Finding My Place in Research
June 22, 2025
Hi! My name is Elissa Kouemeni, and I’m a rising sophomore at the University of Delaware majoring in Applied Molecular Biology and Biotechnology. I’ve always been very curious and fascinated by science and naturally gravitated toward the health field because I loved learning and wanted to keep learning for as long as possible. At first, I thought this meant going into patient care, but after spending time in clinical settings, I realized I was more drawn to the science behind the scene. Taking biology and chemistry labs during freshman year opened up a whole new world for me, and after visiting Fox Chase Cancer Center during Discovery Day—where I met scientists working in labs and even got to try flow cytometry—I discovered that research might be the path I’d been looking for all along.
I first heard about the fellowship from an alum who had gone through the program and spoke highly of the experience. I was immediately interested and hopeful when I applied. Now, two weeks into working in the Rink Lab at Fox Chase, I've learned so much. I’ve been introduced to a variety of lab techniques like cell culture, western blotting, and dose-response experiments. My mentor, Delia Zumpano, has helped me understand what life is like in graduate school, and Jane Koshy, the lab technician, has shown me the day-to-day work of supporting a research lab. 
Our lab focuses on gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs), and learning about this area of cancer biology has been amazing. I’ve become genuinely passionate about the work and am excited to contribute to it.
Soon, I'll be starting my own independent project, which is both exciting and a little intimidating. I’m nervous about making mistakes, but what stands out to me the most about this program is how supportive everyone has been. The environment in the lab and throughout the program and Fox Chase as a whole has been incredibly welcoming and encouraging. I’m looking forward to gaining more hands-on experience, growing more confident in my abilities, and continuing to explore what a future in research could look like.
Halfway Through!
July 15, 2025
Hello again! It’s hard to believe that we’re already gearing up for final presentations, time has been flying by. Each day in the lab brings something new, and although it was a bit overwhelming at first, I’ve found my rhythm and feel more confident navigating the research process.
In the Rink Lab, we study gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST), a type of sarcoma that is typically treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). These drugs target activating mutations in receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as KIT and PDGFRA. While this treatment can be effective initially, resistance often develops, making it necessary to find alternative approaches. 
One promising strategy involves targeting Wee1, a key cell cycle checkpoint kinase that’s overexpressed in GIST and contributes to tumor survival and proliferation. My project focuses on evaluating Azenosertib, a newer and more selective Wee1 inhibitor, as a potential therapeutic option.
So far, I’ve been culturing three TKI-sensitive GIST cell lines and treating them with varying concentrations of Azenosertib and their corresponding TKIs to determine IC50 values. I’ve also been performing western blotting to detect protein markers related to apoptosis and DNA damage in response to treatment. With guidance from my mentor, I’ve been learning how to design and execute these experiments independently; it’s exciting to walk into the lab each day with a clear plan. 
Beyond the bench, I’ve really enjoyed getting to know other members of the lab and visiting nearby groups to see the different types of research they’re doing. Everyone has been so generous with their time, and I’ve loved hearing about their career paths, experiences, and advice. These conversations have been especially meaningful to me, since many of them are pursuing the kinds of roles I hope to step into in the future.
Outside of the lab, I’ve also been having a great time hanging out with the other fellows. We’ve explored different parts of the city and definitely watched our fair share of reality TV. It’s been fun growing closer as a group and sharing this experience together. With just a few weeks left, I’m excited to see how our projects progress and how we all wrap up our work for the final presentation.
Wrapping Up an Unforgettable Summer
August 10, 2025
The last few weeks of summer have been incredibly intense. Long days in the lab were filled with trouble shooting and problem-solving. At one point, I struggled to culture my cells, which forced me to re-plate and set my experiment back nearly two weeks. Every small setback tested my patience, but I kept reminding myself that this was part of the process and that I couldn't let frustration overshadow my determination.
Despite the challenges, I pushed through to the very last minute and successfully completed my final experiment to round out my project. I’m especially grateful to my PI, Dr. Lori Rink, and our lab’s science technician, Jane Koshy, for stepping in to help me during the final week while my mentor Delia was away.
Finishing the experiments was only half the story as I still had to prepare for my talk. I was nervous about condensing everything I had learned into a short presentation, and to make matters more nerve-wracking, I was scheduled to go last. At first, the idea of sitting through hours of suspense felt unbearable, but I shifted my perspective: once I presented, the entire event would be over and we could celebrate. 
That thought became surprisingly comforting. When my turn finally came, everything happened in a blur. I answered my questions, sat down, and suddenly realized it was over. Seeing people smiling and chatting afterward filled me with relief and happiness.
Looking back, I am so grateful for every person who supported me along the way. This experience has given me invaluable knowledge and moments I will never take for granted. Even though the summer just ended, I’m already looking forward to my next lab opportunity. I love playing even a small role in something bigger, and I can't wait to keep doing so in the future.