Elizabeth Fang

Research: For my honors thesis, I’m conducting colorectal cancer research. We want to focus chemotherapy treatment so it homes in on a tumor without the side effects of IV dosing. I’m working with Dr. Robert Campbell to compound a suppository dosage of chemo. I learned how to compound medicines during one of my co-ops at a local pharmacy.

Lesson learned: My honors research has strengthened my time management skills.

Educational value: My research has had a profound effect on my education. It puts a different perspective on my course work. In class, we learn how to diagnose and screen. But in the lab, I’m able to work with live cancer cells. It’s opened my perspective to how fast things change in my field: everything I’m learning could change in the next few years.

Future in focus: I had considered a career in research. This project taught me that I prefer to interact with other people instead of working alone in a lab. That’s a good thing to know; I will pursue a more clinical career.

Memorable moment: I didn’t realize the impact our research might have until we presented at the Research and Technology Expo. There, I saw the interest and value others placed on our work.

Research effect: Conducting research as an undergraduate gives you an academic foundation. It opens your eyes to all the things Northeastern has to offer. You get to really see the caliber of the research being conducted here.