Caitlyn Sams
Biological Sciences and Chemistry & Chemical Biology
Fort Collins, Colo.
Why did you choose Cornell?
Cornell’s many majors, colleges, and opportunities made it stand out as a place where I could grow both academically and personally. Cornell’s motto “Any person, any study” deeply resonated with me. During my time here, I’ve done my best to embody it, pursuing a broad range of fields from environmental policy to immunology. Cornell also holds a special place in my heart because my parents met here as undergraduates in ‘93. Growing up hearing stories about their time on campus made me even more eager to make my own path and build my own Cornell story.
What was your favorite class and why?
My favorite class was Medicinal Botany and Drug Discovery with Professor Giulia Friso. In this course I was able to blend my backgrounds in chemistry and biology to understand how plant-derived compounds have been used throughout history to treat diseases and lay the foundation for many modern drugs. The class connected scientific discovery with cultural knowledge. It was also a prerequisite for a transformative winter course in the Peruvian Amazon, where we studied medicinal plants in the rainforest and learned from natural healers. Being able to apply what I learned in the classroom to real-world settings was an unforgettable and incredibly meaningful experience.
What Cornell memory do you treasure the most?
Every fall on the first day of classes, and every spring after Slope Day, my friends and I go swimming in Cayuga Lake. These swims have become a ritual that marks the beginnings and the endings. In the fall, it is the best way to center ourselves and prepare for the hard work ahead. In the spring, it’s a moment of celebration and reflection for our accomplishments throughout the year. I will always treasure the feeling of jumping into the lake, surrounded by friends, reminded of how lucky I am.
What have you accomplished as a Cornell student that you are most proud of?
I am most proud of the work I accomplished in the Dongre Lab. For the past three and a half years, I have been working in the Dongre Lab at the Veterinary Research Tower. I study how targeting an ectoenzyme called CD73 can improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade therapies against triple negative breast cancer. This experience taught me technical skills in wet lab and data analysis, but also showed me the importance of working persistently towards answers. It led to opportunities I never imagined, such as a summer research internship at Harvard Medical School, presenting my work at the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting in San Diego, publishing a peer-reviewed paper and completing a Senior Honors Thesis! Joining the Dongre Lab was hands down the best decision I made at Cornell. It confirmed my passion for cancer research, inspired me to pursue an M.D.-Ph.D. dual degree in oncology, and opened so many doors for me. I will carry the lessons and mentorship from this experience wherever I go.
How have your beliefs or perspectives changed since you first arrived at Cornell?
I’ve learned to believe in my ability to take on challenges, even when they seem daunting. Cornell pushed me out of my comfort zone again and again. Throughout this process, I have discovered a deeper confidence in myself. I have also realized that it’s okay not to have everything figured out, as long as you’re open to learning, growing and adapting.
Who or what influenced your Cornell education the most?
My parents have had the greatest influence on my Cornell experience. They are my biggest inspiration, showing me the importance of work ethic and dedication. Their love, support and encouragement have guided me through every high and low. Thank you for everything Mom and Dad!
Every year, our faculty nominate graduating Arts & Sciences students to be featured as part of our Extraordinary Journeys series.Read more about the Class of 2025.
