At Monday night’s board meeting, Madeline Hillaire, senior at De Soto High School, shared an inspiring glimpse into the world of scientific research.

Through an internship with the University of Kansas Cancer Center, Madeline has been immersed in advanced cancer research, specifically studying the cellular metabolism of the BRCA-1 gene mutation in breast cancer. Her work places her alongside experienced researchers tackling complex questions for future treatments and scientific understanding.

Madeline attends the research lab every other afternoon, where she begins each session by preparing and running experiments. From there, she conducts detailed calculations and performs in-depth analysis of her results — work that demands both precision and critical thinking. After extensive training, she is now operating independently, a remarkable achievement for a high school student.

Even more impressive, Madeline is conducting experiments on proteins related to the BRCA-1 gene that have not been previously explored. The data she is generating has the potential to contribute to future studies and may even be included in published scientific papers.

Beyond the lab work, Madeline has embraced the opportunity to engage with professionals in the field. These experiences have allowed her to build connections and deepen her understanding of potential career pathways in cancer research.

Madeline expressed deep gratitude for the internship program, noting that it has given her a unique opportunity to explore her passions in a meaningful, hands-on way. More importantly, it has helped her gain clarity and confidence about her future, solidifying her desire to pursue a career in scientific research.

Her dedication, curiosity, and initiative exemplify the incredible opportunities available to students and the powerful impact of real-world learning experiences. Madeline is doing more than preparing for her future; she’s contributing to it today.