WKU News

Quantum computing. Linear algebra. Probability. How can studying advanced mathematics translate into support for cancer patients and new insights for oncologists?

Through her biotechnology company, Curelytics, Emma Bunch is connecting her dual passions for mathematics and healthcare to make a difference in her community. For Bunch, a senior mathematics major, the two fields intertwine in beneficial ways.

"I love mathematics because it is the language of the world we live in. I believe looking through a computational lens can help us solve some of the biggest problems our world faces today, including cancers," Bunch shared.

Bunch is one of many Hilltoppers who have utilized mathematical models to develop unique research concepts on the Hill. For example, Hilltopper student researchers have employed machine learning to predict hazardous near-earth objects for a Posters at the Capitol presentation, utilized a Faculty-Undergraduate Student Engagement (FUSE) grant to forecast solar flares, and shared a prediction model for diagnosing diabetes at the Student Scholar Showcase.

Bunch sees vast opportunities to innovate in healthcare by applying mathematical models to oncology.

"By constructing mathematical/computer models for diseases like cancer, we can save money and time and remove the burden on patients to participate in trials. Mathematical models allow us to uncover what is really happening in tumorigenesis and give us the ability to experiment and explore to discover new knowledge and advance early detection, treatments, etc.," Bunch explained.

Life as a Student Entrepreneur

A key catalyst for Bunch's pursuit of entrepreneurship was the WKU Innovation Campus, an intellectual hub that bridges theoretical knowledge with real-world application. In partnership with state, national, and international industry leaders, students can pursue collaborative research and explore new technologies minutes from campus.

For Bunch, a single email shaped the trajectory of her studies, when she reached out to the Central Region Ecosystem for Arts, Technology, and Entrepreneurship—CREATE—housed at and collaboratively run by the WKU Innovation Campus. CREATE is one of six KY Innovation Hubs funded by the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development.

"I reached out to the Innovation Campus via email after seeing their name listed on the KY Cabinet for Economic Development website. I spoke with Jeff Hook, Buddy Steen, and Sam Ford (who help lead CREATE at the WKU Innovation Campus) in the beginning about my work and ideas, and they have supported me all the way and provided me with numerous opportunities to pursue my interests. I was, of course, somewhat nervous to begin this journey, but it has been so exciting and provided me with the tools I need to get my startup off the ground," Bunch explained.

Founding her company in 2023, Bunch brought one of her childhood dreams into reality.

“I think the coolest thing about building my startup has been that I am fulfilling one of my many desires as a little girl. I used to have a notebook that I would draw various inventions in and describe the product, how I would sell it, and write down things about the different companies I could form. So, I am currently living one of my childhood dreams to start a company, and a research company at that," Bunch shared.

As a student entrepreneur, Bunch balances homework and campus involvement alongside coding sessions, product development, and meetings. She also utilizes the Collaborative SmartSpace at the WKU Innovation Campus, an open concept coworking location that facilitates idea sharing across various creative and strategic fields. Connecting with fellow entrepreneurs and creative minds aids in leveling up her startup venture and providing a strong community of support.

“Emma’s story exemplifies exactly why CREATE exists and why it has an ideal home at the WKU Innovation Campus,” said Sam Ford, Innovation & Culture Fellow at CREATE and founding partner of Innovation Engine, a strategy firm based at the Innovation Campus. “We work to support an ecosystem of collaboration that attracts talented people, connects them with other talented folks with diverse abilities and experiences, and fosters unexpected new projects as a result."

Bunch also received additional resources as a 2025 recipient of the Buckman Prize. Named in honor of Dr. William Buckman, this annual award recognizes the entrepreneurial spirit of a WKU student and serves as a launchpad for turning dreams into reality. From coverage for startup legal fees to financial planning services, startup ventures receive a boost from seasoned professionals who can provide valuable mentorship to budding entrepreneurs.

Bunch is grateful for the supportive community at the WKU Innovation Campus.

"Joining the Innovation Campus and being awarded the Buckman Prize has been a wonderful blessing from God. Buddy Steen, Dr. Bill Buckman, Jeff Hook, Sam Ford, Amanda Havard, Rob Wilson, Kahlil Garmon, and so many others have been a joy to get to know and receive guidance from," Bunch shared.

Reflecting on the process, Bunch encouraged others to take the initiative in making an impact.

