This summer, we welcomed a dynamic group of research interns with a passion for science. The Earle A. Chiles Research Institute Summer Research Program at Providence Cancer Institute is a nine-week paid internship that offers extensive lab experience to undergraduate students exploring future careers in biomedical fields. The scientists-in-training receive guidance from our experts, attend weekly lab seminars and wrap up their work with a poster presentation.
Here’s a quick look at what inspires this group of future researchers and how they spend their time in and out of the lab.
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Madeleine Ashe University of Washington Anti-Cancer Immune Response Lab—Thomas Duhen, Ph.D. (Mentor: Olivier Fesneau, Ph.D.) Madeleine is pursuing a future in forensic investigation and criminalistics, with a focus on DNA analysis. A lifelong curiosity about how things work—and a love of crime shows—sparked her interest in science and forensics. Outside of the lab, she enjoys concerts, golfing with family or her boyfriend, and watching sunsets at the beach with friends. |
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Grant Button Pitzer College Cancer Immunotherapy Lab—William Redmond, Ph.D. (Mentor: Nisha Holay) Grant is still exploring his path but is especially interested in oncology and how research connects to clinical care. He’s drawn to science for its creativity, ongoing discovery and the potential to benefit society, which he believes is “highly honorable.” When not in the lab, he plays basketball and trumpet (particularly jazz) and captures the world through photography. |
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Sydney Blem Oregon State University Special project in collaboration with Providence Cancer Institute Franz Clinic—David Page, M.D. Sydney is passionate about pediatric oncology and hematology. Her parents and a supportive middle school science teacher helped set her on the path to cancer research. Outside the lab, she enjoys baking, hiking and traveling. |
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Jackson Darus Oregon State University Cancer Immuno-Genomics Lab—Brian Piening, Ph.D. (Mentor: Lauren Hamilton) Jackson is focused on molecular biology but also curious about pharmacology, biochemistry and microbiology. His interest was sparked by high school chemistry and biology classes. During his free time, Jackson likes listening to music, reading and playing pickleball. |
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Morgen Strauss Baylor University Preclinical Cancer Therapy Lab —Jianguo Huang, Ph.D. (Mentor: Alex Liu, Ph.D.) Morgen plans to work in oncology, with this internship inspiring a deeper interest in research. She was encouraged by her AP biology teacher in high school to pursue this career path and a role model aunt in health care whose “perseverance, hard work and support” made an impression on her. In her downtime, Morgen plays volleyball with friends, likes to read and spends time with family. |
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Lauren Tittel Incoming student at Carleton College Adoptive Cell Therapy Lab—Eric Tran, Ph.D. (Mentor: Florisela Herrejon Chavez) Lauren is interested in gut microbiome and bacteriophage research, with a newly discovered interest in immunology sparked by her internship. Her experience with independent research in high school and support from teachers and peers who shared her passion for scientific investigation helped her see science as a blend of curiosity, creativity and empathy. Lauren enjoys running, horseback riding and painting. |
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Rebekah Zahler Incoming student at Oregon State University’s Honors College Molecular and Tumor Immunology Lab—Bernard A. Fox, Ph.D., (Mentor: Christopher Paustian, Ph.D.) Rebekah is aiming for a career in neurosurgery or trauma surgery. Fascinated by the human body since childhood, she’s touched by the hope and compassion caregivers offer. Whether from the lab or the operating room Rebekah is inspired to offer that same compassion to others. Outside of science, Rebekah plays soccer, works out and enjoys time with friends. |
About Providence Cancer Institute of Oregon
Providence Cancer Institute is a leading provider of cancer care in Oregon and a global leader in immuno-oncology. Through its research division, the Earle A. Chiles Research Institute, patients have access to state-of-the-art genomic sequencing, adoptive cellular therapies and a robust clinical research portfolio comprising early phase, investigator-initiated, cooperative group and industry-sponsored trials. Learn more at providence.org/ORcancer.
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