In this case study, students assume the role of new hires at a fictional research company developing cancer treatments. A PowerPoint presentation (see Supplemental Materials) is used to deliver the informational content of the case, followed by students working individually or in small groups. In Part I, students compare traditionally synthesized anti-cancer drugs with those developed from plants, such as paclitaxel (marketed as Taxol^®). They consult primary literature to explore the drug’s mechanism of action, both as an anti-fungal defense in trees and as an anti-cancer drug in humans. Part II introduces students to conservation concerns arising from harvesting Yew trees to obtain paclitaxel, then asks students to propose a strategy based on primary literature to ensure paclitaxel availability while preserving Yew tree populations. Their proposal can take the form of a written assignment or a presentation given in a later class period. This case was designed for an upper-division biology course in cell biology, cancer biology, conservation, or economic botany.