Get to know PETAL Consortium’s Clinical Research Coordinator, Corben Wong!

Get to know PETAL Consortium’s Clinical Research Coordinator, Corben Wong!

Get to know PETAL Consortium’s Clinical Research Coordinator, Corben Wong!

By Erica Lee

By Erica Lee

Corben Wong

Corben Wong

Corben Wong is a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) at Massachusetts General Hospital. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Human Biology, Health, and Society (HBHS) at Cornell University. He was an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the Simpson Lab at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He is also currently a licensed Emergency Medical Technician.

Corben Wong is a Clinical Research Coordinator (CRC) at Massachusetts General Hospital. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Human Biology, Health, and Society (HBHS) at Cornell University. He was an Undergraduate Research Assistant at the Simpson Lab at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine. He is also currently a licensed Emergency Medical Technician.

In this Q&A, meet Corben Wong, PETAL Consortium’s CRC!

In this Q&A, meet Corben Wong, PETAL Consortium’s CRC!

In this Q&A, meet Corben Wong, PETAL Consortium’s CRC!

Why did you decide to major in HBHS?

Why did you decide to major in HBHS?

I think HBHS is one of the best majors for pre-med students because it’s both rigorous and manageable, allowing students to balance academic challenge with strong performance. Beyond that, the program is highly interdisciplinary, combining biological and social sciences. I was able to take courses in public policy, nutritional sciences, and human development, which gave me a broader understanding of health from multiple perspectives. It’s a flexible and well-rounded major that helped me approach health in a more holistic way.

I think HBHS is one of the best majors for pre-med students because it’s both rigorous and manageable, allowing students to balance academic challenge with strong performance. Beyond that, the program is highly interdisciplinary, combining biological and social sciences. I was able to take courses in public policy, nutritional sciences, and human development, which gave me a broader understanding of health from multiple perspectives. It’s a flexible and well-rounded major that helped me approach health in a more holistic way.

Is there a medical specialty that you are interested in right now?

Is there a medical specialty that you are interested in right now?

I’m not completely sure yet. I’ve shadowed and worked as a medical assistant for a cardiologist, and I found the field really engaging, so cardiology is definitely a possibility. I’ve also developed a strong interest in oncology and hematology, especially after working closely with Dr. Iwasaki and Dr. Jain at PETAL. Still, I plan to keep an open mind and make a more informed decision in medical school, once I’ve had the chance to explore a wider range of specialties.

I’m not completely sure yet. I’ve shadowed and worked as a medical assistant for a cardiologist, and I found the field really engaging, so cardiology is definitely a possibility. I’ve also developed a strong interest in oncology and hematology, especially after working closely with Dr. Iwasaki and Dr. Jain at PETAL. Still, I plan to keep an open mind and make a more informed decision in medical school, once I’ve had the chance to explore a wider range of specialties.

What inspired you to go into medical research?

What inspired you to go into medical research?

My interest began in undergrad, when I worked as a research assistant in a gastrointestinal lab at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine. I really enjoyed the research process and how it connected to clinical applications. From the start, I was especially drawn to the clinical side, interacting with patients and seeing how research can directly influence medical care. Working as a CRC in the Jain Lab has been an incredible experience because it combines both aspects: engaging with cutting-edge research and connecting with patients. It truly feels like the best of both worlds.

My interest began in undergrad, when I worked as a research assistant in a gastrointestinal lab at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine. I really enjoyed the research process and how it connected to clinical applications. From the start, I was especially drawn to the clinical side, interacting with patients and seeing how research can directly influence medical care. Working as a CRC in the Jain Lab has been an incredible experience because it combines both aspects: engaging with cutting-edge research and connecting with patients. It truly feels like the best of both worlds.

Why did you want to join PETAL Consortium?

Why did you want to join PETAL Consortium?

I first heard about PETAL from a college friend. Although she works in a different lab at MGH, she mentioned that there was an opening for this position, which prompted me to look into it. After researching the lab and speaking with the other CRCs, I gained a better understanding of the work being done here and found it incredibly interesting. That experience motivated me to apply and interview, as I felt PETAL would be a place where I could truly grow and contribute to meaningful research.

I first heard about PETAL from a college friend. Although she works in a different lab at MGH, she mentioned that there was an opening for this position, which prompted me to look into it. After researching the lab and speaking with the other CRCs, I gained a better understanding of the work being done here and found it incredibly interesting. That experience motivated me to apply and interview, as I felt PETAL would be a place where I could truly grow and contribute to meaningful research.

What does a day-in-your-life at PETAL Consortium look like?

What does a day-in-your-life at PETAL Consortium look like?

I rotate clinic duties with the other CRCs. Every couple of weeks, I serve as the CRC in clinic, where I organize blood collections from patients, enroll new participants, and manage all clinic-related activities. I also help process blood samples collected from patients each week and handle the coordination of obtaining patient samples from outside hospitals. The rest of the week, I’m primarily in the lab, working with Dr. Iwasaki on the Super Enhancer project, which aims to better understand the gene regulatory elements of T-cell lymphoma. As part of this work, I culture cells for our experiments and run various assays such as CUT&RUN and CUT&Tag. Overall, it’s a great balance between lab and clinical responsibilities.

I rotate clinic duties with the other CRCs. Every couple of weeks, I serve as the CRC in clinic, where I organize blood collections from patients, enroll new participants, and manage all clinic-related activities. I also help process blood samples collected from patients each week and handle the coordination of obtaining patient samples from outside hospitals. The rest of the week, I’m primarily in the lab, working with Dr. Iwasaki on the Super Enhancer project, which aims to better understand the gene regulatory elements of T-cell lymphoma. As part of this work, I culture cells for our experiments and run various assays such as CUT&RUN and CUT&Tag. Overall, it’s a great balance between lab and clinical responsibilities.

Any interests/hobbies?

Any interests/hobbies?

I enjoy cooking, snowboarding, running, and weightlifting. Lately, I’ve also been wanting to get into baking, and I’m hoping to really focus on that over the next couple of months.

I enjoy cooking, snowboarding, running, and weightlifting. Lately, I’ve also been wanting to get into baking, and I’m hoping to really focus on that over the next couple of months.

What’s your perfect meal?

What’s your perfect meal?

I really love soba noodles, especially cold soba with shrimp tempura.

I really love soba noodles, especially cold soba with shrimp tempura.

Favorite movie?

Favorite movie?

I like Interstellar or any of the Christopher Nolan movies.

I like Interstellar or any of the Christopher Nolan movies.

Any pets?
I have a cat named Milo and a dog named Penny back home.

Any pets?
I have a cat named Milo and a dog named Penny back home.

Dream vacation destination?

Dream vacation destination?

I really want to visit the Maldives.

I really want to visit the Maldives.

Since we’re PETAL Consortium, favorite flower?

Since we’re PETAL Consortium, favorite flower?

I love chrysanthemum tea, so I'll say chrysanthemum!

I love chrysanthemum tea, so I'll say chrysanthemum!