By Jill Pease
Two University of Florida College of Public Health and Health Professions Bachelor of Health Science students are among 12 UF undergraduates selected for the UF Health Cancer Center’s University Scholars Program for 2024-2025.
PHHP students Ania Kelegama and Cathleen Rabideau will gain experience and technical skills in cancer research. Students complete individual research projects under the supervision of a UF faculty member, attend seminars and receive mentoring from Cancer Center graduate students and postdoctoral trainees who host activities and monthly seminars for the undergraduates. At the end of the program, scholars participate in a research symposium and give an oral presentation on their research projects.
Kelegama is conducting research in cancer targeting and therapeutics with Brian Law, Ph.D., an associate professor of pharmacology and therapeutics in the UF College of Medicine.
“I am most excited about the program as I am gaining hands-on experience in cell biology, as I cultivate my own breast cancer cell line,” Kelegama said. “Working directly with cancer cells has deepened my understanding of the complexities of cancer biology and the challenges involved in developing effective therapies. The opportunity to further refine these skills in the program, while working on cutting-edge research, aligns with my goal of translating lab discoveries into meaningful cancer treatments that can improve patient care.”
Kelegama was drawn to cancer research and the Cancer Center University Scholars Program because of her own diagnosis of a complex medical condition known as polycystic ovarian syndrome.
“This experience heightened my awareness of the intricate interplay between hormonal imbalances and the increased risk of various cancers, including ovarian, pancreatic, endometrial and breast cancer,” she said. “Having navigated the complexities of my own health condition, I am acutely aware of the emotional and physical toll that a diagnosis can take on individuals and their loved ones. I recognize the urgency of developing targeted therapies that not only combat cancer at a molecular level, but also enhance the overall patient experience.”
An aspiring physician, Kelegama plans to apply the lessons she is learning in research, classroom studies and volunteer work to provide holistic patient care.
“In everything I do, I want to honor the lessons my grandmother taught me — that art is more than just expression; it’s a lifeline,” she said. “To be the mediator between someone’s fear of today and hope for tomorrow is the greatest responsibility one can have. As a doctor, I hope to use art to bridge gaps in patient care, enhancing an individual’s well-being and honoring their unique stories and strengths.”
Rabideau has focused on immuno-oncology and microbiome studies under the mentorship of John Ligon, M.D., an assistant professor of pediatrics at the UF College of Medicine. She has been working in Ligon’s lab, which is focused on developing an mRNA vaccine, for two years.
“I will be helping to create a vaccine for a fusion based non-small cell lung cancer to test in vivo,” Rabideau said. “If all goes to plan, this will help to prove that the vaccine is effective in these types of cancers. I am excited to have more independence and really home in on my research skills, both in the lab conducting the experiments and outside of the lab when writing a paper. With more independence also comes more responsibility, which I also look forward to. I know it will be challenging but I am really passionate about this work, so I am excited to do it.”
She is also eager to participate in the opportunities the Cancer Center’s University Scholars Program offers, including publication, meeting graduate students and presenting a poster in the spring.
“I really enjoy conversing with other people involved in cancer research,” Rabideau said. “There is so much we can learn from each other so that was a big appeal of the program. Additionally, the extra funding the program provides will be very helpful in allowing me to finish out my senior year strong.”
Following graduation, Rabideau plans to explore her interests in global health by pursuing a master’s degree in cancer studies abroad and eventually apply to medical school following two gap years.
“While I am still pretty unsure of the specialty I want to pursue, I want to stay involved in cancer research to some extent as well as pursue opportunities in health policy, whether that means eventually running for office or working behind-the-scenes,” she said.