Laura The crisp morning air of Chicago feels invigorating as I step out of Northwestern’s research building, stretching my arms after hours spent poring over data. It’s been 1.5 years since I left New York behind, and yet, every step I take in this city still feels like a reminder of how far I’ve come. My research on Apitegromab has exceeded all expectations. Initially, it was just an idea—one I hesitated to bring up, fearing rejection from the rigid hierarchy of academia. But Dr. Fitzwilliam, once my fiercest critic, had gradually shifted into an ally. The moment I presented the concept, she took me seriously, providing me with all the necessary resources and even connecting me with SMA specialists in the UK. I’ll never forget the day she called me “one of the most promising minds in ne

