First Cells, First Steps!
June 20, 2025
Hi Everyone! I’m Anesu Mhembere, I’m a rising Sophomore at the University of Delaware, double majoring in Neuroscience and Psychology. I was born and raised in Zimbabwe, a beautiful country in Southern Africa. I’m on the pre-med track, aspiring to become a Pediatric Neurologist one day! In addition to my passion for children and the medical field, I’m deeply committed to the educating and empowering of young girls in Africa to become leaders and high achievers. This goal led me to start a nonprofit organization called ‘Girls To Leaders by Anesu Mhembere’, focusing on mentorship and role modeling.
This summer, Fox Chase has given me the incredible opportunity to explore a growing interest of mine in biological and cancer research. This experience so far has been one of the most rewarding steps toward helping me understand the career path I hope to pursue. When I first heard about this opportunity at the UD College of Arts and Sciences Internship Symposium at the beginning of the 2024/2025 school year, I had two immediate thoughts:
- “I'm not qualified to get into the program."
- “Summer 2025 is too far away - I can’t plan for that yet or commit my free time to researching in a lab.”
These are common fears, but within the first 3 weeks of this program, I can confidently say those fears were unfounded. To anyone reading this and feeling the same way; firstly, you don’t need to be an expert in lab work or have months of experience to apply and succeed (I had no prior research experience and only moderate lab confidence when I applied). Secondly, it’s important to look ahead, don’t let the process of planning for your future overwhelm you. Programs like this are rare, impactful opportunities that are well worth your time and energy. And yes - you’ll still have a great summer! Since the end of the Spring 2025 semester, I've traveled to a Caribbean Island, explored Philly’s Center City, taken time to relax and rejuvenate, AND worked full-time in an amazing lab. Balance is truly the key! Don’t let fear and temporary perspectives stand in your way of experiencing something truly great.
At Fox Chase, I’m working in Dr. Edna Cukierman’s Lab which focuses on pancreatic cancer and the tumor microenvironment. With my mentor, Dr. Sergio Santos, we will be studying proteins in cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) that influence the CAFs’ ability to act as tumor-suppressing fibroblasts or as tumor-promoting fibroblasts. This, in turn, influences the extracellular matrix and determines whether the surrounding environment supports or inhibits tumor growth. We also examine organ weights in tumor affected mouse models at the end of their trials.
In just 3 weeks, I’ve learned so much and have become more confident in the lab than I’ve ever imagined. I can now seed and split fibroblasts in my sleep! I feel well supported while also being given the space to grow, make mistakes, learn, and challenge myself. I’m looking forward to the rest of the fellowship - to keep learning, discovering and improving each day. I’m also grateful for the friendships I’m building with the 11 other fellows! Excited for a summer of growth and purpose!
Trials, Pipettes and Beyond!
July 10, 2025
The past few weeks have been a combination of learning, growing, and having an enjoyable time. Some of the most important experiences we go through are the ones that challenge us and push us to become better, all while being genuinely enjoyable and rewarding. There are three main lessons I’ve realized so far, and I’d like to share them with you now.
Firstly, “Trials” – My project focuses on reducing the expression of certain proteins in the tumor microenvironment to see how that affects whether the environment promotes or suppresses tumor growth. This involves lots of seeding, growing, and nurturing cells, then testing them through various procedures. An inevitable part of research is that sometimes you make mistakes - sometimes the experiments fail, cells die, or results turn out differently than expected. A big part of my experience here has been understanding that this is normal and okay. The key is to learn from each mistake or setback so you can improve for the next time. Research requires patience and endurance – but the rewards are always worth it.
Second, “Pipettes” – Over these weeks, I have practiced and mastered so many lab skills, and this program has really helped me fine-tune them. I remember one day in particular when I realized: these are skills I got the chance to learn and perfect in a supportive, low stress environment – and now they’re mine for life. I feel confident to learn new techniques and ready to teach others in the future. Pipettes have become my magic wands – tools that transform tiny drops into big discoveries. It’s deeply satisfying to work through an entire impactful experiment from start to finish and knowing I was part of the process.
Third, “Beyond” – These past few weeks have also helped me see whether medical research is something that I’d want to pursue long term after graduation. It’s shown me a real glimpse of “life after college”, - the importance of the work-life balance, learning from coworkers and pushing myself to greater personal improvement. I’ve gained both practical life lessons and helpful future medical school related advice. This experience has put everything into perspective for me - not in a scary, or overwhelming way, but in a purpose driven, motivating way.
I’m excited to see what the rest of the summer holds – more lessons, growth, and unforgettable moments.
Data, Determination and Discovery
August 8, 2025
This summer, I stepped into the world of cancer research as a curious pre-med student - and walked out with a deeper understanding of science, resilience, and myself. In Dr. Edna Cukierman’s lab, we focused on pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the deadliest forms of pancreatic cancer. Specifically, my project explored an important question: Can the knockdown of the COL6A2 subunit impair the proper assembly of the protein Collagen VI in the extracellular matrix (ECM) and turn the tumor-promoting nature of the tumor microenvironment (TME) into a tumor-suppressive environment? This work matters because the TME - made up of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), extracellular matrix, and signaling molecules - is an active factor in cancer progression and sometimes is a more powerful target than the tumor cells themselves.
Using 3D matrix protocols developed by Dr. E. Cukierman, we modeled the TME in vitro and observed the influence of Collagen VI on the tumor-promoting character of the environment. If we can reprogram the microenvironment from tumor promoting to tumor suppressing, we open up new possibilities for cancer therapies. I spent time seeding fibroblasts, running Western blots to observe protein presence, and helping with tissue processing from mouse models - all while learning that science is as much about precision as it is about perseverance. There were moments when cells died unexpectedly or results were not what we’d hoped for. But those challenges taught me more than success could.
Beyond the lab, I grew in ways I didn’t anticipate. I learned how to manage time, juggle responsibilities, and stay motivated through tough weeks. 
Preparing for my final presentation was a full-circle moment. I received thoughtful advice from both my lab and Empower program managers. I revised again and again - not to be perfect, but to be clear, intentional, and true to myself. That process reminded me that constructive criticism is important, and communicating science is just as essential as conducting it. One of my favorite parts of this fellowship was learning from accomplished scientists, clinicians, and professionals who generously offered advice in the lab and during the Career Path Series. Their stories inspired me to keep pushing forward on my own journey.
To future applicants: this program isn’t just about research. It’s about discovering your strengths, facing your fears, and realizing that you’re capable of more than you thought. If you’re looking for a summer of growth, challenge, impact and fun - this is it!