Ahana’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Leukaemia

Ahana Mitra, a medicine student, undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Prof. Stuart Rushworth’s group based in the Bob Champion Research and Education (BCRE) building, UEA.

Her project was on chemotherapy resistance in Acute Myeloid Leukaemia. This allowed her to gain experience in cancer research in outside of clinics and in a laboratory environment.

The current problem

There are 2,900 new cases of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) each year in the UK (Cancer Research UK, 2019). Currently, AML has many treatment options including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and stem cell transplantation, which are not always successful. Due to potential relapse or resistance to treatment, new treatments and other drug options are still being explored.

The research

The Rushworth lab has shown previously that cancer (AML) cells can take mitochondria – the powerhouse of the cell – from surrounding healthy cells for its own use. When they are used up, they transport these mitochondria out through small cellular compartments called vesicles. The aim was to stop this transport. Thus, the mitochondria can build up and lead to cell death in the cancer cells.

Throughout her project, Ahana developed an experiment to detect vesicle formation in AML cells. To then test over 50 drugs to see which was most effective. She found that a drug called Pu-dz8, showed a drastic effect on the AML cells. To improve our understanding of this drug’s mechanism and effectiveness as a cancer treatment; she remarks that, ‘[this is] an exciting new finding that will need to be investigated further’.

In a nutshell, a drug was found to affect cancer cells, specifically AML cells, which may offer a new treatment opportunity upon further research.

Personal Experience

This studentship has helped Ahana learn a multitude of lab skills. From pipetting to more complex techniques, such as, cell culture, flow cytometry and running biochemical assays (experiments).

‘This studentship has allowed me to develop a new skillset that I would not have had the chance to develop otherwise as a medical student.’

“It was a wonderful experience that I would highly recommend. ”

Ahana Mitra
Learn about Undergraduate studentship opportunities

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Sign up

Nana’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Cancer Drug Treatments

Nana Adwoa Ampong undertook a Big C LILAC funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Dr. Andrew Beekman’s group based at UEA.

Read more

Freddie’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Prostate Cancer

Freddie Marlowe undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Prof. Daniel Brewer’s group based in BCRE, UEA.

Read more
A photo of undergraduate Rana Haidari on tumour growth research

Rana’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Tumour Growth

Rana Haidari, a Biomedicine student, undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Dr Derek Warren’s lab group based in the Biomedical Research Centre (BMRC), UEA.

Read more
Brunette long haired woman, smiling, wearing a yellow and green stripy jumper

Katharine’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Endothelial Cells

Katharine Williams undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Dr Stephen Robinson’s group based at Quadram, Norwich.

Read more

Nana’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Cancer Drug Treatments

Nana Adwoa Ampong undertook a Big C LILAC funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Dr. Andrew Beekman’s group based in the School of Chemistry, Pharmacy and Pharmacology at UEA.

Her project investigated how to combat chemoresistance in cancer. Where she gained experience in cancer research with a flare of research and development (R&D) process.

The current problem

Peptide-based drugs are commonly used in chemotherapy; however, they have their limitations on effectiveness. Whereas, another class of drugs called small molecule drugs are gaining popularity with their targeted approach but again is limited in their effectiveness.

Making a combination small molecule-peptide drug would combine the benefits of both, whilst avoiding the disadvantages.

The research

Throughout her project, Nana looked at how two proteins interact. These proteins are involved in a process called transcription that help cells grow and function. By disrupting this interaction with the drug, this can prevent cancer growth. She successfully made a combined small molecule-peptide drug. This would need to be tested on cancer cells to see its effectiveness.

In a nutshell, making a combination small molecule-peptide chemotherapeutic drug would combine the benefits of both drugs, targeting cancer cells.

Personal Experience

This studentship has allowed Nana to experience a range of lab techniques and equipment that is normally unavailable in undergraduate labs.

Nana noted her progress over the summer; ‘At the end of the internship, there was a significant difference in the skills [compared to the beginning]’. She enjoyed applying her scientific knowledge from undergraduate lectures into real-world research laboratories.

“I would like to say a big thank you to the LILAC foundation for supporting me in this endeavour.”

Nana Adwoa Ampong

Learn about Undergraduate studentship opportunities

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Sign up

Ahana’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Leukaemia

Ahana Mitra, undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Prof. Stuart Rushworth’s group based in the BCRE, UEA.

