Going from Bench to Sidelines is this Researcher’s Dream

On the field, Makenna Higgins cheers for our Philadelphia Eagles as they take on the Cleveland Browns, and in the lab she studies pediatric cancers, detailed in this video. (Photo by Brian Garfinkle, courtesy of Makenna Higgins)

By Kate Knab

It's no secret that Philadelphia has some of the most intense and devoted professional sports fans in the country. For these City of Brotherly Love locals, it's proof of their passion for the place they call home. And for Makenna Higgins, a research technician at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia and part-time cheerleader for the Philadelphia Eagles, being part of the heart that beats a rousing, unified rhythm across the city during football season is as incredible as it gets.

"The energy on game days is like nothing else," Higgins said. "I'll never forget my first night game. We made a tunnel line for the players to run through, and it was dark and twinkly in the stadium from the lights, like a movie. Everyone was cheering. I can't describe how amazing it is to be part of that."

Higgins, who works in the lab of Andrei Thomas-Tikhonenko, PhD, researches the leukocyte antigen receptor protein family as potential immunotherapy targets to treat pediatric cancers like high-grade glioma and neuroblastoma. Interested in science since middle school where she learned about cell biology, she followed it through high school to Villanova University, where she graduated with a degree in biochemistry.

But what is Higgins' other greatest passion that she's been pursuing since childhood?

Dance.

"I don't know if I could choose one or the other because they both fulfill me in such different ways," Higgins said. "I have a curious mind that is fed by my research at CHOP, but I'm also a creative person, and dance gives me an outlet to express that."

As a child, Higgins participated in a local competition studio that taught ballet, jazz, tap, and hip-hop before transitioning to a pre-professional ballet studio in high school. She was introduced to the world of professional dance and cheer after trying out for Villanova's dance team and earning a spot.

Higgins keeps a tight calendar to stay organized and juggle classes, work, dance rehearsals, and everyday life. She enjoys meal prepping for the week, which is key to alleviating stress when moving from the lab to the stadium and charity events.

Although football season starts in August, Eagles cheerleaders' responsibilities continue year-round. Appearances during community events that allow her to connect directly with fans is a favorite part of this job for Higgins. Recently, she helped honor Korean and Vietnam War veterans as they returned to Philadelphia after a day of service recognition in Washington, D.C. She also participates in youth cheer camps, encouraging what she hopes will be future generations of not just dancers, but also young women emboldened to pursue multiple passions.

A highlight from Higgins' career with the Eagles is debuting the fan-favorite Kelly green uniform last season. (Photo by Kiel Leggere, courtesy of Makenna Higgins)

"My advice would be, if there's a will, there's a way," Higgins said. "I'm a big advocate for telling people the teamwork and communication skills I've learned as a performer are translatable to helping my team succeed in the lab or any '9-to-5' job."

Looking forward, Higgins hopes to return to school for her doctorate degree and continue in research. Acknowledging the demand professional dance has on both her body and her schedule, she plans to keep it a part of her life for as long as she's able. No matter what city Higgins' career path may take her, she will always look for a new team to join. But as for allegiances? Don't worry, Eagles fans.

"I'm a Birds fan for life after this experience," Higgins said. "My loyalties are set."