London, England, United Kingdom
I’ve begun my PhD at the Guy’s Cancer Centre in Professor Elinor Sawyer’s lab, with Professor Anita Grigoriadis as my secondary supervisor. This fully funded studentship, supported by Guy’s Cancer Charity, is being undertaken in close collaboration with CRUK Radiation Research Centres of Excellence (RadNet) and King’s College London. My research focuses on analysing the tumour microenvironment (TME) in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer treated with breast-conserving surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. I recently completed my MSc in Cancer at University College London (UCL), where I deepened my knowledge of cancer biology, therapeutics, and advanced laboratory techniques. This program built on my BSc (Hons) in Medical Sciences from the University of Edinburgh and my research experience at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, where I developed expertise in oncology with a particular focus on the tumour microenvironment and metastasis. My BSc (Hons) in Medical Sciences from the University of Edinburgh, along with my recent role at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, has sharpened my expertise in oncology, particularly in the tumour microenvironment and metastasis. During my six-month tenure as a research assistant, I solidified key laboratory skills, including Good Laboratory Practice (GLP), cell culture, and animal model work, all of which enhanced my technical proficiency and attention to detail in experimental research. At the Garvan Institute, I collaborated within a multidisciplinary team focused on elucidating tumour development and metastasis, contributing to our shared mission of advancing cancer research. This experience reinforced my desire to bridge laboratory discoveries with clinical applications, with a specific focus on contributing to impactful clinical trials and developing novel cancer treatments. I am driven by the goal of translating these findings into innovative therapies that can improve prognosis and quality of life for cancer patients.
My research will focus on analysing the tumour microenvironment (TME) in ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and invasive breast cancer treated with breast-conserving surgery and postoperative radiotherapy. Using state-of-the-art spatial profiling techniques, I will assess gene expression across immune, stromal and tumour compartments in multiple patient cohorts, comparing radioresistant and radiosensitive groups. This will also enable us to study changes in the TME and extracellular matrix that may be induced by radiotherapy and contribute to tumour recurrence.
As an MSc student, I investigated mechanisms of resistance to cyclin-dependent kinase 4 and 6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor therapy in oestrogen receptor–positive (ER+) breast cancer within the Mittnacht Laboratory at University College London. My research uses live-cell Fluorescent Ubiquitination-based Cell Cycle Indicator (FUCCI) imaging, and flow cytometry to examine how loss of the tumour suppressor gene TP53 affects cellular responses to palbociclib treatment. By analysing single-cell cycle dynamics and cell fate decisions, I aimed to uncover how drug tolerance and cell death phenotypes arise, ultimately contributing to the development of more effective and personalised therapeutic strategies for patients with TP53-mutant breast cancers.
I have recently completed a 6-month contract as a research assistant at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research. I have been investigating the role the tumour microenvironment and extracellular matrix play in tumour development and metastasis. I have gained invaluable laboratory experience and furthered my understanding of medical research.
I completed a 2 month internship at the ICR working as part of the pre-clinical MRI team. My research focussed on the immunohistochemistry of the microenvironment of breast tumours. I worked mainly within the laboratory at the ICR, however, I also shadowed radiographers in the clinic at the Royal Marsden Hospital in Sutton. I concluded my internship by writing a report summarising all methods and results obtained from my laboratory work. As well as the report, I presented my findings to the pre-clinical MRI team and welcomed questions and discussion. Both the presentation and report are available to view upon request.
Worked within a close knit team filling customers online orders, as well as serving the public on the shop floor.