Thomas College biology and psychology student Macy Cram is one of 11 students selected for the University of Florida Health Cancer Center’s STRONGER Program internship this summer.
Cram, from New Limerick, Maine, is spending the summer conducting cancer research under the mentorship of Samantha Ali Ghandour, a PhD student in Pharmaceutical Sciences. She is assisting with research exploring Mitochondria-Associated Extracellular Vesicles as Mediators of Metabolic Signaling while gaining hands-on experience in cell culture and advanced laboratory techniques.
Cram was one of just 11 students selected for this prestigious program. She credits Thomas College faculty, including Dr. Allison Moloney and Dr. Julia Saloni, for encouraging her to apply and supporting her throughout the process.
“I honestly did not think I would get into such an advanced program. I am very grateful to have been afforded this opportunity and for those who helped me get here,” said Cram. “I think that I stood out for this program because of my varied study path. Most people who were accepted into the program are biology or biochemistry majors. I, however, have a dual major in psychology and biology, and have a great interest in neuroscience and the intersection of those two fields. At Thomas so far, I designed and conducted a research project in our Experimental Design Analysis and Communication course, taught by Dr. Dickson. In my personal statement, I spoke about my experience with this and how I desired to learn more about research in the biological field.”
Thomas College biology professor Dr. Allison Moloney says Cram’s grit and work ethic will help her to excel in this program.
“The UFHealth STRONGER program is a highly competitive opportunity. A program like this will expose Macy to the most current cutting-edge cancer research, give her the opportunity to learn innovative techniques, work with impressive equipment, and analyze and present data that she will collect herself,” said Moloney. “Macy has proven she is on par with the best student researchers in the country. At the end of this program, she will have many more doors open for her after Thomas College.”
Cram hopes to combine her interests in biology and psychology in a field like neuropsychology. She is set to graduate from Thomas College in spring 2027.