On Friday, Blake Evans, a senior microbiology and pre-med major at Kansas State University, finished eight weeks as a Presidential Scholar at OMRF.
OMRF’s Presidential Scholars work side-by-side with senior medical researchers on an in-depth, individual research project. At the end of the summer, the students write scientific papers and present their research results in formal seminars for OMRF’s scientific staff.
Evans’ ultimate career goal is to become a pediatric oncologist.
“My summer at OMRF has given me an appreciation for the treatments that I will be giving as a physician,” Evans said. “Without the dedication of these investigators, the advancement of medicine wouldn’t be possible.”
This summer, Evans worked in OMRF’s Advanced Magnetic Resonance Center with Rheal Towner, Ph.D. In the lab, he studied the effect of antibody treatment in mice against a protein that is associated with high-grade, very aggressive brain tumors. He used MRI techniques to assess changes in tumor volume as well as the rate of formation and flow of blood vessels.
The summer has had its challenges, said Evans, especially trying to fit such an extensive and important project into eight short weeks. But overall, he said he has gained a deeper understanding of the process of how a drug is initially researched until it is found on the market and in clinical treatments.
“This program is intense by any standards, and it takes a lot of determination for young people at this age to give up an entire summer to be a part of it,” said OMRF President Stephen Prescott, M.D. “But when they’re finished, they all agree the payback is incredible.”
