2026 FSP Spotlight

By IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center
July 30, 2026

The IU Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center offers summer programs for high school and undergraduate students to explore career paths in cancer research. Students work directly with a mentor physician or researcher, while participating in a wide range of basic science, translational, and clinical research activities.
 
We asked Florence Bosslet a few questions about her summer experience.

Name: Florence Bosslet
School: Pike High School, rising senior
Hometown: Indianapolis
Summer program: Future Scientist Program
Summer mentor: Yuliya Klymenko, MD, PhD, in the lab of Shannon Hawkins, MD, PhD
Career aspirations: Undecided; something in the biology field

What surprised you most about working in a research lab?

I was surprised by the level of independence that I was given while working in the lab. I had no lab experience prior to this; by my second week I was working with cells completely on my own and I felt comfortable doing it. I thought that I would have much less freedom because things in a lab can be very particular sometimes, but my mentor prepared me well and trusted me to do things on my own.

What advice would you give to a future summer program participant?

I would tell a future program participant to remember that not knowing something is perfectly normal. Especially as a high school student, I felt like I had no idea what I was doing for the first few days, but that is OK! The lab mentors are so helpful, and they make sure you feel prepared before sending you off to do something on your own. You can ask as many questions as you need to feel comfortable with what you’re doing — don’t be afraid to ask for more detail or clarification.

What is one thing you learned this summer that you’ll carry with you in the future?

This summer, I learned the value of a good mentor. I was so fortunate to have been placed in Dr. Hawkins’ lab because of all the wonderful people who are a part of it. I believe that their support is a big part of why research will continue to be an interest of mine. My lab mentor was such a big part of why I loved this summer because she was so enthusiastic about her work and getting me excited to be a part of their team.

Has this experience influenced your future education or career goals?

I always thought I would be an architect or an engineer, but this past year I discovered I had a love for biology and started to think I wanted to be a doctor. I applied for this program hoping to figure out if research was something I would be interested in. I loved my research experience, and I do think that I would like it to be a part of my future career in some way. Getting to experience a setting where everyone around me is interested in what they do showed me that I can find something that I am just as passionate about — whether it is research, medicine or something else entirely.