Summer Student 2022: Michael Dummigan
Developing a tool to better categorise types of breast cancer for better prediction & personalised treatments
Supervisor name and institution: Dr Nicholas Rattray, University of Strathclyde
Project summary:
Breast cancer is a leading cause of cancer death in females and accounts for 15% of all cancer cases in the UK. Specific types of breast cancer which cannot be detected with traditional methods are difficult to diagnose in the early stage. However, cutting-edge sequencing tools to better identify genes and DNA mutations present an opportunity to develop new methods of early-stage detection by improving the way we categorize breast cancer.
More specific categorizations would allow for a more personalized approach to drug treatment and screening. In my project, I will use the available clinical data from existing breast cancer patients to investigate how different types of the disease contribute to disease severity and patient outcome.
Animals project will replace: Mice, rats and zebrafish
Get to know Michael…
In my off time, I enjoy skateboarding, mountain biking, going to the gym, gaming, reading, and playing pool. I love to visit the park near where my parents stay to feed the ducks, swans, and geese, as these are my favourite animals.
I believe this summer studentship will provide the direction I need in my future career as a scientist. A lot of modern research still relies heavily on the suffering of animals and in my career, I will strive to never contribute to this side of the industry. I think Bioinformatic research is the way forward for not only more humane research, but more accurate and precise research.
I have never agreed with the use of animals in research, and although things have improved in the last quarter century, a lot still needs to change. I believe that if we as a community work together, we can stop the unjust suffering of defenceless creatures and create a better world for future generations.
The project I am undertaking is actually very different from my current course work. I love the idea of this, as it means I will be developing essential skills outside of my core degree, which will help me with my future endeavours. I am currently unsure of what exact career I would like to pursue, but I am enjoying my pharmacology course and am interested in drug development.
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Many human relevant approaches have been introduced into the scientific world, but unfortunately, the use of animals in medical research is entrenched and institutionalised, with many researchers still viewing animal experiments as the gold standard. This is our time to make change happen. Our work is funded entirely by your generous support, so please make a donation today to help us free animals from laboratories for good.
Page last modified on July 6, 2022 2:30 pm
