Annalynn Williams ’08, M.S. Doctoral Candidate ’18 Division of Epidemiology
Nearly eight years ago when I had just begun coursework for a Masters in Epidemiology, I received the life-altering diagnosis of leukemia. I am now celebrating six years of being cancer free. Perhaps you are a cancer survivor too, or know someone who has been impacted by this terrible disease and can relate to how cancer changes everything—your daily life, goals, outlook, and your future. In my case, my diagnosis became a motivator for career aspirations—with the hopes that I could help improve the lives of others who fight cancer.
My experience with the disease showed me the need for more effective treatments that are less toxic for cancer patients. The interdepartmental collaborative nature of the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry’s Graduate Education Program was unparalleled in my search. For this reason, I chose Rochester to also pursue my post doctorate education because of the unique opportunities for research and partnership available with the Wilmot Cancer Institute. Following my treatments, and after I received my Masters degree, I began conducting research for the Department of Public Health Sciences at UR Medicine.
Without the support of alumni, my exposure to unique research experiences, cancer development workshops, guest faculty, and other offerings through the Graduate Student Society would not have been possible. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to immerse myself in research that someday I can turn into a direct impact on those who have fallen ill with a complex disease like leukemia.