Working under Laura Gibson, Ph.D., at the Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center as part of her Honors College Program, Diamond’s research focuses on a signaling molecule found in leukemic cells and believed to contribute to tumor growth. She also studies the effects of chemotherapy on the molecule.
“So far, we’ve discovered that this molecule seems to be controlled by a specific mechanism that contributes to its production,” Diamond said. “Research like this can potentially help millions of people suffering from leukemia. I’m excited about explaining the work we do in our lab to lawmakers and helping them understand the importance of funding biomedical science.”
After she graduates from WVU in May, Diamond plans to pursue graduate school and earn a Ph.D. in biomedical science. Ultimately, she wants to have her own lab and do research on finding cures for cancer and other diseases.
Diamond is also a recipient of the WVU PROMISE Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship and the Presidential Award for Excellence and Scholarship.
Earlier this year, Diamond was selected as WVU’s homecoming queen. She hopes to use her title to draw attention to biomedical research and the need for government funding.
Diamond is the daughter of Harvey and Theresa Diamond of Morgantown.
