More Than a Research Program

It has taken me some time to think about how I can sum up my experience with the Roswell Park Summer Cancer Research Experience Program into a paragraph or two and still convey how much this program has meant to me.

I attended the high school experience program in the summer of 2016 and then I worked with Rodney Haring, PhD, MSW through the summer research program in 2018. I simply cannot put into words what he has taught me. Not only did he teach me many things about research, but also about life. He is such a smart, intelligent man and I was lucky to have worked alongside him and have him as a mentor.

During the program, you learn so much about how the research process works and all about research as a career. If you have even the slightest interest in research, I highly suggest looking into this program. 

After the program, I came out a completely different person. The connections I made were unbelievable. I had talked to many people about what college I wanted to attend and they all offered to assist me in any way they could. I was also able to apply to present my research project at the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) Conference.

My research was selected and I flew to the conference in Minnesota to present it. This was truly an amazing experience and it’s all thanks to Dr. Haring and Roswell Park.

I am currently pursuing a career in nursing and my ultimate goal is to work as a pediatric nurse practitioner. I am still in contact with Dr. Haring and the others I met along the way. They have helped me further my academic career in so many ways. If it wasn’t for my time in the research program I wouldn’t be where I am today.

I am so grateful for the experience I had at Roswell Park and I cannot wait to continue my career in healthcare.