Summer research interns share findings at Simmons Cancer showcase

Four budding scientists presented their research to an audience of faculty, family and community supporters at Simmons Cancer Institute (SCI) at SIU Medicine on Thursday, August 1. The work was the culmination of studies conducted throughout the summer as research interns in the medical school’s laboratories in Springfield. 

“These students were chosen through a very competitive process that gave them an immersive, 9-week experience working alongside faculty and seasoned lab staff,” said Don Torry, PhD, associate dean for research at SIU School of Medicine. “They were chosen with high expectations that they would design useful experiments and conceptually contribute to projects, to add some pieces to the puzzle toward a cure for cancer.” 

The interns are:

• Emma Cox, a senior at the University of Texas at Austin, majoring in microbiology and infectious diseases. Emma hopes to pursue a career in microbiology and virology. Her parents are Randy and Erin Cox. Sophia Ran, PhD, was her faculty mentor.
• Reece Fullerton, a junior at Vanderbilt University studying biomedical engineering. He wants to pursue a career in the medical industry involving prosthetics or medical devices. He is the son of James Fullerton and Sarah Short. Andrew Wilber, PhD, was his faculty mentor. 
• Nikhil Gupta, a junior biology major at Case Western University. He hopes to pursue a career in oncology. His parents are Amit and Kanchan Gupta. Daotai Nie, PhD, was his faculty mentor.
• John Schmidt, a senior at Illinois Wesleyan University, studying biology. He plans to go on to medical school and focus on emergency medicine. His parents are Robin Schmidt and the late John Schmidt. Andrea Braundmeier-Fleming, PhD, was his mentor.

Each of the junior investigators is a Springfield native. 

Established in 2009, the paid internship program provides hands-on experience for college undergraduates. It is funded through Denim & Diamonds, the cancer institute’s annual gala to benefit cancer research, patient programs and needs of SCI’s patient population. To date, 63 students have participated in the internship program.

The Simmons Cancer Institute at SIU serves the people of central and southern Illinois by addressing their present and future cancer needs through education, research, patient care and community service. Its website is siumed.edu/cancer.

Left to right: Dr. Sophia Ran, Emma Cox, John Schmidt, Dr. Andrea Braundmeier-Fleming, Nikhil Gupta, Dr. Daotai Nie, Reece Fullerton, Dr. Andrew Wilber

View photos from the presentations and reception on Zenfolio.