Ashley Krull, PhD
Contributing Editor, ISCT Telegraft
ISCT Lab Practices Committee Co-Chair
United States
Six years ago – almost to the day – I joined ISCT as an early stage professional member after being a Cellular Therapy Fellow for less than two months. When I tell you I knew next to nothing, I am not exaggerating. I had never taken an immunology course, didn’t have a degree in cellular biology, and had never stepped foot in a GMP laboratory. I didn’t know what a CAR T-cell was or who developed them. I had never been to a cell and gene therapy-related meeting or conference, let alone asked to speak at one. But what I did have were supportive mentors who saw my potential and enough self-confidence to know I could learn things on the job.
Six years later, I wish I could give that trainee a glimpse into where I am now, show her how joining that fellowship and diving headfirst into ISCT membership enabled a career she never considered but now couldn’t imagine not having. I learned on the job (and continue to do so every day). I went to meetings, got involved in committees, and put myself out there. I eventually got invited to speak at those meetings, and pioneers in the field know my name. I can make CAR T-cells that provide hope to patients every day in the GMP lab that I help direct. And when I leave for the Annual Meeting, I get to tell my son that I am going to “summer camp with my science friends” and truly mean it.
As I prepare to roll off the Telegraft Editorial Board after almost 6 years, I wanted to use this editorial as that coffee chat I wish I could have with my younger self as well as all new members of ISCT who maybe are joining the society around the same time I did. I distilled my advice into three key points to keep it simple. If my guidance doesn’t resonate, there are plenty of other people ready to dish out advice, so go buy them a coffee.
Firstly, if you’re new to ISCT and looking to get more involved, join the ESP Leadership Development Program and apply to be on a committee. And here’s my hot take for all of you from someone who tried and failed to join other committees initially: the ESPs are sleeping on joining the Telegraft Editorial Board. You think it’s a backup or a less-desirable option. You’re wrong. Think about it. The Telegraft goes out every month, meaning your name and likeness can be in front of the whole society every single month. You get publication opportunities. You’re the first to hear about things happening across committees. You can get inside access at the Annual Meeting and be on ISCT TV. And, most importantly, you have a near carte blanche to email anyone in the society to set up an interview or ask for input on a piece. It’s a cooler version of a cold email because you have a purpose and the backing of an established ISCT committee to set you apart. I cannot say enough great things about the Board, and I hope that more ESPs will step in to fill my spot soon! I want to see fresh faces and fresh takes in my inbox in 2026.
Secondly, build in a strategic nap every day of the Annual Meeting.
Lastly, just show up. I am a proud, card-carrying member of the “fake it ‘til you make it” school of networking. I know the effort it takes to attend events and introduce yourself. But I promise you, if any group is going to make it easier for you, it’s ISCT. You don’t have to force connection. Everyone shares a genuine interest in the science or the manufacturing or the awesome 5K shirts we get. You won’t click with everyone, but the people you do click with will become your greatest resource in this field. You may even naturally find yourself an emotional support extrovert who can lend you energy and introduce you to people. Reward yourself afterwards for showing up and then follow up with whoever you clicked with. Over time, without trying all that hard, you will build your network and find that your consistent enthusiasm opens doors. Trust the process.
Alright, any more advice needs to be bought with coffee. So, I will end by saying that I am immensely grateful for my time on the Telegraft Editorial Board. I look forward to where the publication will go from here, the fresh faces I will see on my screens, and maybe – just maybe – ending up on the other side of the interview one day.
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