Dr. Samantha Le Sommer, originally from Helensburgh is now based in Utica, New York. She works serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow and FACS (Flow Activated Cell Sorting) Core Manager at the Masonic Medical Research Institute, New York. Her primary focus lies in researching Lupus, an autoimmune disease with no curative treatments currently available. Samantha's work is driven by the pursuit of understanding the underlying mechanisms of Lupus development to identify new therapeutic targets. 

Samantha's journey into the world of science began at West College Scotland, where she studied Applied Sciences - Biology. Despite a rocky start in her academic journey, she found inspiration and support from her college lecturers, who instilled in her a passion for learning and research. Samantha credits her college experience for equipping her with the essential skills and resilience needed to thrive in her subsequent academic pursuits. 

Transitioning from college to her current role, Samantha has embraced the challenges and opportunities presented to her. In addition to her research responsibilities, in her role as FACS Core Manager she oversees the smooth operation of advanced equipment valued at over $1.2 million.  

As Samantha continues to advance in her career, she remains committed to supporting fellow scientists and sharing her experiences. Colleagues often come to her for help designing and carrying out their own experiments which gives her the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects. Her journey exemplifies the transformative power of education and perseverance in achieving success in the field of science.