The Future is in Good Hands: Caitlin Beauduy

Caitlin Beauduy, a senior midfielder at Mansfield University, is a superlative example of a student-athlete.

Last year, in her Mountie uniform, she captained a Mansfield squad that reached the postseason for the first time since 2010 and was named Mansfield’s 2019-20 Female Student-Athlete of the Year. And this fall, off the field, the cell and molecular biology student recently received a research scholarship from the NASA Pennsylvania State Grant Consortium.

The $4,000 grant supports Beauduy’s continued investigation into the effect of T cells on solid pancreas tumors.

“With the financial support that the NASA scholarship provides, we can investigate the impact of the presence of T cells, a main component of our immune system, on the development of pancreatic tumors” explained Beauduy. “The role of T cells in this process is not well understood, but it is clear that they do significantly influence the tumors’ physical appearance and response to certain therapies.”

“We have high hopes for what we could find, and at the very least, it will help us develop a deeper understanding as to what is happening on a molecular level,” she noted. “In turn, this research could encourage greater success with cancer treatments in different stages.”

Beauduy’s research project will be completed under the advisement of Dr. Kristen Long, an assistant professor of biology at Mansfield University. Dr. Long’s laboratory focuses on the physical and immunological aspects of pancreatic cancer and how both contribute to tumor resistance to standard cancer therapies that are typically effective against other types of cancer.

“I became interested in biomedical research because of lecture and laboratory exposure at Mansfield University and I’m very excited to continue pursuing research to develop a more in-depth understanding of disease, cancer specifically,” explained Beauduy.

In addition to contributing novel findings to the field of pancreatic cancer, this research scholarship will help Beauduy on a personal level.

“Caitlin is an exceptional student-athlete and a fantastic representation of Mansfield University and the PSAC,” remarked Mansfield University head coach, Brittany Hansrote. “She holds herself to the highest standard in every aspect of her life which is visible to all. We are so proud to call her one of our own, and are excited to see what else she will accomplish in her professional endeavors.”

“As an undergraduate student, this research will provide invaluable experience that I can apply in the next stages of my career at medical school.”

NASA Pennsylvania State Grant Consortium Scholarships are awarded to rising juniors and seniors attending an accredited Pennsylvania college or university and are enrolled in a science, technology, engineering, or mathematics program. Scholarship recipients agree to participate in multiple education outreach and mentoring activities throughout the award cycle.

The National Field Hockey Coaches Association (NFHCA) is recognizing student-athletes who are community contributors, agents of change, and campus leaders. The Future is in Good Hands series will highlight the exceptionality of field hockey student-athletes for their work on and off the field.

Stay tuned for more articles in this series.

The content for this article was generously provided by Mansfield University Sports Information.