Two biology students selected to participate in summer cancer research program at Vanderbilt
Lacey Klotz |
This summer, two students within Lipscomb’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences will have the opportunity to practice cancer research firsthand as part of the eight-week Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center: Discover Cancer Research Program.
From June 5-August 4, Deion Sims, a junior biology major from Nashville, and Luul Aden, a junior microbiology major from Nashville, will conduct research under the mentorship of Vanderbilt scientists and will conclude with a poster presentation at the Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy Research Symposium in August. Sims and Aden will also participate in an introduction to cancer course, research seminars, a Graduate Record Exam preparation course and other social and networking activities.
The Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center is a national and world leader in the research, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of cancer. The program also provides a summer stipend to students during the eight-week program and is focused toward minority students.
Sims, who is a member of Lipscomb’s Intercultural and TriBeta Honor Societies, says Lipscomb’s biology program has given him the confidence to not only attain this research position but to continue on to medical school after he graduates next May.
“Lipscomb’s biology program is fairly rigorous, and that has given me the confidence to know that I won’t be going into this internship behind my peers, academically speaking,” said Sims. “Our Research Methods class has also given us a general understanding of research, and that is reassuring.”
Aden, who is also a member of Lipscomb’s Intercultural, TriBeta and Alpha Chi Honor Societies as well as its African Student Association, says she is fascinated with the microscopic level of cancer and hopes this internship will help give her more experience in this field.
“Cancer is a huge part of the medical field, so being able to have hands-on experience with it is incredible,” said Aden. “I think that will help provide a great foundation for medical school and allow me to get another step ahead and be prepared to one day become a physician.”
Norma Burgess, dean of Lipscomb’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, says having students represent Lipscomb in prestigious programs such as the Vanderbilt Summer Science Academy is affirming to the tireless efforts of the faculty and students within the college.
“I think this confirms what we believe about our students and our faculty: that we are doing a very good job preparing our students to be able to compete with anybody, and the extra edge is the commitment that the faculty have to help them succeed,” said Burgess.
Lipscomb’s College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate degrees to prepare students for careers in more than 145 professional fields. From students studying journalism and digital media to students preparing for medical careers, from students who will have breakthroughs in biomolecular research to students who will embrace careers in the humanities, the college is remarkably diverse and agile as it launches students into their respective careers.
To learn more about Lipscomb’s College of Liberal Arts & Science, visit: http://www.lipscomb.edu/arts-sciences.