Laura Tavares

MBPhD Student ⋆ UCL Medicine ⋆ Medical Oncology iBSc

London, England, United Kingdom

About

My ambitions are to become a clinical academic in oncology and improve healthcare worldwide. This journey has entailed pursuing the MBBS degree at UCL, intercalating in Medical Oncology, and joining research groups at the Cancer Institute and Institute for Liver and Digestive Health. I am thrilled to have been accepted into the MBPhD programme at UCL, an important milestone for my future in medical research. Having grown up in countries with different political regimes has also instilled in me a passion for humanitarianism.

Experience

  • MBPhD in Genomic Complex Sarcomas at UCL
    Sep 2025 - Present · 10 mos

    The aim of this 3-year PhD is to enhance the whole genome sequencing of patients with genetically complex sarcomas. This project is funded by CRUK CoL, and will be conducted under the supervision of Prof. Nischalan Pillay. I will further develop my interest in bioinformatics at the EMBL-EBI and gain insight into the design and management of clinical trials, namely ICONIC, led by Professor Strauss.

  • Co-Chair at Rani Rawji Studentship
    Jul 2025 - Present · 1 yr

  • UCL (3 yrs 10 mos)
    • Academic Representative
      Sep 2021 - Jun 2025 · 3 yrs 10 mos

      Clinical and Professional Practice Representative in Years 1 and 2. Oncology iBSc Representative in Year 3. CPP and Hospital Module Representative in Year 4.

    • Student Researcher - Institute Liver and Digestive Health
      Nov 2023 - Jun 2024 · 8 mos

      Supervised by Professor Krista Rombouts, I bioengineered 3D extracellular-matrix scaffolds to investigate the tumour-stromal crosstalk of small intestine neuroendocrine tumours that metastasize.

    • Transition Mentor for Faculty of Medical Sciences
      Sep 2022 - Jun 2024 · 1 yr 10 mos

  • UCL Cancer Institute (2 yrs 3 mos)
    • Student Researcher and Mentor - Rani Rawji Studentship
      Nov 2022 - Jan 2025 · 2 yrs 3 mos

      Supervised by Dr. Nischalan Pillay and funded by the Pathological Society, I investigated the epigenetic landscape of Clear Cell Sarcoma. My work was awarded 1st prize at the Studentship Seminar, and presented as a poster at the 2024 Pathological Society Winter Meeting. Afterwards, I applied to mentor new studentship recipients, and have already had the privilege of guiding 5 students.

    • Outreach Officer - Oncology Society
      Sep 2023 - Jul 2024 · 11 mos

  • HCA Preparation Programme for Medical Students at Royal Free London NHS Foundation Trust
    Nov 2022 - Dec 2022 · 2 mos

    Acquired competencies required as an NHS Healthcare Assistant, by shadowing at renal ward and completing a Manual Handling workshop.