Emily Shakespear (MMBIO ‘26) gazes down through the microscope at the bone marrow sample on a slide, her excitement is palpable as she examines the specimen. She’s been studying these cells for 10 months now, yet she continues to be in awe of organic processes within the body.
Working with Dr. Sandra Hope, Shakespear uses mice bone marrow samples to examine the role of c-fms (a macrophage specific gene promoter) in the process of hematopoiesis or the generation of new blood cells in bone marrow. When a cell in your body dies, macrophages have a special role in disposing of those cells as well as fighting off pathogens to maintain the body’s daily function. “Macrophages are like the garbage men of your body,” Shakespear explains.
Despite their essential and generally helpful nature in the body, macrophages can also contribute to diseases through inflammation and supporting tumor growth. While Shakespear’s research is foundational, studying the basic mechanics of this promoter helps scientists examine the long-term impacts of cell development for patients in the future.
Allowing Her Faith to Guide Her Work
Over time, Shakespear’s studies have reinforced her belief that God is an ever-present being in the lives of His children. She explained how often in immunology, scientists study what goes wrong in the body and work backwards from there to discover the functions of cells and genes. “It is amazing how most of us are still alive,” she exclaims, “considering all the little molecular interactions happening in your blood every moment of every day.”
Her studies have filled her with a deep love for those whose bodies don't function well or those who have genetic abnormalities or diseases. “We might not be less fortunate now, but we might be in the future. We never know who's going to need our help or when. We need to prepare as best we can and continue learning new things to help others,” Shakespear explains.
This desire to serve others is Shakespear’s primary motivator in her work. By learning more about the immune system, she hopes to contribute meaningful research to impact the lives of those who can’t help themselves. “I know that’s what Christ would have me do,” she says.
We never know who's going to need our help or when. We need to prepare as best we can and continue learning new things to help others.
Navigating Mental Health
Reflecting on her experience at BYU while managing anxiety, Shakespear shares, “It’s not been easy, but I’m grateful for what I’ve learned.” During her junior year, when a class grade was incorrectly filed, subsequently delaying her academic scholarship, the stress brought her to her lowest point as a student. Additionally, funding cuts to college programs nationwide cast a dismal shadow on her post-graduation plans.
Eventually utilizing BYU’s Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS), she came to feel validated in her struggles, capable of overcoming them, and able to move forward despite the uncertainty of life.
Regardless of the hardships, Shakespear knew better than to entertain thoughts of hopelessness. After a classmate told her they hoped she would be able to get into a graduate program, she replied, “If I get rejected, I’m just going to try again. You can’t stop me.” Shakespear believes the path forward is shaped by resilience, explaining, “It doesn’t matter if you’re smart. You’ve just got to be stubborn.” At the end of the day, Shakespear affirms, “Life still continues after college.”
Shakespear’s advice for other students is to build relationships with their professors. For Shakespear, forging a bond with Dr. Hope has made all the difference in her undergraduate years: “Dr. Hope fills me with a lot of confidence and reassurance that I can do what she does. Her story inspires me and makes me want to help other students one day.”
Shakespear plans to apply to PhD programs to study immunology, adding that she is “specifically interested in the innate immune system, which is the general upkeep of our bodies.” She hopes to increase her understanding of the immune system and find meaningful clinical applications to help those in need. She also aims to become a professor so she can pass on her passion for immunology and service to the next generation of researchers.