Dr. Maria Themeli, a postdoctoral fellow at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, shares her groundbreaking research on CAR T-cell therapies, where stem cells are transformed into cancer-hunting assassins. The conversation dives into the complexities and challenges of enhancing T-cell precision in targeting tumors. They also explore intriguing connections between cancer, random mutations, and the immune system's role, along with the impact of methamphetamine use on health. Insights into funding hurdles for early-career researchers add a personal touch to the scientific discussion.