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February 2019
After learning about her family history of cancer, Emily Hoskins knew that she wanted to use her Russian and bioinformatics skills to find a cure. An unexpected step toward achieving her goal was found at the Latvian Biomedical Research and Study Centre.
Through data analysis, Hoskins discovered 20 different gene mutations that help predict cancer. Hoskins says that her internship not only furthered cancer research but also gave her the confidence to continue searching for a cure. After noting that she was the only woman in her Latvia office, she says, “I’m proud to be representing women in bioinformatics.”
Today she is working on a project with the National Cancer Institute to analyze mutations in protein structures. This groundbreaking research will help providers give individualized cancer treatments to increase success rates. Hoskins’s internship has opened her eyes to the opportunities in cancer research.
She recently applied for a grant supporting female cancer researchers. In the long term she plans to complete a PhD and assist other women pursuing careers in bioinformatics. She hopes someday to find a cure for cancer.
Jenny Pattison’s story came full circle from what started with her dad getting cancer, to her fellowship at the BYU Simmons Center for Cancer Research. She has found a way to turn her tragedy into something that could someday bless other families like hers.
"Mentored research, service, and some skill with a cello have helped Anne Thomas receive the prestigious Gates Cambridge Scholarship. Her mentored learning experience as a BYU student has propelled Anne to pursue a PhD in plant sciences at Cambridge this fall."
Why do your muscles get sore after the first or second workout but not after the fourth or fifth? A group of BYU exercise science students set out to answer that question. Mentored by Professor Robert Hyldahl, student Amanda Gier suggested they look at the role of T-cells.