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Born and raised in Iowa, Claire Brown grew up fascinated by science thanks to inspiring teachers in Waukee.

After earning degrees in biology and political science from Brown University, she joined the National Cancer Institute — where her passion for cancer research took root. Now pursuing an M.D.-Ph.D. at Harvard/MIT, Brown has experienced both sides of the cancer fight: as a researcher and as a patient, following her own diagnosis with adenoid cystic carcinoma.

Brown spoke with The Gazette about how that journey shaped her, why continued investment in medical research matters, and what’s at stake for Iowans as federal funding cuts ripple through labs and hospitals nationwide.

This intervie

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