Exploring Faith and Science in Egypt
A donor-funded research trip to Egypt transformed Madeline Swapp’s worldview, faith, and future in medicine and service.
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Finding Her Passion: Cancer Research
November 2025
Growing up in South Dakota, DeLaney Anderson had no desire to go to Utah for college. But when she visited BYU campus, she realized it was where God wanted her to be. In her sophomore year, she started doing cancer research in the Barrott Lab as part of the Simmons Center for Cancer Research.
“I have had family and friends suffering with cancer be blessed and healed through science,” Anderson says. “Seeing what a God-given blessing treatments and science have been for people around the world, I wanted to join the cause.”
Anderson and her fellow student researchers studied how tumors are stored and discovered that freezing tumors for analysis would yield better molecular results than the common method of wax storage. She hopes her research can lead to patients getting more accurate care.
“I found my passion in cancer research, and now I’m hoping to pursue a career in it,” she says. “I love the integration of science and faith at BYU, and I’m so grateful God gives us gifts we can use to bless others.”
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