University Scholar Combines Cancer Research and Cultural Immersion in Germany

When University Scholar Dayna Smith walked into a research lab at Tübingen University Hospital in Tübingen, Germany last summer, she was stepping into more than just a professional opportunity. She was embracing a unique intersection of her academic passions: cancer research and the German language. 

“Living and working in Germany was a challenge, but it was also one of the most rewarding experiences of my life,” Smith said. “Every day, I was learning something new—about science, the language, and myself. I was pushed out of my comfort zone in so many ways, and I came back with a deeper understanding of not just my field of research but also of different perspectives on life and work. I’m incredibly grateful for the chance to learn in that setting.” 

Smith’s journey to Germany began during her internship in the Department of Leukemia at MD Anderson Cancer Center, a program facilitated by Baylor’s Honors College. While researching her MD Anderson principal investigator’s (PI) academic background, Smith discovered he had completed a postdoctoral fellowship in Tübingen, Germany, where she had lived for two years as a child. Inspired by the coincidence and eager to continue pursuing cancer research, she reached out to ask if he could connect her with researchers there. One email led to another, and before long, she had secured a summer internship at Tübingen University Hospital. 

“I never imagined that a simple conversation would open such an incredible door,” Smith said. “It wasn’t just about continuing my research—it was about exploring a place that held personal meaning and pushing myself to grow in ways I hadn’t expected. I felt like I was reconnecting with a part of my past while doing something professionally meaningful.” 

During the internship, Smith researched the impact of epinephrine stimulation on acute myeloid leukemia cells. The focus differed from her work at MD Anderson, and exploring this facet of acute myeloid leukemia deepened her understanding of the disease. 

“It was a phenomenal experience,” Smith said. “I started out speaking mostly English in the lab, but by the end of the summer, I could participate in meetings in German. At first, it was tough to follow the technical conversations, but I quickly grew more comfortable with the language. It wasn’t just about learning the scientific concepts, but also about understanding how cultural context shapes research practices. The immersion in both science and language gave me a new appreciation for both fields.” 

Smith credits Baylor’s Honors College for making these opportunities possible. 

“The University Scholars program allowed me to combine my diverse interests—science and German—into one cohesive experience,” she said. “The Honors College fosters a unique environment where students can pursue interdisciplinary studies, which made these internships possible for me. It’s rare to find a place where you can explore so many different facets of your interests in such a supportive environment.” 

As she looks ahead, Smith plans to integrate research into her medical career, potentially in oncology. 

“Before these internships, I was uncertain about how much research I wanted to do in the future, but now, I’m committed to making it a central part of my career. I’ve seen how crucial it is for improving patient outcomes, and I’m eager to be part of that work.” 

To learn more about the University Scholars program and its unique opportunities, visit the Baylor University Scholars website.