Member spotlight: Stephen Williams

Stephen D. Williams is a postdoctoral fellow at Baylor College of Medicine.

What is your research focus?

“Our work is at the beautiful intersection of precision oncology and medical genetics, where we identify genetic targets for therapeutic intervention.”

What is the broader impact of your work?

“Through the Precision Oncology Decision Support platform, we provide the oncologist with easily accessible means to obtain scientifically curated information about the functional effects of genetic alterations, genotype-matched therapeutics, and genotype-matched clinical trials that are relevant for our patients at MD Anderson (Cancer Center).”

How has being a member of ASBMB helped you along the way?

“Since joining ASBMB, I have been afforded amazing opportunities to network, communicate science and mentor diverse audiences from all across the U.S. I have met some of the most renowned scientist in the fields of biochemistry and molecular biology investigating and providing insight of the molecular nature of life processes.”

What are you watching/reading outside the lab/work?

“I watch anything sports! So lately, I have been tuned into the NBA (Go Warriors!) as well as tennis. Two of my most recent reads: 'Set Boundaries, Find Peace: A Guide to Reclaiming Yourself' by Nedra Glover Tawwab and 'Rising Strong: The Reckoning. The Rumble. The Revolution' by Brené Brown.”

What music or podcasts have you been enjoying lately?

“'The Potter's Touch' by Bishop T.D. Jakes is my go-to podcast every morning for motivation and inspirational nuggets.”

Who are your heroes/heroines?

“My heroine would have to be my sister, LaTricia Moseley, who courageously fought Stage IV renal cell carcinoma–chromophobe type for five months before she passed away in January 2017 at the age of 35.”

What have you learned from your work that applies to the rest of your life?

“As we work toward our professional goals, we will inevitably experience challenges. Medicine is not a straightforward process, and research matters! There is no better way to know what works than knowing what doesn't. Every day, I get to passionately work and help make therapeutic decisions that are at the forefront of innovation in cancer care.”