Caleb Lines
Lines, of Nashua, is pursuing his undergraduate degree in biochemistry at Wartburg. After earning an M.D.-Ph.D., a dual degree for those pursuing a physician-scientist career, he hopes to lead a cancer research team focused on developing clinical trials by conducting translational research at an academic medical center and pursue a teaching position at an academic hospital.
“Someone with an M.D.-Ph.D. bridges the gap between the medical field with the field of research. They’re important in translating the findings that scientists have in the research world to actual medical treatments that are applicable in a care setting. I’m personally very interested in fulfilling that role of bridging that gap,” Lines said.
Already Lines, who also is in the college’s Scholars Program, has done historical research related to the 1918 Spanish influenza epidemic, ovarian cancer research and an internship in Taiwan, where he conducted agricultural research about a fungal disease in peppers.
Shawn Ellerbroek, the Ralph E. Otto Endowed Professor in Chemistry, has seen Lines’ enthusiasm and dedication to research and academics.
“A boundless source of energy and enthusiasm, Caleb frequently volunteers, works as a certified nursing assistant and excels in his challenging biochemistry pre-med coursework. It is absolutely my privilege to be Caleb’s academic and research adviser,” Ellerbroek said. “He is a great person and his many accomplishments come from his deep and earnest desire to make a positive difference in the world.”
In 1986, Congress established the Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation to honor the lifetime work of Sen. Barry Goldwater, a five-term senator from Arizona and U.S. Air Force officer.