Our Volunteers

Young scientist steps out of the lab

A 38-year-old scientist, Aaron Putzke spends much of his days in a laboratory. A post-doctoral research fellow at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Aaron is currently studying how prostate cancer spreads into bone marrow. But a few years ago, he became motivated to take part in HIV research, not as a scientist but as a study volunteer. "I was reading about how HIV was affecting the developing world and was astonished by how challenging it's been to come up with an effective vaccine," he says. "Before this, I hadn't paid much attention to how many people were currently affected by HIV/AIDS, globally and locally. I was frustrated with how I might be able to help. After learning about the HVTN, I decided to enroll in a vaccine trial and also started volunteering with the Seattle CAB."

Some of Aaron's friends and family were at first uneasy about his participation. "But once they learned that you cannot get infected with HIV via any of the vaccines used, they were less nervous and more interested in my motivation for joining the study. Participating in a study is a great way to increase awareness about the need for an HIV vaccine while contributing to what will hopefully yield an effective vaccine someday."

For Aaron, it was interesting to see what scientific research is like as a volunteer. "I have had a great experience while participating in an HIV vaccine study. The Seattle HVTU is staffed with compassionate people who truly want to see an end to suffering from HIV infection. They're always willing to take as much time as I need to discuss the protocol, informed consent, concerns and risks. I wish every doctor's office took this much time and care for patients!"

With his scientific background, Aaron has been a valuable member of the Seattle CAB. He takes part in the monthly Scientific Working Group conference calls and was recently elected as the CAB's co-chair. "It's been a lot of fun being involved and getting to know people from a wide variety of backgrounds," he says.


Explore further:	Our Volunteers Young scientist steps out of the lab A 38-year-old scientist, Aaron Putzke spends much of his days in a laboratory. A post-doctoral research fellow at the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Aaron is currently studying how prostate cancer spreads into bone marrow. But a few years ago, he became motivated to take part in HIV research, not as a scientist but as a study volunteer. "I was reading about how HIV was affecting the developing world and was astonished by how challenging it's been to come up with an effective vaccine," he says. "Before this, I hadn't paid much attention to how many people were currently affected by HIV/AIDS, globally and locally. I was frustrated with how I might be able to help. After learning about the HVTN, I decided to enroll in a vaccine trial and also started volunteering with the Seattle CAB." Some of Aaron's friends and family were at first uneasy about his participation. "But once they learned that you cannot get infected with HIV via any of the vaccines used, they were less nervous and more interested in my motivation for joining the study. Participating in a study is a great way to increase awareness about the need for an HIV vaccine while contributing to what will hopefully yield an effective vaccine someday." For Aaron, it was interesting to see what scientific research is like as a volunteer. "I have had a great experience while participating in an HIV vaccine study. The Seattle HVTU is staffed with compassionate people who truly want to see an end to suffering from HIV infection. They're always willing to take as much time as I need to discuss the protocol, informed consent, concerns and risks. I wish every doctor's office took this much time and care for patients!" With his scientific background, Aaron has been a valuable member of the Seattle CAB. He takes part in the monthly Scientific Working Group conference calls and was recently elected as the CAB's co-chair. "It's been a lot of fun being involved and getting to know people from a wide variety of backgrounds," he says.