Read more

Freddie’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Prostate Cancer

Freddie Marlowe undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Prof. Daniel Brewer’s group based in BCRE, UEA.

Read more
A photo of undergraduate Rana Haidari on tumour growth research

Rana’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Tumour Growth

Rana Haidari, a Biomedicine student, undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Dr Derek Warren’s lab group based in the Biomedical Research Centre (BMRC), UEA.

Read more
Brunette long haired woman, smiling, wearing a yellow and green stripy jumper

Katharine’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Endothelial Cells

Katharine Williams undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Dr Stephen Robinson’s group based at Quadram, Norwich.

Read more

Freddie’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Prostate Cancer

Freddie Marlowe undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Prof. Daniel Brewer’s group based in the Bob Champion Research and Education (BCRE) building, UEA.

His project titled ‘Discovering distinct biological pathways to progression in prostate cancer’ meant he gained experience in cancer research in terms of data science.

The current problem

More than 63,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year in the UK (Prostate Cancer UK, 2025), however, not all of them will be necessarily aggressive. Therefore, to prevent unnecessary treatment that often results in life-changing side effects, it is important to accurately determine prognosis, optimise treatment pathways and help develop targeted drugs.

The research

This is where Freddie comes in. To better understand the features linked to prostate cancer aggressiveness and recurrence, during his research project, Freddie used a machine learning model called ‘Random Forest’. A machine learning model is a programme that has been trained on a dataset so that it can recognise patterns, categorise and predict future data.

He applied this model on prostate cancer samples from over 100 patients, which allowed him to distinguish between non-aggressive/aggressive cancers as well as the likelihood of recurrence of the cancer after treatment. He also looked at the changes in genes from both cancerous and normal prostate tissue samples. This revealed that cancer cells had more genes involved in metastasis and reduced normal tissue function.

In a nutshell, these findings help explain why some prostate cancers behave more aggressively than others and may help improve future diagnosis and treatment

Personal Experience

This studentship has helped Freddie further develop his skills such as R coding (a type of computer language), data processing and an understanding for machine learning.

“It has given me the opportunity to apply concepts I have learnt during my degree studies to real research in cancer biology.” This project showed him what academic research entails and how engaging and inspiring it is.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience and am hugely grateful to Big C.”

Freddie Marlowe
Learn about Undergraduate studentship opportunities

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Sign up

Ahana’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Leukaemia

Ahana Mitra, undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Prof. Stuart Rushworth’s group based in the BCRE, UEA.

Read more

Nana’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Cancer Drug Treatments

Nana Adwoa Ampong undertook a Big C LILAC funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Dr. Andrew Beekman’s group based at UEA.

Read more
A photo of undergraduate Rana Haidari on tumour growth research

Rana’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Tumour Growth

Rana Haidari, a Biomedicine student, undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Dr Derek Warren’s lab group based in the Biomedical Research Centre (BMRC), UEA.

Read more
Brunette long haired woman, smiling, wearing a yellow and green stripy jumper

Katharine’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Endothelial Cells

Katharine Williams undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Dr Stephen Robinson’s group based at Quadram, Norwich.

Read more

Nilda’s research into leukaemia and heart failure

Nilda Ilker

Research case studies > Nilda’s research into leukaemia and heart failure

Nilda’s journey into cancer research began during her undergraduate degree in Biochemistry with a Year in Industry at University of East Anglia (UEA), which later led to her pursuing a PhD looking at leukaemia and heart failure.

Her interests deepened through hands-on experiences at Quadram Institute Bioscience (QIB), where she spent both her placement year and a full year post-graduation as a Project Scientist in Dr Stephen Robinson’s lab.

Her time at QIB exposed her to research and gave her confidence in pursuing a PhD. It was also where she encountered Big C for the first time, working alongside two PhD students funded by the charity.

“The lab experience was integral to choosing whether I wanted to do a research degree” Nilda says.

Bridging two worlds

“Having heard the studentships available with Big C funding, I decided to apply and was excited to be given the opportunity.“

With support from Big C, Nilda started undertaking a PhD at the University of East Anglia, investigating the metabolic link between acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) and heart failure. This was a perfect blend of her two scientific interests.

“This project brought together cancer research and cardiovascular disease, two areas I had developed a deep interest in.”

