Tackling Cancer and Food Insecurity
Student Snapshot: Claire Choplick ’26
A love of science and a passion for public health brought Claire Choplick ’26 to Dickinson, where she majors in biochemistry & molecular biology with a minor in sociology. Working as a Community Engagement Fellow gives her a deeper understanding of food insecurity and a chance to make a difference. And as a student-researcher in Associate Professor of Biology Mike Roberts' cancer lab, she’s contributing to our understanding of how scientists may be able to stop cancer cell division. With fellow student-researchers, she’s attended and presented at the American Association for Cancer Research annual conference in Chicago.
Hometown:
Finksburg, Md.
High school:
Westminster High School.
Major:
Biochemistry & molecular biology, with a minor in sociology.
Why I chose Dickinson:
I chose Dickinson because I wanted a liberal-arts education that would connect my love of science research with my interest in public health.
Best thing about my Dickinson experience so far:
"One of the highlights of my time at Dickinson has been working in Associate Professor of Biology Mike Roberts’ lab, studying acute myeloid leukemia, and working at Project SHARE, a local food pantry. Dickinson has allowed me to nurture both my interests in cancer biology and my passion for civic engagement."
Best thing about my major:
What I love most about the biochemistry & molecular biology major is how collaborative it is. Working through tough topics with classmates has helped me learn so much, and it’s also how I met some of my closest friends.
Favorite class:
The Biology of Cancer. I’ve loved learning how cancer cells survive in the human body and what we can do to stop them. What makes the class even more exciting is that the lab connects directly to the lectures. We actually test new drugs that may stop cancer cell division. It’s been amazing to work on something that ties into my future goals.
Favorite professor:
Michael Roberts has really nurtured my passion for translational research. I’ve worked as a research assistant in his lab for four semesters, and he’s been there every step of the way, helping me with internships, graduate school applications and offering invaluable guidance overall.
About my internships:
Throughout my four years at Dickinson, I’ve interned at Project SHARE, a nonprofit food pantry in Carlisle, through the Center for Civic Learning & Action’s Civic Engagement Fellow program. This experience has allowed me to build meaningful connections within the local community through weekly interactions with residents and to gain a deeper understanding of food insecurity issues in Carlisle.
About my research:
I’ve been researching how to make acute myeloid leukemia cells differentiate and become noncancerous by studying target genes in the BCL2 gene family. Along the way, I’ve learned important lab techniques like RT-qPCR, western blotting, and flow cytometry, which has helped me attain external summer internships.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I am currently applying for Ph.D. programs in biochemistry and cancer biology.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
Never hesitate to reach out to people whose passions interest you. Making those connections is the best way to learn about the amazing opportunities on campus and beyond!
Clubs and organizations:
MOB (vice president), Center for Civic Learning & Action (Civic Engagement Fellow), Wheel and Chain and Ultimate Frisbee.
Honors/scholarships/awards:
The Delaplaine McDaniel Prize, George Shuman and Mary Louise D’olier Shuman Prize and the Stafford Fellowship in Bioinformatics.
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Published February 11, 2026