Kyli received the Gloria A. Likins Scholarship that supports her cancer research project in professor John Bracht’s laboratory. She completes her bachelor’s degree this semester and secured a post-baccalaureate research position with the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

While I was growing up, I always knew I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. My parents were surprised by my unwavering love for the sciences, since no one in my family was strong in this area of study. Despite my lack of exposure, my passion continued to grow.

 I remember when I first started to look at colleges, tour guides would ramble on about the incredible research happening in the Biology department. When I visited American, they touched on the research taking place on campus, but I was more fascinated by the uniqueness of the close-knit, collaborative science community. This was very different compared to the dangerously competitive environment that is often seen at many other schools. At American, I saw myself being more than just a number, but instead someone who could have an impact.

I vividly remember during my first year at AU sitting in a biology course taught by Dr. John Bracht. At the beginning of the lecture he announced that the Biology Department was accepting applications for the Gloria A. Likins Scholarship. If I were to receive this scholarship, I would have the opportunity to stay in DC for the summer and dedicate my time to research. Although I am sure the rest of the information he covered during class that day was extremely important, I could not listen to a word he said; I was just so excited to hear more about this opportunity. As soon as he dismissed us, I ran to him from the back of the classroom. I most likely scared all of the other interested students away because of my motivation to be the first person to talk to him about this scholarship. Little did I know, that day would drastically shape the rest of my life.

My scholarship enabled me to begin my journey with research. For the past two years, I have been running my own project in Dr. Bracht’s lab involving cancer epigenetics. We collaborate with the National Institute for Advancing Translational Sciences to test the effectiveness of epigenetic drugs on reversing cancer. Essentially, we are taking cells that are cancerous and reverting them back to their normal precancerous conditions by reactivating genes that suppress tumor formation. This hands-on experience has undoubtedly been the most beneficial part of my college education, all of which would not have been possible without receiving my scholarship.

During the school year, it is extremely difficult to dedicate myself to my research. Between completing my degree in three years, having multiple jobs to support myself financially, and participating in many different organizations on and off campus, life gets to be very busy. Having the opportunity to focus solely on research during the summer months would have been impossible without the financial support of the scholarship. It was not feasible for my parents to support me living in DC over the summer, so I would have needed a full-time job, leaving very little time for research. Investing in the sciences at American not only facilitates the addition of new resources, such as the Hall of the Science—which will be truly transformational to students and faculty—but it also give students like me the opportunity to make the most out of the resources that AU has to offer.         

Because of my research experience, I have decided to pursue an MD/PhD after graduation. I could not imagine my career path without cutting edge research such as the work I am doing now with Dr. Bracht. My experience in his laboratory has set me up for future success and has secured me a job at the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development where I will be researching rare genetic disorders dealing with cholesterol synthesis and transport in children. My experience with my research, and at American University in general, has heightened my passion for the sciences and has ensured my future success. I cannot show enough gratitude to the donors who support students like me in their endeavors. I feel privileged to be a two-time recipient of the Gloria A. Likins Scholarship and a recipient of another summer research award through a partnership between NASA and the College of Arts and Sciences. Because of you AU students can pursue the things that we are most passionate about every day. Without your contributions, we would not be given the chance to fully benefit from all that American University has to offer. Thank you for your support of the AU sciences and the entire university.