06/05/2026
What do you do when there isn't one clear answer?
For Shannon Van Ginkel, a senior double majoring in psychology and biology, that question became real while conducting research in Fr. Ekpenyong's Translational Biomedical Physics Lab. Through her work studying the effects of radioimmunotherapy on neuroblastoma, she discovered that research often requires making thoughtful decisions without a clear roadmap. "Planning experiments has helped me to learn how to make decisions when there is no clear right answer by approaching it with flexibility and curiosity."
Research at Creighton has shown Shannon that uncertainty is often where the most meaningful learning happens. As she prepares for medical school, she's carrying forward the critical thinking, adaptability and confidence she's developed through hands-on research.
"My time at Creighton has helped me to be more comfortable navigating uncertainty because of the support of those around me in a community that encourages growth and learning."
