Lucas Kerr (center) is flanked by Andrew Stergachis (left) and Sanjay Srivatsan: 'Lucas combines exceptional intellectual creativity with a deeply collaborative approach to science,' says Stergachis.
Ask anyone deemed successful about their backstory, and it’s a safe bet at least one mentor will come up in the conversation.
Twenty years from today, when Lucas Kerr is asked, it’s a safe bet not one name, but five, will come up: Sanjay Srivatsan, Andrew Stergachis, Niren Murthy, Collin Blakely, and Trever Bivona. The first two are BBI scientists currently helping guide Kerr through his M.D.-Ph.D. program at the University of Washington. Collectively, all five have shaped his path as a future physician-scientist.
Kerr, 29, said he is fortunate to have been “at the right places at the right times.”
One of those places and times was during his undergraduate studies at the University of California, Berkeley, where he trained as an organic chemist. His first project involved helping create and test new antibiotics discovered in Murthy’s lab.
“We evaluated a bunch of drug-like molecules on strains of MRSA with some promising leads,” Kerr said.
One of those molecules seemed to affect a particular enzyme needed for bacteria called nitroreductase.
“Working on that molecule was an eye-opening experience for me, one that convinced me that small molecules could be purposely designed as precision therapies to treat some of the worst diseases,” Kerr said.
However, when their lead molecule was evaluated in mice, in contrast to their hopes – and maybe expectations – all the mice died.
“I still believed that chemistry was fundamental to all things,” Kerr said.
After completing a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemical Biology in 2019, he joined the University of California, San Francisco working again on precision therapies – this time, on clinical treatments for non-small cell lung cancer. In the Department of Hematology and Oncology he studied under mentors, Blakely and Bivona, who both have medical degrees and Ph.D.’s.
They encouraged Kerr to consider pursing research and clinical medicine at the same time. Although his shift to cancer biology marked a “bittersweet departure” from chemistry, he found the clinical impact of his research inspiring.
Kerr examined patients’ tissue samples, and, subsequently, met some of those same patients in the clinic. He credits a strong support network from his mentors – and former lab mates – for the reason behind later applying to joint M.D.-Ph.D. programs.
That pursuit led him north from the Bay Area to Seattle and the UW; there were two primary factors behind his decision.
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First, one might say, the UW is in Kerr’s DNA. His parents met at the School of Pharmacy where they graduated with Ph.D.’s, and later practiced together as preclinical pharmacologists. In addition, his sister played for the UW Women’s Tennis Team, and later served as an assistant coach.
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The second factor was enrolling in the University’s Medical Science Training Program alongside life-changing mentors.
“The UW has a very established Genome Sciences Department, with a strong emphasis on trainee independence,” Kerr said. “The faculty do everything they possibly can to support you to make the impossible, possible.”
He spoke with faculty members during his interviews, and they assured him the UW offered an intersection between sequencing and chemistry, “which was still a strong interest of mine.”
And after joining the Srivatsan Lab at Fred Hutch Cancer Center in 2024, Kerr said, “I’ve had opportunities to really let my chemistry shine.”
That shine is not lost on Srivatsan.
“Lucas is very determined,” he said. “He’s very imaginative. He thinks in first principles. He’s always willing to try anything. It’s that combination of perseverance and willingness to scrap things that are not working and try something new which makes his progress – makes his scientific endeavors – successful.”
He plans to write his dissertation on a custom sequencing assay using advanced single cell encapsulation technology. Kerr is developing a new platform for profiling both the genetic mutations and behavioral states of single cells simultaneously. This assay, he said, could deliver both phenotype and genotype at once, potentially for millions of cells and many genetic sites at a time.
“Scientifically, this is a very cool place be,” he said. “We hope to apply the technology to study genetic conditions driven by one causative mutation, which are also known as Mendelian disorders. These conditions reveal how cells can tolerate, or not, specific changes to their genome.”
Regarding his medical training, Kerr said he likely will specialize in internal medicine.
“It’s a great residency track and offers a lot of opportunity for research.” So, where will Kerr be 10 years?
“If all the cards fall in their right places, I hope to be a professor at an academic institution, primarily working on research and providing some specialized clinical care,” he said. “Andrew has helped me figure out my path. His lab and clinical practice provide a strong example what an M.D.-Ph.D. does.”
Stergachis said he expects exceptional work ahead from Kerr.
"Lucas combines exceptional intellectual creativity with a deeply collaborative approach to science,” he said. “In working with him, I have found that he thrives on tackling complex research questions, and brings a thoughtful, molecular-level approach to problem-solving. One aspect that especially enables his success is that he is highly collegial, generous with collaborators, and genuinely is enjoyable to work with. I believe these qualities will allow him to excel in both research and clinical medicine, where curiosity, teamwork, and clear scientific thinking are essential."
For Kerr, the additional essential element of success has been his mentors. He hopes, one day, to be that element for others.
