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Texas Academy student Isabella Tran has been selected for the highly competitive Carl B. & Florence E. King Foundation High School Summer Program in Biomedical Sciences at MD Anderson Cancer Center, one of the world’s leading cancer research institutions. This prestigious 10-week program, sponsored by the School of Health Professions, provides hands-on research experience for a select group of Texas high school seniors interested in biomedical sciences and allied health careers. 

Tran, who has a passion for medicine and scientific discovery, expressed her gratitude and excitement for the opportunity.

"Being selected for the program has been something that I would have never thought happened," Tran said. "I am truly grateful and excited about the opportunity to deepen my knowledge and gain experience for my passion for medicine and research, especially at one of the best cancer research centers in the world."

The King Foundation Summer Program introduces students to a research environment where they work alongside leading experts in the field of cancer research. Participants spend five days a week in MD Anderson laboratories, gaining firsthand experience in biomedical disciplines under the guidance of full-time faculty. The program also includes seminars, research competitions, and a final presentation showcasing each student’s work.

Tran described the rigorous application process, which required her to showcase her academic achievements, extracurricular activities, research interests, and career aspirations. She approached the process with authenticity.

"The application process was a bit challenging as I had to encompass all my academic experiences, extracurricular activities, research interests, and goals in life all in one application," she said. "However, I just answered in the most genuine way to have the application really reflect who I was."

Tran recalled the moment she received her acceptance email early one Monday morning, initially thinking she had misread the message.

"It was a surprise that felt surreal when I realized that I have this rare opportunity that I actually get to partake in this summer," she said

As part of the program, Tran will gain laboratory experience and collaborate with fellow participants from across the country, including high school graduates, undergraduate, and graduate students.

"I am eager to expand my research experience and deepen my knowledge of cancer," she said. "Even when I first entered Texas Academy, I have always wanted the chance to be able to conduct research, so being able to learn and conduct research in a lab at MD Anderson under a faculty member is something that I really look forward to."

Tran has already gained research experience at Texas Academy, where she has worked in the chemistry department under Dr. Guo. Her research focuses on developing fluorescent chemosensors to detect biomarkers such as cysteine for early-stage cancer detection. This experience, she said, has solidified her passion for scientific inquiry and its application to medicine.

"My time partaking in research has really allowed me to have a deeper appreciation of the hard work that comes with conducting research and has allowed me to want to continue research after I graduate high school," Tran said. "I want to integrate research into my future practice in my desire to pursue a medical career."

Looking ahead, Tran plans to major in biology with a minor in chemistry on a pre-med track. She aims to attend medical school and pursue a career as a physician, though she remains open to exploring different fields within medicine.

"I want to continue to work hard to become a physician because medicine is a big passion I want to pursue, and it will also give me a chance to inspire and make an impact on others," Tran said.

Tran hopes her selection for this program will serve as motivation for others, emphasizing that persistence and dedication can lead to remarkable opportunities.

"Being selected has really reminded me that anything is possible with hard work and dedication, even when you feel that you are at your lowest point," she said.