Exploring cancer research

Corinne Van Hoven grew up wanting to be an oncologist, motivated by the loss of her grandfather to prostate cancer on her 7th birthday.

"It was a scary and confusing time for a little girl," she said. "I grew up trying to make sense of the loss and had so many questions for my family as I tried to understand cancer and why it was so fatal."

As other family members were diagnosed with cancer and received lifesaving treatments, Van Hoven wanted to explore alternative therapies that could replace chemotherapy with fewer side effects. Exposure to cancer immunology research at the University of Delaware changed her career path.

Now a senior honors medical diagnostics major, Van Hoven participated in an Empower Fellowship at Temple Health's Fox Chase Cancer Center this past summer. These competitive fellowships, specifically for UD undergraduates, offer full-time paid summer research opportunities.

"Empower Fellows get hands-on experience in cutting-edge cancer research," said Esther Biswas-Fiss, professor and chair of the Department of Medical and Molecular Sciences in the College of Health Sciences. "They work on novel projects, contribute to meaningful findings, and learn what it's like to be part of a scientific team."

Van Hoven worked in Assistant Professor Amy Whitaker's lab, focused on cancer biology and DNA repair.

"It was fascinating," Van Hoven said. "The experience taught me scientific reasoning skills and made me appreciate the genetic mechanisms underlying DNA repair and solidified that I want to work in a cancer-focused lab."

Van Hoven said the experience also whipped her into shape, professionally.

"The graduate students in Dr. Whitaker's lab took me under their wing," she said. "They helped me tailor my resume and LinkedIn profile and prepared me for interviews.

But her biggest takeaway? Learning to communicate science effectively.

"I want to earn a Ph.D. and teach," Van Hoven said. "This fellowship exceeded all expectations and proved to me that not only is research something I love, but I can do it."

For Elissa Kouemeni, a sophomore honors applied molecular biology and biotechnology (AMBB) major, participating in an Empower Fellowship helped her determine her future career path.