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Brittney Benjamin sought a connection between genetics and lymphoma. Her research focused on a protein with the name MEF2B, which, when it mutates, is a major contributor to lymphoma. She studied data on mice bred to delete the MEF28 to see what impact that made. The protein’s effect on lymphoma remains unclear, but Benjamin’s research helps further the understanding of how lymphoma develops. She has held an interest in science since she was a child, and was inspired to turn to medicine because of her mother, a nurse.

“That passion for medicine stemmed from my admiration of my mom who got to combine her compassion with science to help others every day,” she said.

Several years ago, she took a particular interest in genetics. Her lymphoma research arose from her admiration of Dr. Katia Basso’s work with cancer at Columbia’s Irving Medical Center.

“By studying the molecular origins of diseases like lymphoma, I hope that I can continue to provide the insight necessary for the creation of more effective medical treatments,” she said.