Giving forward, giving back: a degree with impact on cancer patients and future researchers

Shola Onissema-Karimu, Ph.D. Student

Hometown: Lindenwold NJ
Research focus: Tissue Engineering/Cancer Research
Advisor/lab affiliation: Claudia Fischbach-Teschl
Awards/honors/accomplishments:

• National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow
• Cornell Institute of Biotechnology Seed Grant Award
• Cornell 3rd Intercampus Cancer Symposium Poster Award 
• Dean’s Excellence Fellowship
• 2024 Robert Mozia Graduate Student Distinguished Service Award

What inspired you toward biomedical engineering?

Honestly, my path to biomedical engineering was initially a bit haphazard. When I entered college and was given a list of majors to choose from, I knew I didn’t want to focus solely on math or science, so I chose engineering because it had both. The biomedical engineering curriculum appealed to me because it covered a broad range of scientific disciplines including biology, chemistry, and physics. However, my decision to continue pursuing biomedical engineering in graduate school went beyond its multidisciplinary nature. What truly inspired me was the field's focus on improving health outcomes and addressing healthcare disparities. I was inspired to be part of a field dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the world of healthcare.

Why Cornell?

Cornell had resources that allowed me to establish a supportive community and foster a sense of safety, comfort, and belonging to accomplish my PhD. Despite societal perceptions, I firmly believe that when institutions invest in programs and resources tailored to diverse demographics, all students can thrive. Luckily, I benefitted from efforts being made at Cornell, which reassured me that I could grow both personally and academically here.

Brief description of your research topic/focus:

My research explores how the cancer drug doxorubicin impacts bone extracellular matrix and what role alterations of mesenchymal stem cell phenotype play in this process. I’m also developing novel model systems to understand how these therapy-related changes regulate how the cancer spreads to bones.

Best part of the Ph.D. so far?

The most rewarding aspect of my Ph.D. journey has been my growth as a scientist and having the opportunity to translate and share my knowledge at conferences and through outreach programs.

As I engage more in scientific settings and interact with students, I have gained confidence to see myself managing my own research lab one day. I believe earning this Ph.D. is not just for me, but is a way for me to give back to the next generation of students who aspire to be in my position. I want to create steppingstones and opportunities for students who come from backgrounds like mine to explore and learn about basic science research. I also hope to give students the tools and knowledge they need to make informed choices about their decisions concerning career paths, rather than making those decisions blindly, like I did.

What do you do for fun outside your academic/research experience?

I recently got back into crocheting; I am making an oversized cardigan inspired by my favorite anime series, One Piece. I enjoy going on long walks with my dog (Waddle), going on road trips to explore nearby states, watching anime and reality tv shows, and most importantly, turning off my mind.

What’s next for you?

I hope to pursue a post-doctoral position and continue my journey in academia. I believe that a Ph.D. program should train you and provide the tools necessary to become a great mentor and to succeed independently in a research lab. I am fortunate to be mentored by Meinig School professor and director Dr. Claudia Fischbach-Teschl, and I sincerely believe that by the time I graduate I will be well-prepared to take this next step.