Maddie Wieringa

• Home institution: The University of Alabama

• Year: Senior

• Major: Biology, Psychology Minor, Pre-medicine

• Research Site: University of Kentucky

• What will I be researching this summer: I will be testing a new drug target, Deferoxamine, for treatment of T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (T-ALL), one of the most prevalent pediatric cancers, in the Blackburn Lab.

• Future goals: I hope to attend medical school and work as a physician. I am currently interested in pediatric oncology, pediatric emergency medicine, and anesthesiology in particular!

• Outside of the lab/classroom: I have played guitar and sang since I was little, and I am currently teaching myself piano! I also have a royal icing cookie business, MadsCookies, where I bake and decorate intricate cookies for weddings, anniversaries, baby showers, and more. Lastly, I love to be outdoors and travel, and my dream is to travel to every continent while doing volunteer medical work! 

• Additional thoughts: I am beyond excited to be working in the Blackburn Lab this summer to gain hands-on lab experience, work towards finding a safe and effective drug for T-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia, and make connections here at UK!