Inside the Lab: Summer Cancer Research at Dickinson
A student hosts a tour of Dickinson's biology lab.
With Associate Professor of Biology Mike Roberts, students study a challenging form of cancer
video by Joe O'Neill
Step into the Rector Science Complex for an exclusive look at how students are advancing the future of oncology. Each summer in a state-of-the-art cancer research lab, a small team works alongside Associate Professor Michael Roberts to study acute myeloid leukemia.
From utilizing real-time PCR technology to investigate gene expression—including specific work on the ZNF-697 transcription factor—this program offers students a unique, hands-on opportunity to tackle complex medical challenges.
"As an undergraduate, it's incredible to be able to have this experience," says Bridget McHugh '28 (biology)."I don't think I'd have this anywhere else or even the opportunity to be in a lab like this. We get housing, we get a stipend for this. We have a connection with a professor on such a deep level. So I feel really lucky."
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Published July 6, 2026