Portrait of a brunette woman with shoulder length hair, wearing a sleeveless black shirt, facing forwards smiling

The research: How AML might harm the heart

Chemotherapy is known to negatively affect heart health. Patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) – a form of blood cancer, have been found to shown markers of heart failure even before treatment begins. This startling discovery raises the question: could AML itself be driving changes in the heart?

Nilda’s research focuses on how leukaemia cells may send harmful signals from the bone marrow to the heart, altering heart cell function and ultimately contributing to heart failure.

“If we can understand this link, we may help not just AML patients that suffer from heart disease, but possibly those affected by other types of leukaemia too.”

Scientific challenges

The novelty of her research means there are few established methods to draw on, which she has found challenging. “Some experimental techniques are so new, there’s very little literature to rely on,’ she says. “Perfecting them takes time, but the potential impact is worth it.“

“When you realise how many people are affected and how under-researched this area is, it motivates you to keep pushing.”

Beyond the lab: Engaging with Big C

As a Big C supported student, Nilda has valued opportunities to connect beyond academia. She’s taken part in public engagement activities, including running the Big C stall at the Norwich Science Festival, alongside fellow PhD students and volunteers.

“Research can sometimes feel isolating, but connecting with the public reminds you why your work matters.”

Looking ahead

Nilda is currently optimising experimental techniques and looks forward to gathering exciting results.

Her work could provide vital insight into a little-understood area of cardio-oncology, with the potential to shape better treatments and improve long-term outcomes for people affected by blood cancers.

Learn about PhD studentship opportunities

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Sign up

Krisztina’s journey from chemistry to a PhD in cancer

Krisztina Gerencser

Research case studies > Krisztina’s journey from chemistry to a PhD in cancer

Meet Krisztina, a second-year PhD student at the University of East Anglia. Her research is supported by Big C, and is funded by Ladies in League Against Cancer (LILAC).

Personal journey

For Krisztina, cancer research is personal. After losing her grandmother to the disease, she knew she wanted to contribute to the search for better treatments.

Originally from Hungary, she studied for an integrated master’s degree in chemistry in Scotland. It was during this time, while doing hands-on lab work, that her passion for research truly took hold.

“I want to make a difference in the way we treat cancer,” says Krisztina.

Close up of a smiling women with medium long blonde hair. She is wearing a black top with a black blazer on top, and is standing in front of a wooden wall with a white wall to her right.

While searching for PhD opportunities, she looked for a project that combined her chemistry background with her growing interest in cancer biology. The interdisciplinary project she found at the University of East Anglia (UEA) ticked all the boxes: focused on cancer, rooted in chemistry and rich with opportunities to collaborate. Krisztina says, “I was excited by the science and also the chance to learn new skills and work across different areas, and moving to Norwich was a bonus!”

Research focus: Helping the immune system fight cancer

Cancers can evade the immune system. Krisztina’s work focuses on improving immunotherapy, a promising approach that helps the body’s immune system target and destroy cancer cells.

Her research aims to design small molecules that block cancer’s “cloak” – helping the immune system do its job. These small molecules could become part of new treatments for cancers like melanoma, renal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.

Figure 1: How cancer cells evade the immune system. Krisztina’s research approach aims to fight them.

So far, she has developed some promising candidate molecules and is now working to optimise her method to design even better ones.

Challenge: A steep learning curve

Transitioning from a structured study experience to an independent PhD was one of Krisztina’s biggest challenges. “It was a big change, suddenly managing a research project on my own. But I’m learning every day and it’s exciting to see my work move forward,” she explains.

The Big C experience

Krisztina’s PhD is supported by Big C and fully funded by Ladies in League Against Cancer (LILAC), and that connection goes far beyond the lab bench.

She has taken part in outreach events, and is even considering a placement with the charity to broaden her impact further.

“It feels like I’m part of something bigger. I’m not just doing research. I’m also contributing to a community that’s making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer.”

Looking ahead

Krisztina is eager to continue pushing her research forward and is excited about where her work and the molecules she’s developing might lead.

Watch Krisztina’s video

Learn about PhD studentship opportunities

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Sign up

Amanpreet’s research into designing smarter therapies for cancers with solid tumours

Amanpreet Bhatt

Research case studies > Amanpreet’s research into designing smarter therapies for cancers with solid tumours

Amanpreet’s interest in research began during her studies in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Essex. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, she didn’t get any hands-on experience, but curiosity shaped her academic path.

