The Cancer Center at Illinois (CCIL) is training the next generation of cancer researchers. We offer this Q&A series “Get to Know a Cancer Scholar” to provide readers a connection with the amazing trainees who comprise the CCIL’s cohort of student-researchers. This is the seventh installment.
Cancer Scholar: Elyse Huang
Major: Bioengineering
What interested you in the Cancer Scholars Program?
I was interested in the Cancer Scholars Program because I was really interested in engaging in research with a tangible clinical significance. After graduation, I want to enter the medical field, and cancer research was an excellent way for me to develop technical research skills that contribute to a field that directly impacts patient lives.
What have you learned during your time in the Cancer Scholars Program?
During my time in the Cancer Scholars Program, I learned a lot about the socioeconomic disparities present within the field of cancer research. The Cancer Scholars Program provided me with a multidimensional outlook on healthcare, revealing the differences in the reality of cancer treatment for different populations.
Why is doing cancer research personally meaningful to you?
Cancer research is personally meaningful to me because I am aiming my career at serving others in medicine. Cancer is a universal disease that can affect those from all backgrounds. As such, I value having a solid understanding of cancer disease mechanisms as well as disparities in medical treatment so that I can work to treat patients to the best of my ability.
How would you explain your research project to a friend outside science?
I work in Dr. Rohit Bhargava’s lab, and I work on a project involving optimizing a procedure that puts cell pellets in a resin that we can cut into very thin slices. These slices can then be visualized under a machine that shoots infrared light into it to capture the natural vibration of the molecules in the cells, as well as using a physical probe to determine the tiny differences in the surface of the sample. This allows us to see a super clear image of the sample without the use of stains or dyes. Eventually, this science can hopefully contribute to high fidelity, efficient imaging for cancer diagnostics without invasive procedures.
What are your future career goals and how has Cancer Scholars influenced these goals?
My future goal is to pursue a career in medicine where I can continue to bridge the gap between contributing new scientific discoveries through research and serving patients. The Cancer Scholars Program provided me with the resources necessary to join a lab on campus, and I completely fell in love with research. Doing research has confirmed my interest in continuing to advance the field of medicine throughout my career as a physician.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in doing cancer research?
Reach out to anyone who has research you are interested in! There is truly no need to fear rejection, many professors are excited to train new undergrads. Even if they don’t have a position open for you, there are many other labs that also have incredible opportunities to learn and grow in your research skills.
What hobby or interest helps you recharge after a long week?
I love to try new baking recipes to share with my friends! I also love playing video games with my friends, it’s a fun way to socialize outside of class.
What is your favorite study spot on campus?
My favorite study spot changes a lot, but right now I really like to go to Beckman and ETC cafe!
Stay tuned for more weekly installments in our “Get to Know a Cancer Scholar” series.
Editor’s notes:
This story was written by Craig Richard, CCIL Educational Engagement Postdoctoral Scholar.