2026 CRISP Spotlight

By IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
July 30, 2026

The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center offers summer programs for high school and undergraduate students to explore career paths in cancer research. Students work directly with a mentor physician or researcher, while participating in a wide range of basic science, translational, and clinical research activities.
 
We asked Krisha Mattu a few questions about her summer experience.

Name: Krisha Mattu
School: Indiana University Bloomington; rising senior
Hometown: Avon, Ind.
Summer program: Cancer Research Internship Summer Program (CRISP)
Summer mentor: Casey Katerndahl, PhD
Career aspirations: I plan to attend medical school and become a physician.

What has been the most rewarding part of contributing to cancer research?

The most rewarding part of contributing to cancer research has honestly been seeing two of my passions come together in a way I never expected. During my time at Indiana University, I founded Hoosier Henna, which is a student organization that promotes mental health awareness by using henna as a form of art therapy and creative expression. As our organization grew, we had the opportunity to partner with members of the cancer community, using henna to create moments of connection, comfort and joy during difficult times. Those experiences introduced me to the human side of cancer and showed me the importance of compassion, empathy and simply being present for others.

This summer, I had the opportunity to contribute from a different perspective by working in a laboratory researching potential targeted treatments for acute myeloid leukemia. While Hoosier Henna allowed me to support individuals emotionally, my research experience showed me how scientific discovery has the potential to improve lives in a different but equally meaningful way. Experiencing both sides has strengthened my commitment to one day becoming a physician who not only provides compassionate care but also contributes to advancing cancer research.

How has working with your mentor or research team shaped your experience?

Working with my research team and mentor has made this such an amazing experience. I could not be happier with the team I was paired with. Not only are they incredibly knowledgeable and always willing to help you in any way, they are also encouraging and fun to be around. Coming into the lab never felt like a chore. They created such a positive environment where I felt comfortable asking questions and learning from my mistakes.

One thing that I really appreciated was the trust they placed in me. Rather than doing everything for me, they gave me the opportunity to perform experiments independently while knowing they were by my side whenever I needed guidance. That specific balance of independence and support helped me gain confidence in my abilities and allowed me to accomplish far more than I thought I could this summer. I am incredibly grateful for everything they taught me and for making this such a rewarding experience.

What can you tell us about the research you are doing this summer?

This summer, I am conducting research at the cancer center, where I am studying a targeted therapy for acute myeloid leukemia (AML). My project focuses on a PROTAC molecule designed to degrade the CBFβ::MYH11 fusion protein, with the goal of exploring a potential new treatment approach.

What is one thing you learned this summer that you’ll carry with you in the future?

One thing I'll carry with me is the confidence to independently perform experiments and use techniques like flow cytometry. This experience strengthened both my laboratory skills and my ability to think critically when troubleshooting experiments.