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 third installment.
Cancer Scholar: Matt Beard
Major: Biology
What interested you in the Cancer Scholars Program?
What really drew me to the Cancer Scholars Program was its interdisciplinary approach. It was a strategy that I had never seen before in a scientific program on campus. I have met a multitude of different majors, from mechanical engineering to neuroscience to molecular and cellular biology. Meeting this diverse crowd of people not only let me make friends across campus, but also forced me to think differently about problems. In class, we would be assigned group work, and seeing how differently everyone thought was so valuable. We not only learned the content in class but also learned different applications and strategies for similar ideas.
What have you learned during your time in the Cancer Scholars Program?
Throughout the program, I have learned a lot about how to present myself professionally to a scientific audience and how to explain scientific material to someone who isn’t as familiar with it. One part of the program that is stressed is scientific communication. A scientific breakthrough is only as powerful as it is accessible. If no one can grasp or understand the research you are doing, you are limiting its impact. The Cancer Scholars Program has done an excellent job of preparing me for these tasks.
Why is doing cancer research personally meaningful to you?
Cancer research is personally meaningful to me as I have had family affected by a variety of cancers. I have seen the devastation and stress it puts on the afflicted and have felt what it does to their surrounding family. Doing cancer research isn’t just about preventing the suffering of the individuals I know; it is about helping the next generation. This problem is not disappearing anytime soon, and the more I can contribute to the solution, the less suffering that will be inflicted in the long run.
How would you explain your research project to a friend outside science?
My research project examined the disparities in cancer care between rural and urban settings. We conducted an investigation of the current literature to gather some historical insight into the problem. We also worked directly with patients and doctors from rural areas to see their perspective. We also participated in a collaborative international learning experience with a university in India to share and learn about approaches to combat these disparities. This was the pilot project whose end goal was to launch more projects to further investigate individual disparities in depth.
What are your future career goals and how has Cancer Scholars influenced these goals?
My future goal is to become a research scientist who contributes to the betterment of humanity. I want to work and develop ideas that will help people beyond my lifetime. Cancer Scholars really influenced this idea by showing me how impactful scientific work can be. Through the program, we have seen so many influential researchers, professors, and medical doctors making a real difference in the battle against cancer. I aspire to make a real difference just like them, and seeing their journey through their careers has only inspired me more.
What advice would you give to someone who is interested in doing cancer research?
I would tell someone to just shoot their shot. Professors can seem very intimidating at first, but they love seeing young interest in their research. They will understand that you may not yet have the technical knowledge or experience. They really want new, driven people to get involved in research and learn the process. Researchers can teach you all the techniques, but they cannot teach you drive and ambition.
What hobby or interest helps you recharge after a long week?
I like keeping a healthy mind and a healthy body, so to recharge, I try to stay active in some way. That can be playing volleyball on the quad or working out at the ARC. I also love to relax at the Arboretum. It is always so quiet, and I love hearing the birds sing.
What is your favorite study spot on campus?
The Natural History Building is definitely my favorite spot to study. I love all of the exposed woodwork, and the chairs on the 4th floor are so comfortable. I would also highly recommend Beckman, as the atrium is beautiful, and they just opened up their new cafe, Ted’s Café.
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.