Irish Cancer Society Summer Studentships 2018
The Irish Cancer Society has awarded summer studentships to two promising full-time third-year undergraduates. The objective of this summer studentship scheme is to provide interested students the opportunity to conduct a small cancer research project in an experienced lab. By completing the project the students gain both practical research experience and also an insight into the cancer research environment.
One summer studentship was awarded to Stephanie Maher for her project investigating neuroblastoma. Stephanie completed her third year of Biomedical Health and Life Sciences at University College Dublin this year. She is carrying out her summer research project at Systems Biology Ireland at University College Dublin, under the supervision of Dr Melinda Halasz. Stephanie’s project focuses on novel strategies for the therapy of a childhood cancer, neuroblastoma.
“Neuroblastoma is the most common cancer in infants,” Stephanie explains. “There are approximately ten children diagnosed with neuroblastoma each year in Ireland. Unfortunately, this type of cancer has one of the lowest long-term survival rates of all childhood cancers. In half of the aggressive cases, a gene called MYCN is present in multiple copies.”
“The Halasz Group at Systems Biology Ireland is aiming to find novel therapies for children with highly aggressive MYCN-driven neuroblastoma. They identified compounds from a large-scale drug screening that interferes with the growth of MYCN-driven neuroblastoma cells. During this project I will identify the optimal concentration of this drug, and analyse its mode of action in the cancer cells.”
The other summer studentship was awarded to Katherine Kelly for her project investigating triple negative breast cancer. Katherine completed her third year of Biomedical Sciences at University College Dublin this year. She is carrying out her summer research project at the Lambe Institute for Translational Research at National University of Ireland Galway, under the supervision of Dr Sharon Glynn.
“Dr Glynn’s team are particularly interested in a small molecule called nitric oxide - a key player in inflammation and numerous other physiological processes,” says Katherine. “Nitric oxide is known to have both positive and negative effects in cancer, though is precise roles in this regard are still not fully understood. My own project focuses on Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC), a highly aggressive subtype in which nitric oxide seems to be particularly elevated, and correlated with poorer patient outcome.”
“TNBC carries a poorer prognosis and higher rates of metastasis compared to other breast cancer subtypes, and current treatment options are limited in their effectiveness. Understanding the molecular pathways involved in this disease, such as the involvement of nitric oxide, will help future researchers to develop new and more effective targeted therapies for women with TNBC. It is an immense joy to work alongside such a supportive and dedicated team in the battle to improve our understanding, and ultimately improve treatment options for women with this disease.”
The Irish Cancer Society wish Stephanie Maher and Katherine Kelly every success in their summer studentships, and in their cancer research careers.
