Microscopes and Milestones: Entering the Research World
June 18, 2025
Hello! My name is Rachel Dash, and I am a rising sophomore studying biology at the University of Delaware. Ever since I can remember, my dream has been to become a physician. That passion has shaped how I spent past summers, mostly shadowing doctors and gaining experience in clinical settings. But this summer, I decided to step outside of my comfort zone and explore the world of research. Honestly, I was prepared to knock research off my list. Research felt unfamiliar and intimidating, and I wasn’t sure I was cut out for it. However, my feelings changed when I walked into Fox Chase Cancer Center for the Empower Fellowship Discovery Day. Something clicked, and for the first time, I felt genuinely excited about the idea of research. After that moment, I knew I had to apply to the Empower Fellowship, and once I received my acceptance after a long few months, I was beyond excited to come to Fox Chase for the summer.
Still, I was nervous about being surrounded by brilliant scientists and diving into complex projects with only basic lab knowledge. What if I end up hating research?
Spoiler alert: Now that I’m 3 weeks into the Empower Fellowship, I can confidently say that I love the program and have really enjoyed my time in the lab so far. With 7 weeks still ahead, I am excited to keep learning and discovering all that research has to offer.
Before starting the fellowship, we were told that the first week of the fellowship would be difficult—and how could it not be? We had just one week to learn essential lab skills and dive into the complexities of cancer biology to prepare for our lab placements. However, I thoroughly enjoyed the week. I loved connecting with the other fellows, getting to know the facility, and building a strong foundation that would ensure I had a great experience this summer. This week was not just about gaining knowledge. The shared experience helped us form genuine friendships that I believe will last well beyond the summer. I have also always been intrigued by cancer biology, and being formally introduced to it during this week solidified my interest. By the end of the week, I was both excited and still a little nervous to start in Dr. Buque Martinez’s Lab, where I would be researching improved treatments and prevention strategies for various types of breast cancer under the mentorship of Dr. Ayoub Jaa.
Through the Empower Fellowship, I am excited to deepen my understanding of cancer research and apply my skills in a real-world setting. I also look forward to strengthening existing connections and establishing new ones with the incredible team at Fox Chase Cancer Center. Most of all, I hope to continue learning lessons that will be invaluable to my future as a scientist and physician.
Learning the Research Process, One Experiment at a Time
July 10, 2025
I am currently halfway through the Fox Chase Empower Program, working in Dr. Buque Martinez’s lab, and I’m amazed by how much I’ve learned in such a short time. Under the guidance of my mentor, Dr. Ayoub Jaa, I’ve gained hands-on experience with cell culture and foundational lab techniques that will be invaluable in any future research setting. It has been a privilege to work with such a welcoming and accomplished team, and this experience has deepened my interest in pursuing additional research opportunities.
Our lab focuses on hormone receptor-positive breast cancer, with an emphasis on improving prevention and treatment strategies. Because traditional radiotherapy alone is not fully effective, our research explores combining radiation with immunotherapeutic agents that enhance the body’s immunosurveillance to fight tumors. My project involves optimizing the doses of radiation and 3HKA (an immunotherapeutic drug) and testing them on 3D cell models to better replicate in vivo conditions. Additionally, we are working to uncover the mechanism of action of 3HKA using mouse models.
Beyond the lab, I’ve had a fantastic time connecting with the other fellows. Whether we’re watching Love Island together at night or exploring the city on our days off, I’m grateful to be surrounded by such intelligent, supportive, and kind young women. Being part of this cohort has made the experience all the more meaningful. Now, there are 4 weeks left of the Empower Fellowship, and I am excited to see what these next weeks bring as we come closer to the final symposium.
Graphs, Gratitude, and Goodbyes
August 10, 2025
At the start of the Fox Chase Empower fellowship, I walked in with nerves and questions. Now, at the program’s close, I leave with knowledge, confidence, and relationships that will stay with me long after the program ends.
I thought being quickly thrown into a lab setting would be terrifying, but the Buque Martinez Lab immediately set me up for success. I had the independence to see significant growth in my research skills, but I never felt alone. There was always someone willing to guide me. I’m grateful to the Empower Fellowship staff for matching me up with a lab whose work fascinated me and whose members were so supportive. My mentor, Dr. Ayoub Jaa, and my PI, Dr. Aitziber Buque Martinez, always had time to teach me skills in the lab or tips for professional development. Thanks to my mentor, I can now distinguish good coffee from bad, a skill I’m sure will benefit me in any field! I have learned so much about the world of research, and they have helped me see research as an exciting part of my future career. Through working in the Buque Martinez Lab, I have met so many kind, intelligent individuals who have contributed to an amazing summer experience.
The other fellows who shared this journey with me made my experience extremely meaningful. Being part of a cohort with such talented, supportive women was a privilege. We became incredibly close during the fellowship, and I now have 11 more amazing friends at the University of Delaware. The laughs we shared as we watched Love Island on the floor of one of our apartments are memories I will cherish forever.
I was extremely nervous to present my final research at the symposium, but it was deeply rewarding. I was proud to share the work I had done over the summer with my family, friends, lab members, and the Empower Fellowship Staff. I was so proud of the rest of the girls once they presented, and I felt surrounded by support the entire day.
For anyone considering the Empower Fellowship, I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Every bit of work was worth it, and I am so grateful for the experiences, skills, and people it gave me. But don’t just take my word for it, see for yourself.