“I’ve always been motivated by the idea of using science to make a tangible difference in people’s lives,” Amanpreet says. “Cancer research felt like the most impactful area to do that.”

Determined to gain practical experience, Amanpreet stayed at the University of Essex for a master’s degree in Cancer Biology. Her dissertation project gave her the first real taste of life in a research lab, and she began to seriously consider pursuing a PhD.

Conversations with her supervisor and lab colleagues helped her build confidence and so did a visit to a pharmaceutical company where a family member was working on a leukaemia therapy.

“That visit really pulled me further into the cancer research world,” she recalls.

When she came across her PhD project, she knew it was the right fit for its potential to design targeted treatments that are more precise and less toxic.

“It combines chemistry and biology in a way that really excited me,” she says.

With support from Big C, Amanpreet is now undertaking a PhD at the University of East Anglia, working on a project that uses protein engineering to develop controllable cancer therapies.

Her research focuses on designing small antibodies (nanobodies) that bind specifically to cancer cells in solid tumours. These nanobodies are modified to respond to infrared light, meaning they only activate when targeted at a tumour site. This approach could reduce harmful side effects and improve safety by limiting damage to healthy cells.

“This could make therapies safer and more effective, especially for solid tumours that are hard to treat,” she explains.

Close up of a women wearing glasses and long dark hair. She is wearing a black jumper and is standing in front of a wooden wall with a white wall to her right

Progress

Amanpreet recently reached an important milestone in her research; she has successfully shown that the nanobodies can bind strongly with cancer targets. This is a promising sign for future therapy development.

She has also passed her PhD probation review, allowing her to fully immerse herself in the next phase of the project.

Facing challenges, gaining confidence

But the journey hasn’t been without hurdles. Coming from a primarily biology background, Amanpreet initially found it challenging to get to grips with the chemistry side of her project.

“It took a lot of troubleshooting to get reliable and functional results,” she says. “But overcoming that taught me a lot about problem-solving in research.”

Reflecting on the impact

Working on this project has changed how Amanpreet sees cancer, both as a scientific and human challenge.

“My work has made me more aware of the complexity of cancer, both biologically and emotionally. It’s opened my eyes to the importance of therapies that are effective, kinder and more targeted.”

Being part of the Big C research community has played a big role in that.

“Knowing that my work is supported by an organisation with such a meaningful mission is incredibly motivating,” she says. “I am part of a community that truly cares about improving cancer outcomes.”

Looking ahead

Amanpreet is hopeful that her research will be impactful. The experience has deepened her interest in translational science – the bridge between lab discoveries and patient benefit.

“Long term, I’d like to keep working at the interface of biology and medicine,” she says. “I want to work on developing therapies that can directly benefit patients.”

Learn about PhD studentship opportunities

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Sign up

Timothy’s research in prostate cancer prognostics

Timothy Brendler-Spaeth

Research case studies > Timothy’s research in prostate cancer prognostics

Timothy Brendler-Spaeth is in his final year at Norwich Medical School, University of East Anglia. His journey into cancer research began long before his PhD, driven by a love for biology, his favourite subject at school. This developed in him a curiosity that took him beyond conventional career paths.

“I wanted to push the limits of medicine,” Timothy says. “But being a medical doctor wasn’t for me. I wanted to build a deeper scientific curiosity, so I took a different path.”

After earning a bachelor’s degree in genetics followed by a master’s, Timothy took on a position at the Wellcome Sanger Institute as a research assistant. It was here that his interest in research deepened. With a desire to learn more, he began teaching himself computer programming through YouTube videos. This marked the beginning of his shift toward bioinformatics – using computational approaches to analyse biological data.

“Taking on research positions helped me build the experience and motivation to do a PhD,” he explains.

When he came across a bioinformatics PhD project to improve prostate cancer prognostics, it felt like the perfect fit.

“I said to myself, the project is aimed at building prognostic tests for prostate cancer. Why not be a part of something which could provide a huge benefit to patients?”

Research: Aiming for better prognostic tests

Prostate cancer can progress very differently from one patient to another. Some cases are aggressive and require urgent intervention, while others may not need immediate treatment. Current prognostic tests often fall short in accurately differentiating between aggressive and unaggressive cancer at time of diagnosis, which can lead to excessive treatment of an indolent case of the disease.

Timothy’s research is focused on addressing this clinical need. The goal? A test that enables clinicians to more accurately distinguish between the different forms of the disease. His project is using AI to better predict how prostate cancer will progress by looking at a much wider picture of biomolecular changes which occur in cancer cells than more narrowly focused prognostic tools currently available.

