#Fisher2025: Alumna to Continue Biochemical Research in Ph.D. Program

This fall, new alumna Emma Cooper will begin studies in the biochemistry and molecular biology doctoral program at the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry.

A biochemistry major with minors in biology and psychology, Cooper’s interest in research was sparked her sophomore year, when she engaged in a project creating cell models of autosomal recessive disorders using CRISPR-Cas9 genetic editing.

“Gaining these skills allowed me to obtain a genetics and genomics research internship at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Institute my junior year,” she explained. “Fisher’s smaller size and collection of remarkable professors have, without a doubt, allowed me to be successful in my field.”

A member of the Honors Program, Cooper said the University’s environment allowed her the opportunity to excel in the classroom and grow into a competitive student-athlete throughout her collegiate career. She was recruited to Fisher to play field hockey and in her first season, the team won the Empire 8 championship. During her time on the team, she highlighted that having many great teammates has significantly shaped her into the person she is today.

“If I had to go back in time and pick an undergraduate college again, I would still 100 percent choose Fisher,” she said. “I was able to get a well-rounded and personalized education.”