From bench to bed: Undergrad spends summer immersed in cancer research

Karys Hildebrand is a fourth-year undergraduate student in the Faculty of Kinesiology with long-term career goals in medicine. She is one of 35 undergraduates participating in the 2018 summer session of the Markin Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP) in Health and Wellness. Between May and September, Hildebrand is performing bench science aimed at advancing understanding of paediatric cancers.

Dr. Michael Monument, MD, at the Cumming School of Medicine, is Hildebrand’s Markin USRP faculty mentor. Through supporting Markin USRP studentships, faculty mentors like Monument enable research experiences that develop invaluable skills and enrich their mentees’ career pathways. 

Hildebrand is investigating a type of rare cancer called Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), a soft tissue tumour that occurs in cells that typically become skeletal muscle. RMS can affect individuals of all ages; however, the incidence of sarcomas account for 10 per cent of childhood malignancies. Hildebrand’s summer research project involves testing a drug in a mouse that has a similar tumour. 

Hildebrand is keen to translate findings from labs like Monument’s to improvements in patient care experiences. Like many Markin USRP scholars, Hildebrand has a passion for health care. Hildebrand is a former athlete currently coaching youth soccer and tutoring youth in chemistry. Her interest in children’s physical activity and holistic development will inform her scholarly work this summer. Earning a research studentship is a major milestone on Hildebrand’s journey toward understanding the science that guides best practice in cancer care. 

“When choosing a project, it was important for me to select one where I would be investigating cancer in hopes of contributing to a greater understanding of it,” says Hildebrand. She is pleased to be investigating the treatment of a cancer that greatly impacts the lives of young people.

“I truly hope that this project will be able to shed light upon the intricacies of RMS and that it may contribute to the improvement of treatment for an increased quality of life for people living with it.” 

The summer Markin USRP experience includes two student seminars. Hildebrand is finding these gatherings beneficial; not only do students network with other Markin USRP colleagues from faculties across campus, they are also developing their communication and knowledge translation skills.

Markin USRP students participate in a research symposium at the end of their studentship. Summer scholars present their work in September while fall/winter students present their work in early April each year. 

Hildebrand is grateful for the support she is receiving from Monument and the Markin USRP staff. She recommends this summer studentship to undergraduates interested in health research and practice, because it provides a unique opportunity to link lecture theatre concepts to lab research, and ultimately, patient experiences. 

Michael Monument is an assistant professor in the Department of Surgery and a member of the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health and the Arnie Charbonneau Cancer Institute at the Cumming School of Medicine.