“Treatments can have severe side effects that really impact a person’s quality of life. A better test means we can treat patients more appropriately and avoid unnecessary harm.”

Support from Big C has played an important role in his journey. Participating in Big C research events reminded him of the real-world impact behind the data he analyses.

“Sometimes, as scientists, we get so focused on the research that we forget who it’s for. Presenting my work gave me a good reflection on that. This research is for the patients.”

A man standing besides a research poster.

Challenges and reflections

Now at the final stages of analysis and building AI models, Timothy has completed his data preparation, having come a long way in the steep learning curve involved in transitioning to bioinformatics.

“The thrill of learning something new, discovering new patterns is amazing,” he says. “But even more so is getting to tell someone about it.”

Learn about PhD studentship opportunities

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Sign up

Katharine’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Endothelial Cells

Katharine Williams, a Biomedicine student, undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Dr Stephen Robinson’s group based at the Quadram Institute Biosciences, Norwich.

Her project investigated how neuropilin-1 (NRP1) and neuropilin-2 (NRP2) work together in endothelial cells to regulate signalling responses to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in terms of tumour growth.

Brunette long haired woman, smiling, wearing a yellow and green stripy jumper

The research

In order for a tumour to grow it needs plenty of nutrition, which it can obtain from the blood in the blood vessels. Tumours can promote angiogenesis (blood vessel formation) to benefit them. To observe these changes on a cellular level endothelial cells, cells that line blood vessels, are used.

Therefore, Katharine investigated the angiogenic signalling pathways downstream of the two receptors (found on endothelial cells) by using a multitude of techniques. This ranged from cell culture to Western Blot analysis (a laboratory technique used to detect a specific protein in a blood or tissue sample).

Through her studentship, she identified NRP2 (one of the receptors on endothelial cells) directly affects Paxillin, a protein involved in cell adhesion. The depletion of NRP2 alters these proteins reducing the vessels efficacy as it becomes leakier.

In a nutshell, these findings show that understanding this mechanism can help target tumour angiogenesis, reducing its growth.

Personal Experience

Katharine higlighted the importance of developing ‘the key skills and expertise that are important in a research lab‘.

She also explained that she ‘wanted to gain a greater insight into what research looks like and better understanding of the whole process‘.

She was particularly interested in the importance of angiogenesis in tumour development and how ECs drive and impact angiogenesis and thus tumour growth.

“I found the whole experience really valuable and I am thankful for Big C for funding this studentship”

Katharine Williams

Learn about Undergraduate studentship opportunities

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Sign up

Ahana’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Leukaemia

Ahana Mitra, undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Prof. Stuart Rushworth’s group based in the BCRE, UEA.

Read more

Nana’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Cancer Drug Treatments

Nana Adwoa Ampong undertook a Big C LILAC funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Dr. Andrew Beekman’s group based at UEA.

Read more

Freddie’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Prostate Cancer

Freddie Marlowe undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Prof. Daniel Brewer’s group based in BCRE, UEA.

Read more
A photo of undergraduate Rana Haidari on tumour growth research

Rana’s Undergraduate Summer Bursary in Tumour Growth

Rana Haidari, a Biomedicine student, undertook a Big C funded 8-week undergraduate summer project in Dr Derek Warren’s lab group based in the Biomedical Research Centre (BMRC), UEA.

Read more

International Women and Girls in Science Interview

Dee Hayward

Research case studies > International Women and Girls in Science Interview: Dee Hayward

International Day of Women and Girls in Science recognises the critical role women and girls play in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics). To celebrate the day, we spoke with Dee Hayward, a first-year PhD student whose studentship has been funded by Big C.

Since October, Dee has been working with Dr Andrew Beekman of the University of East Anglia on a project researching small molecules to target PD-L1, a type of interaction in the body that ensures the immune system is only activated when appropriate to avoid autoimmune disease, in hopes of creating a new type of cancer treatment.

We asked Dee more about her journey in STEM: what her research project is and how it is going despite COVID-19 and what advice she has for women and girls interested in pursuing careers in STEM.

“Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) has continued issues with diversity and is still a male dominated career choice. There is under representation of women within STEM, however it has improved in recent years and should continue to be highlighted to encourage young women to pursue this career path”

What did you study at University?

