Senior undergraduate biochemistry major Emma Powers is the recipient of a 2025 Gates Cambridge Scholarship. This prestigious scholarship provides funding to complete a post-graduate degree at the University of Cambridge. With less than 2% of applicants selected each year, it is highly selective and designed to identify future global leaders committed to improving the lives of others.
Emma will use her scholarship to complete a Master of Philosophy degree in oncology, building on the solid foundation in oncology research that she has established over the past four years in the Harper Cancer Research Institute in the laboratory of Laurie Littlepage, Campbell Family Associate Professor of Cancer Research. Emma’s research has focused on studying the chemokine CXCL5 and its receptor CXCR2. Chemokines are signaling proteins that direct the migration of cells, particularly white blood cells, and they play an important role in the body’s immune and inflammatory responses. Using mouse models, Emma has studied how the development of bone, adipose, and mammary gland tissue is affected by changes in the CXCL5/CXCR2 pathway.
Emma has also completed internships with the Mayo Clinic and Pfizer to expand her knowledge of the broader field of cancer treatment. At the Mayo Clinic, she interacted with patients and gained a deeper appreciation of her motivation to develop better cancer treatments. At Pfizer, she learned about the manufacturing and production side of the pharmaceutical industry and what is involved in moving a new drug from the lab to market.
At Cambridge, she will be researching hereditary diffuse gastric cancer. This will enable her to learn new skills in solid tumor research by employing patient-derived organoid models to validate genetic targets and the efficacy of potential therapeutics. “I am excited to spend a year focusing on a new and exciting research project that is outside of anything I have done before. Also, I am excited to be a part of the incredible community at Cambridge through the Gates Cambridge Program. It will be an incredible experience to meet and talk to some of the most driven and intelligent scholars in the world,” Emma said about being chosen for this honor.
After Cambridge, Emma plans to pursue a Ph.D. in cancer biology, with the ultimate goal of working as a principal scientist developing novel oncology therapies. She credits the support of her Notre Dame professors and classmates for helping her achieve success in her endeavors. “Notre Dame and the community have pushed me to excel in ways I never knew were possible or achievable. From everyone in the Department of Chemistry & Biochemistry, College of Science, and the Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement, I could not have made it to where I am without all of these people being there to support me.”
Emma is also the recipient of several other awards, including being named a Sorin Scholar, President’s Circle mentee, Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholar, and Barry Goldwater Scholar.