What happens when a researcher studying the risk of childhood arthritis gets to work closely with one of the world's most experienced environments within rheumatic diseases?
Vilde Øverlien Dåstøl traveled to Boston through the Young Researchers Program (YRP) to learn more about how genes and environment interact when children develop juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).
Her stay at Brigham and Women's Hospital (BWH) has given her the opportunity to delve into methods that are central to JIA research. She has also gained a broad international network that she will continue to use.
Why Boston?
Dåstøl is researching how environmental factors such as smoking and diet during pregnancy affect the risk of JIA. The work is based on large data sets, including the Mother, Father and Child Study (MoBa). However, the method she is working with – gene–environment interactions – is little explored in the JIA field.
– There are few communities that use observational studies to find risk factors for JIA.
Therefore, it was natural to seek out a leading environment that works with similar issues in adults with rheumatic diseases.
After reading the research of Professor Karen H. Costenbader, she contacted her own. Costenbader is a leader in studies of genetic and environmental risk factors for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The methods are the same as those needed in Dåstøl's PhD project.
– Boston is at the forefront of the methods I need. I also wanted to see how a large research community organizes its work. It has provided inspiration to take home.
Research on genetics, environment, and risk of JIA
Dåstøl investigates how genes and environment influence the risk of JIA. She looks at smoking, diet and other exposures during pregnancy and early life, among other things.
– The goal is to understand how genes and environment interact. Which factors increase the risk? Which reduce it?
One of her projects is about a possible link between high fish intake during pregnancy and an increased risk of JIA. The research group can now analyze heavy metals, such as mercury, in blood samples from pregnancy.
– In Boston, I have gained better insight into how to analyze the importance of environmental factors in large epidemiological studies.
New perspectives and professional growth
The stay provided valuable professional impulses and new perspectives for the project
– I receive guidance from researchers who have worked with these methods for many years. It has given my project a clear boost.
She participates in regular meetings with Costenbader's research group and is also included in the pediatric rheumatology community at Boston Children's Hospital.
– These are contacts I will use for many years. The environment is great, and I have learned something new every week.
A new work culture
The research community in Boston is perceived as larger and more hierarchical than she is used to.
– It's professional and inspiring, but also a little different. The workflow is fast.
There are also more social activities than at home, she says, but it can take time to get to know each other well because the environment is so international.
For the whole family to enjoy
Dåstøl traveled with her husband and their two-year-old son. The stay was a positive experience for the whole family.
– We are doing well. The kindergarten has shorter opening hours, but it gives us more time together. It has been positive.
What surprised me most was the high price level, especially for kindergarten, rent and food.
– The YRP grant has been important in making everything work.
Both nature and the city have made an impression.
– Cambridge reminds me of Europe. And it's inspiring to cycle past Harvard every day.
Experiences to take forward
The stay in Boston provided professional security and personal development.
– I have learned how important it is to seize opportunities. I have really done that here.
She recommends other young researchers to travel abroad if they get the chance. “It’s an experience of a lifetime. And feel free to bring your family,” says Hum.
The only thing she would do differently is stay longer.
– Six months go by quickly. I wish I had more time.
