how dysregulation of these pathways drives development of disease.
Tell us your thoughts about ICIS: how has being involved in the Cytokine Society helped your career?
The ICIS community has been so warm and welcoming! Being a member of ICIS has given me a whole new network of peers and mentors at all career stages from institutions across the globe. This is invaluable to my growth as a PI and mentor! Sharing experiences and hearing advice from other PIs is incredibly helpful and inspiring. I hope to do the same for other members of ICIS in the years to come!
Are there any particular friendships or collaborations that came specifically out of Cytokines meetings?
At the last ICIS meeting, I reconnected with some old colleagues and met a lot of new ones! I’m looking forward to staying connected in the future!
What Cytokines meeting(s) have been your favorites? Tell us about any special memories or anecdotes.
The Cytokines meeting in Athens was my first meeting and it was incredible! Fantastic science in an amazing location! (Just look at the photo above!)
What do you like to do when not in the lab?
When I’m not in lab, I love to spend time with my family. I also like cooking, baking, and gardening.
What is the best life/career advice you’ve ever received?
To not be afraid to ask for help. I think this applies to science and life in general. People are more willing than you might expect to lend expertise, advice, and mentorship.
What book or TV show are you reading/watching right now that you recommend?
I’m a few episodes into “Drops of God” on AppleTV. So far, I’m really enjoying it!
What is your favorite cytokine?
At the moment, Oncostatin M, but I’m open to other cytokines in the future! Maybe even IL-27…
Your Twitter/X account: @RuthFranklinLab
Ruth was a 2023 winner of an ICIS-Regeneron New Investigator Award for Excellence in Cytokine & Interferon Research. These awards go to ICIS members who will attend the upcoming annual conference and who have received a Ph.D. within the previous 10 years or their MD degree (plus residency training) within the last 14.