Junior Ethan Hancey, recently attended an internship at the lab of Travis Sawyer at the University of Arizona Wyatt College of Optical Sciences in Tucson. He conducted experiments that investigated whether scientists could use certain biomarkers, the measured indicators of a condition, to determine where the cancer is present and if it could be dissected. 

This process was made possible by machine model learning, which combines optics with artificial intelligence. With the help of this machine, Hancey recognized patterns that would advance cancer research by giving the machine bits of data that he collected from his experimental observations. Hancey was able to identify where the cancer tumor is growing by differentiating between the patterns of a healthy tissue versus a cancerous tissue. 

Beyond his research, Hancey’s success is widely driven by his kind personality. Lylah Vincent, Hancey’s former English teacher stated, “I’m really proud of him. I mean, he is partaking in a program that is really hard to get into.” 

When describing what Hancey is like as a person, Sylvia Fuller, Hancey’s girlfriend states, “He is really kind and welcoming to whoever, and he doesn’t judge someone based on their looks.” She adds onto this by stating that he is a responsible student. 

In the future, Hancey hopes to get into the medical field. He adds, “Research is your ability to contribute to the world.” Hancey ultimately feels as if he made an impact on the world of cancer research. 

Hancey has an automatic acceptance from the University of Arizona from this internship, but will keep his options open. Hancey’s passion for the medical field shows that he is willing to dedicate his career to improving society at-large.