The Mass General Research Institute (MGRI) is home to a research community of 9,500+ individuals working to understand disease and develop solutions to medicine’s most pressing challenges.

But who are they and what do they do when they’re not conducting research? Learn more about them in this new series, #HumansOfMGRI.

From clinical research coordinators to postdoctoral fellows, research technicians, graduate students and principal investigators—they are all part of the Mass General Research Institute.

Our next guest in the series is Abigail Kane, MD.

What lab/department do you work in?

I am a postdoctoral research fellow at the Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center. I work at Dr. Lael Yonker’s lab studying immune responses to COVID-19 infection and vaccination in children.

As a fellow, I oversee a double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial looking at the safety and efficacy of an investigational new drug for the treatment of Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome in Children (MIS-C).

I’m also involved in a multisite project that is developing a cell atlas of the nasal and oral mucosa of children 1mo-18yrs, with the goal of further understanding mucosal immune responses to infection and vaccines in children.

When and why did you get interested in the work that you are doing?

I graduated from Universidad de Monterrey School of Medicine (Mexico) in August of 2021, so I wanted to work in research before starting pediatric residency in 2023.

I had COVID-19 in early 2020, and symptoms of long COVID for over nine months. I knew that COVID was the cause of my constellation of symptoms, and it was frustrating that there wasn’t enough data to back it up, much less to guide treatment.

I eventually stopped going to my doctors because I was afraid they would think I was making it all up.

As the pandemic progressed and we began to learn a little bit more about COVID-19 infection and its sequelae, I felt validated. My symptoms were real and definitely caused by COVID, but I still had so many questions. What in the world was my immune system up to?

I’ve always liked immunology and infectious diseases, and this research opportunity combined those fields with something I was personally invested in. I felt connected to Dr. Yonker and her work. She seemed very passionate about her research, and I could tell that she was excited to find the answers to all of our questions.

Her excitement was contagious and during my interview with her, I stopped writing notes and just wrote “YES” in capital letters. I knew this was the place for me. Nine months later, I can say I was right- I found a place to call home here. I love my job and my team!!!

What do you like to do outside of work? 

I practice vinyasa and ashtanga yoga about four times a week, and I’m currently training for the Boston half marathon in November.

I love playing the piano and the guitar, and I enjoy walking and biking around the city and exploring new restaurants/coffee shops.

What is your favorite TV show, podcast, book, or movie? 

Favorite Book in Spanish: 100 Años de Soledad by Gabriel García Marquez

Favorite Book in English: Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer

Favorite TV Show: I don’t think I have a favorite TV show, and my go-to TV shows depend on what I’m in the mood for. I’ve been enjoying Madam Secretary lately, but it can get kind of heavy.

If I’m looking or something lighter/shorter, I’ll watch Grace and Frankie. And I have to admit I’m up-to-date on Grey’s Anatomy….

I’m not sure if this counts, but biology/geology/astronomy docuseries are my all-time favorite things to watch on TV

Favorite Movie: Interstellar

A fun fact about yourself

I like listening to songs on repeat when I while I’m working/studying because it makes me lose track of time and helps me stayed focused.

A few of my favorites for this are: “Bassackwards” and “Wheelhouse” by Kurt Vile, “News” and “Brothers in Arms” (remastered 2022) by Dire Straits, “Flight Attendant” by Josh Rouse, “Present Tense” by Radiohead, and “I Already Forgot Everything You Said” by The Dig.

About the Mass General Research Institute
Research at Massachusetts General Hospital is interwoven through more than 30 different departments, centers and institutes. Our research includes fundamental, lab-based science; clinical trials to test new drugs, devices and diagnostic tools; and community and population-based research to improve health outcomes across populations and eliminate disparities in care.
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