130 years of excellence: AFRO Gala set to kick anniversary celebration into high gear August 4, 2022.Help us Continue to tell OUR Story and join the AFRO family as a member – subscribers are now members! Join here! Secondly, these same communities often lack the resources needed to diagnose and treat cancer which worsens their outcomes compared to privileged communities. To better understand how cancer impacts minorities, they need to be included in trials and studies. Two issues that I am passionate about concerning underrepresented communities and pediatric oncology is one, representation in research. However, her perseverance throughout treatment and constant support of my academics inspired me to study cancer.ĪFRO: What type of perspective do you hope to bring to cancer research that may not currently exist?įA: I hope to bring a perspective that highlights serving underrepresented communities and the hardships they face. Her pain after treatment was the most difficult part to witness. Resar’s lab, I have specifically been exploring pediatric leukemia.ĪFRO: What were some of the emotions you experienced as you saw your godmother battled cancer? And how did that strengthen your resolve to study the disease?įA: Watching my godmother battle cancer was very sad and frightening. Through my involvement with the POST Program and Dr. This opportunity allowed me to explore various research techniques and connect with research professionals that have inspired my journey.ĪFRO What made you interested in the area of pediatric oncology? Within that area is there a specialty that you are currently particularly interested in exploring?įA: After studying cancer in my undergraduate courses and learning about the difficult side effects children endure from these rare cancers, I became very interested in pediatric oncology. It was here that I discovered my interest in biology specifically.ĪFR: Your most memorable experience so far in your studies of science?įA: I would say that the POST Program is the most memorable experience of my scientific studies. In middle school, I joined many STEM-based after-school activities where I was exposed to different scientific fields. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in science when I was thirteen. Linda Resar while I was interning in her lab.ĪFRO: What is your background in science? From what age did you know you wanted to pursue a science career?įA: I recently graduated with a BA in Biology from Notre Dame of Maryland University. The grant funding, from Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation along with the Northwestern Mutual Foundation, will support undergraduate, graduate and medical students through eight weeks of research experience with top researchers in the pediatric oncology field, allowing students to gain more valuable experience while also helping advance the treatment options and research for childhood cancer.Īsomani, whose family was personally touched by cancer, recently spoke with the AFRO via email.ĪFRO: How did you come to hear about and apply for the grant?įA: I heard about the grant from my mentor Dr. According to the National Pediatric Cancer Foundation, “Of the billions of dollars spent annually in cancer, only 4% is directed toward treating childhood cancer.” Through this program, Asomani and eleven other students across the country are awarded grant funding to join a lab research project focused on pediatric oncology. (Courtesy photo)Ĭongratulations to Notre Dame of Maryland University student Fidelia Asomani, who was recently named one of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s 2021 Pediatric Oncology Student Training (POST) program grant recipients. Fidelia Asomani, was recently named one of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation’s 2021 Pediatric Oncology Student Training (POST) program grant recipients.

Fidelia advanced