Which area of research are you focusing on, and what is the aim of your Cancer Research Wales project?
My project is entitled ‘Validating Prognostic Biomarkers for Colorectal Cancer and Determining Their Clinical Utility’. I am looking for inherited (genetic) factors that affect survival in patients with bowel cancer. In the UK, over 16,000 individuals die from bowel cancer every year and my work aims to improve a patients chance of survival.
Have there been any key achievements so far during the project?
I published some of my work last year in BJC Reports showing that some bowel cancer risk loci influence patient survival. We also have another paper in press in Scientific Reports describing novel genetic variants influencing survival.
I love to engage with the public to share my work and have been the conference chair for the ‘Speaking of Science’ symposium, the Cardiff University School of Medicine PGR day and the ‘Pint of Science’. I have also been a panelist on the ‘Science in Health Live’ event and organised the ‘Life Sciences Challenge’ for GCSE students in Wales.
How would you explain your project to a nine-year-old?
I’m looking for genes that determine how long you survive with bowel cancer. By identifying these genes, we can offer better support and find new treatments.
How might your research make a difference to cancer patients in Wales?
The hope is my work will inform the management and outcome of bowel cancer patients and help identify pathways for therapeutic intervention.
Why and how did you become a Cancer Research Wales researcher?
After completing my A-levels, I did an undergraduate degree in BSc Genetics (with honours) and achieved a first. During my studies, I did a placement year in a genetics lab in Shanghai. After this, I finished my undergraduate dissertation in rare genetic diseases and bioinformatics. I then applied for a Cancer Research Wales funded PhD project at Cardiff. This is what I’m working on now!
Do you have any personal connection to cancer?
I do. My paternal Grandma died from pancreatic cancer when I was 15 and my step-Grandma died from bone cancer during lockdown. My maternal Grandma has had breast cancer a few times as well.
Last year, in the second year of my PhD, my Grandad got bowel cancer. From my PhD studies, I feel more informed to talk to him about the specifics of his cancer, what he should ask the doctors for and how to reassure him. It has been hard but knowing the some of the science behind the disease has helped!
When you’re not researching, what do you do in your downtime?
As mentioned I organise science events for the public, but I also organise Sapphic events for women in Cardiff so things like board game nights and craft events. I also play the flute (badly!) in a women’s orchestra.
Is there anything you’d like to say to our supporters?
Thank you so much. Cancer Research Wales have been super supportive of my research, and I have thoroughly enjoyed doing my PhD in this area.
