Rachel Westphal Interns at BJU Cancer Research Lab

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GREENVILLE, S.C. (June 22, 2020) – Rachel Westphal, a senior premed major at Bob Jones University, serves as a summer research assistant at BJU’s Cancer Research Lab Research Immersion for Undergrads (RIU) program in Greenville.

A resident of Midland, Michigan, Westphal is responsible for designing and performing experiments exploring the effects of almonds on cancer cell lines. She is one of five BJU students in the RIU program. 

“I had the privilege of participating in RIU last year, where we were focused on studying what type of molecules resulted in the demonstrated cytotoxic effect of almond extract on two cancerous cell lines. We made great progress, particularly in gaining information about the size of the effective molecules as well as discovering that polyphenols are likely behind the observed cytotoxicity,” said Westphal. 

“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to continue last year’s research again this summer, especially since I appreciate how this cancer research practically applies what I have learned in previous classes as well as expands my knowledge and experience within this area.” 

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