“You can start right now by beginning to map out what you want to do, researching, and getting in contact with programs, places, and people that can help you achieve your goals. The WKU Innovation Campus is a wonderful place to begin your entrepreneurial journey with much support for new entrepreneurs. I would recommend them to anyone interested in making an impact through those means,” Bunch explained.

Growing Roots in Coding

Curelytics is Bunch's most recent initiative combining her love of mathematics with a passion for helping cancer patients. But it is far from her first attempt in the field.

Bunch, a Glasgow native, recalls having a strong interest in science and mathematics as a child. Participating in the Creating Enriched Learning through Innovative Curriculum (CELTIC) Academy for gifted and talented students through Glasgow Independent Schools strengthened her interest into a passion.

"That experience cemented my love for STEM. Learning about advanced topics in math, science, engineering, and coding fascinated me, and I just wanted to keep digging deeper. I learned to code at CELTIC, and that has stuck with me throughout my life, as I have learned more languages and applied my coding skills to solve real-world problems," Bunch explained.

Throughout high school, Bunch applied those skills in multiple pre-collegiate programs that solidified her career interests and provided new skills in independent research.

"I fell in love with the field of oncology, and that was the lightbulb moment for me that I wanted cancer research to be a part of my career going forward," Bunch explained.

One of Bunch's first efforts to combine mathematics with cancer research was creating a mobile app for the 2021 Congressional App Challenge, called Cure.

The Congressional App Challenge aims to inspire high school and middle school students, regardless of coding experience, to develop new coding skills that students can use to further their education and future careers. Bunch won that year's competition in Kentucky's Second District.

"Winning the Congressional App Challenge with my mobile app I created to provide resources to cancer patients validated all the long hours and nights I spent coding and realizing the idea into a tangible product. It was wonderful talking to cancer survivors who expressed how great it would have been to have a technology such as the one I created to help them while fighting the disease," Bunch noted.

JUMPing Forward at WKU

Shaped by these experiences, Bunch crafted a unique pathway at WKU to achieve her dreams. In addition to working with the WKU Innovation Campus to develop her startup, Bunch is delving into research with the WKU Department of Mathematics and the Mahurin Honors College.

As part of her Capstone Experience/Thesis (CE/T) project, Bunch is exploring advanced mathematics and software development to enhance her knowledge in the field.

"Teaching myself Qiskit, certain machine learning aspects of Python, and other tools and services has allowed me to delve deeper into my honors thesis research and test my ideas experimentally. It has also opened new doors for me to enhance my coding and software development abilities. From developing my own artificial intelligence platform to experimentally testing my quantum computing proposal in Qiskit, teaching myself several languages and tools has propelled my inquiries to the next level," Bunch explained.

Bunch also plans to apply this knowledge to propel her startup forward, noting that her thesis work will be crucial for her future research.

"There is so much hope in quantum computing and information science, artificial intelligence and machine learning, and computational biology, and I enjoy staying in the know about what is being done and discovering ways I can contribute," Bunch shared.

Bunch continues to advance her knowledge by pursuing a Joint Undergraduate-Master's Program (JUMP) in Mathematics - a program that allows academically outstanding students to earn both a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Science degree in Mathematics within an accelerated timeframe at WKU.

"I saw the interesting, advanced coursework that I could take through the JUMP program, and I knew taking such courses would contribute toward my goal of pursuing a research career," Bunch explained.

Dr. Samangi Munasinghe, an Associate Professor of Mathematics who also serves as Bunch’s academic advisor, highlights Bunch as an exceptional student.

“She is doing research and extra studies far beyond undergraduate level. The type of mathematics she is pursuing, that she is applying to her work at the Innovation Campus is truly amazing. The mathematics itself is deep and difficult. It is pure mathematics. How she has found applications of these deep pure mathematics topics is admirable for anyone, yet alone an undergraduate student,” Dr. Munasinghe explained.

Looking to the future, Bunch is excited to elevate her knowledge and support others through her work. Her advice for future entrepreneurs and researchers?

"Every idea begins with a seed, and if you water that seed and provide it the right resources, it can sprout into a beautiful thing that changes your community, state, nation, and world."

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To learn more about a degree in Mathematics at WKU, visit https://www.wku.edu/math/

To learn more about the WKU Innovation Campus, visit https://www.wku.edu/innovation/

To learn more about the Mahurin Honors College at WKU, visit https://www.wku.edu/honors/