Cancer research is rapidly evolving, and Desiree Smith ’22, a sophomore at Denison University, is right in stride with its latest developments. Smith spent her first college summer participating in two esteemed programs through Case Western Reserve University: American Cancer Society Diversity in Cancer Research (ACS-DICR), and Cancer-Focused Summer Undergraduate Research (CanSUR). A witness and contributor to real-time laboratory research, Desiree is building the foundation for her future career in medicine.

 

Alongside Dr. Abhishek Chakraborty at Cleveland Clinic’s Lerner Research Center, Desiree engaged in a directed study in cancer biology, focusing specifically on protein loss and how it impacts cell plasticity in kidney cancer. In addition to presenting this project to her colleagues, Desiree was also an active member of the greater Cleveland research community, engaging in every opportunity she could. From sitting in on weekly meetings to attending the Bench-to-Bedside Retreat, these programs cultivated more skills than pipetting, splitting cells and analyzing data; they reinforced a lifelong passion.

 

This experience furthered Desiree’s pre-existing interest in becoming a surgeon. Her appreciation for the medical profession started at a young age, as she navigated endless hospital and doctor visits throughout her own health journey. Her early exposure to the field encouraged her natural curiosity and she began asking critical questions and researching how this path might look for her. The care and interest she was shown by healthcare workers inspired Desiree to provide the same to others. “My ultimate goal is to bring [the] comfort to others that my doctors gave to me.”

 

Desiree credits her Gilmour education for her confidence to step out of her comfort zone in competitive application pools. There are jobs “that I felt unqualified for, but were actually the right fit for me,” Desiree notes. But through her experience as a Glen Oak Scholar and VECTOR participant, she learned how to communicate personally, make connections and ensure her application stood out. She emphasizes the importance of learning to network and confidently navigate professional opportunities. For peers interested in a similar career path, Desiree encourages persistence and building a strong resume, with the social acumen to back it up.

 

“There are going to be so many ‘nos’” she says, “but do not give up; all those ‘nos’ will prepare you for the perfect ‘yes.’”