At the National Institutes of Health, Greg Roloff ’12 analyzes blood samples of patients with leukemia that persists after cancer treatment — at levels below detection.
He is part of a team of researchers who are developing clinical tests to find lingering cells sooner, and ultimately save lives.
A medical student at the University of Buffalo, Roloff is spending this year in the NIH’s Medical Research Scholars Program; a prestigious appointment at one of the world’s leading health organizations.
“I am fortunate for the opportunities I have been given,” says Roloff, “and for what I have been able to contribute.”
He says he found his passion to fight cancer while at Geneseo.
Roloff conducted cancer-related research since he was a freshman, working beside SUNY Distinguished Teaching Professor Robert O’Donnell. Professor Kevin Militello was his mentor for his advanced senior thesis work.
“I was taught in an engaging way, and that’s what planted the seed in me to explore more,” says Roloff.
To do so, lab projects were directly supported by The Carl Savino ’50 and Olga Gerych-Savino ’53 Research Fund, which supported cancer-related research. He also received grants through the college’s Undergraduate Research and Travel Grants, which is made possible, in part, through unrestricted giving to Geneseo.
Says Roloff: “My work would not have been possible without the support of the Savinos and other generous donors .”
O’Donnell has partnered with students in the lab for 30 years, including seven this year. Alumni donors and external funding support student travel to present at professional conferences and other important opportunities to apply classroom work to investigating important contemporary issues.
“It opens a lot of doors for our students,” says O’Donnell.
Many students like Roloff find their calling during their research experience. That experience is a necessity for advanced work at graduate institutions or earning summer grants.
“Geneseo will go with me everywhere,” says Roloff. “Attending college there is still the best decision I have ever made. The education I received has provided me with a scaffold for the pursuit of higher intellect and given me a more critical scope to identify problems and build strategies to tackle them, while keeping me grounded in a spirit of humility.”
— By Kris Dreessen
—Photo provided by Greg Roloff '12