Joline Hartheimer won the Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award in 2019.
UA has brought Joline Hartheimer face to face with some of the more agonizing threats to health – a form of brain tumor that resists treatment and the persistent, genetically borne sickle-cell anemia.
She has used her research skills to fight the tumor – glioblastoma multiforme – and her experience as a medical scribe and trainer at DCH has shown her how sickle-cell anemia causes suffering. Both experiences are fueling her passion for research in her major of chemical engineering and as a Randall Research Scholar.
“I began college wanting to create bioengineering solutions for patients, but I have realized that the bench-to-bedside pipeline is leaking for all but a few lucky and privileged individuals,” she said. “I have a great appreciation for biomedical science through my research on glioblastoma cancer stem cells and genetics, as well as my courses in chemical engineering and biology.”
Hartheimer, who serves as co-president of UA Society of Engineers in Medicine, works in the lab of Dr. Yonghyun “John” Kim, associate professor of chemical and biological engineering, where she was helping to study the brain tumors. She is first author of a paper under review with Journal of Neuro-Oncology.
Coupled with her research skills is a profound sense of mission to help people. She has served as a campaign coordinator for Teach for America, and she has worked as a peer tutor and as an Al’s Pals volunteer at Northington Elementary School.
Her parents are Linda Hartheimer and Walter Hartheimer.