By Jasmin Twiggs
We are proud to feature Keystone Symposia Fellow Thu (Autumn) Doan, PhD, a Postdoctoral Fellow in Dr. Rachel Friedman’s lab at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus. Dr. Doan’s research explores the complex immune interactions driving type 1 diabetes (T1D) progression, with the aim of uncovering new therapeutic strategies for preventing, or slowing, the progression of T1D.
Uncovering the Immune Drivers of Type 1 Diabetes
In T1D, the immune system mistakenly attacks pancreatic islets – clusters of cells in the pancreas responsible for insulin production – ultimately disrupting the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels.
Dr. Doan’s research examines how immune cells within pancreatic islets contribute to T1D progression. More specifically, her work investigates the interactions between autoreactive T cells and distinct populations of islet myeloid cells, a group of immune cells that help coordinate immune responses.
While these local immune interactions are known to play a critical role in T1D, many questions remain about the diversity and functional impact of myeloid cell subsets within human pancreatic tissue. For Dr. Doan, these scientific questions are tied to a larger goal: to better understand and ultimately improve outcomes for individuals living with T1D.
"By understanding how different myeloid cell types shape immune responses in the pancreas, my research aims to uncover new therapeutic strategies for preventing or slowing the progression of T1D.”
Dr. Doan’s growing impact in the field was recently recognized when she was selected to deliver a short talk at our Myeloid Cells: Functional Heterogeneity with Therapeutic Promise meeting in February 2026. She was also awarded the American Diabetes Association Postdoctoral Fellowship, which provides three years of funding support for her research.
Finding Confidence Through Community and Collaboration
For Dr. Doan, one of the most impactful moments of the Keystone Symposia Fellows Program came during her first Scientific Advisory Board (SAB) meeting. Initially nervous stepping into conversations with leaders from academia and industry, she quickly found herself welcomed into an environment where her ideas and perspectives were valued.
The experience broadened her scientific outlook and reinforced the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration.
Her commitment to fostering scientific community extends beyond the Fellows Program. Dr. Doan currently serves as President of the CU Anschutz Postdoctoral Association, where she helps advocate for postdoctoral researchers, promote career development, and build supportive community networks for trainees across campus.
"The opportunity to network beyond my immediate field allowed me to gain new perspectives from diverse fields. This experience helped build my confidence, as I felt that I had a voice in planning the Keystone meetings.”
These opportunities for collaboration and professional growth are a major reason Dr. Doan was drawn to the Fellows Program. She sees the program as a critical step toward establishing herself as an independent bioinformatician and leading a research program focused on uncovering the cellular mechanisms driving autoimmune diseases.
Through personalized mentorship, networking opportunities, and exposure to scientific leaders across disciplines, the program has helped accelerate her transition toward scientific independence.
The Transformative Power of Mentorship
Mentorship has played a defining role throughout Dr. Doan’s scientific journey. Growing up in an immigrant family with limited socioeconomic opportunities, she experienced firsthand how supportive mentors can shape confidence, open doors to new opportunities, and influence career direction.
Through the Keystone Symposia Fellows program, her mentor, Dr. Ida Moeller, has provided valuable guidance as Dr. Doan navigates the evolving landscape of bioinformatics and explores future opportunities in both academia and industry.
"The mentors who guided me provided not only academic advice but also the confidence to pursue opportunities that once felt out of reach.”
Inspired by the mentors who supported her, Dr. Doan is deeply committed to fostering inclusive environments that empower the next generation of scientists. She is actively involved in several mentorship initiatives including a Women in STEM Mentoring Program, where she has guided 3 graduate students as they navigate their transition into graduate school. Her mentorship philosophy centers on flexibility, empathy, and a genuine investment in each trainee’s growth. Ultimately, she hopes to help trainees develop self-confidence to see themselves as capable, independent researchers and future scientific leaders.
Building a Community of Future Scientific Leaders
One of the most meaningful aspects of the Fellows Program for Dr. Doan has been the opportunity to engage with her cohort and connect with past Fellows whose experiences and accomplishments continue to inspire her own scientific journey.
"Being part of such a community encourages me to push beyond my limits, refine my goals, and strive for greater impact in my work.”
Surrounded by ambitious and collaborative peers, Dr. Doan has found a scientific community that motivates continuous learning, resilience, and creativity – qualities she hopes to carry throughout her career in autoimmune disease research.
Learn more about Dr. Doan’s work in the Friedman Lab:
Barbara Davis Center for Diabetes – Rachel Friedman Lab
Follow the Research: #Autoimmunity #Type1Diabetes #MyeloidCells #Bioinformatics
Learn more about: Keystone Symposia Fellows Program