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Community building is an intentional
part of the fellowship program, Purdy said. The students live close to
one another for the summer and take part in workshops and social
activities with staff members—including herself; Glenn Rall, professor
and chief academic officer; and Alyssa Leystra, education
coordinator—during their time away from the lab. They are also
encouraged to discuss medical careers other than research with Fox Chase
professionals and to shadow clinicians or others if they choose to do
so.
“This is a comprehensive cancer hospital, so the students see
patients and clinicians as they walk around,” Purdy said. “They can see
those kinds of personal interactions and how all the pieces [of research
and treatment] fit together.”
Student Joy Orume said she applied to the fellowship to help her
learn her strengths and passions as she made career decisions. The
experience made her realize she didn’t want to pursue a doctorate but is
more interested in a master’s degree in bioinformatics.
“Do it!” she said she advises other students about the summer
fellowship. “I honestly think anyone would benefit from the experience I
had.”
To Lobban, the experience also provided
“many professional and soft skills that I can carry with me wherever I
go,” saying that he “became a better presenter, problem solver, liaison,
researcher, writer, networker [and] friend.”
With the four new alumni, 16 UD students have completed a summer fellowship.