I studied a BSc in Biology with a minor in Chemistry and a MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicinal Chemistry before my PhD.

What is your research project?

I’m currently researching a small molecule that will function to replace antibodies that act to block the protein protein interaction between PD-1 and PD-L1, an immune checkpoint. By blocking this interaction, this may allow our immune system to attack a tumour through our T-cells, or the white blood cells of the immune system.

Close Up shot of PhD student Dee Hayward

Why do you think research project is important?

All research that can provide a better insight to less toxic cancer and tumour treatments is essential. This research is a stepping stone in providing another outlook on cancer treatment.

How has it been working in research during the COVID-19 pandemic? What are some difficulties you and the rest of your team have faced? Have there been any positive aspects to it?

We have been very fortunate to have been allowed to continue research in the lab with social distancing rules enforced by splitting our lab members into morning and night shift. One of the positives is with less people there is more opportunity to use the instruments, however we are missing our other lab members so hopefully we will be back to normal soon.

What drove you to pursue a career in STEM? Have you always wanted to work in the sciences?

I enjoyed science while at school, however coming out of high school I was more focused on sport than science. I was midway through my degree in a summer placement doing medicinal chemistry when I realised that I really enjoyed research and continued seeking way to continue this career path.

What is an issue or issues you think women and girls still face in STEM?

STEM has continued issues with diversity and is still a male dominated career choice. There is an under representation of women within STEM, however it has improved in recent years and should continue to be highlighted to encourage young women to pursue this career path.

If you could give one piece of advice to a young person interested in pursuing a career in a STEM, what would it be?

To have perseverance, always continue looking for the next opportunity and don’t let any setback halt you from what you’re trying to achieve.

What does the future look like for you? What would you like to do after your research has completed?

Currently, my focus is my present research and making it through my PhD! I don’t know that research is ever completed but at the end of my PhD I’d like to stay within research and possibly get involved in lecturing. I guess we will see!

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Sign up

International Women and Girls in Science Day

Nancy Teng

Research case studies > International Women and Girls in Science Interview: Nancy Teng

11th February is International Women and Girls in Science Day, which recognises the critical role women and girls play in the sciences. To celebrate the day, Big C spoke with Nancy Teng, a current PhD student at the Quadram Institute whose studentship has been funded by Big C.

Since 2019, Nancy has been a researcher in the lab of Dr Lindsay Hall studying gut microbiota and breast cancer.

We asked Nancy about her research, her future plans and what advice she would give to someone interested in pursuing a career in the sciences.

In 2019, Big C awarded a grant to Dr Hall’s lab at the Quadram Institute to support the addition of a PhD student to assist with their work studying gut bacteria and their effect on certain aspects of human health.

Nancy Teng was the recipient of this funding and through her studentship, Nancy examines how particular gut bacteria can influence the efficacy of treatments for people affected by breast cancer.

She said: “This project really took my interest because of the different disciplines of science and different types of researchers involved in it. It really has its fingers in many science-flavoured pies i.e. cancer biology, immunology, microbiology. Alongside this, I get to work with the local hospital, patients and other scientists which is really different from your standard lab-project.”

Prior to her PhD, Nancy earned a BSc in Biomedicine at the University of East Anglia (UEA) and a MSc in Immunology of Infectious Diseases at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Regarding her previous degrees, she said: “For me, biomedicine is the science which asks the questions why do diseases happen and how can treatments work against them? Immunology is interesting to me because it’s the first line of defence against disease but there is a very fine balance between doing just enough and doing too much in terms of treatments and this degree studied that.”

Nancy’s family comes from a healthcare background and when she was younger Nancy wanted to be a doctor.

However, Nancy changed her mind about pursuing a medical degree while writing her university applications. She realised she was more interested in the science behind medicine. By talking to others about this interest, Nancy learned about the field of biomedicine and knew that this was the area of science she wanted to delve into.

“If science is what you are passionate about or what you love to do, then you should do it. Don’t let yourself, or anyone else, hold you back from it.”

NANCY TENG, PhD STUDENT

When asking Nancy what medical professionals or scientists inspire her, she had two people in mind. The first was her mother. She said: “My mum was a doctor by trade but put her career on hold to raise me and my sister. Once she decided that my sister and I could cook without burning the house down, she started her career again. Unfortunately, she wasn’t able to practice medicine again. Instead, she studied for a master’s degree in a field related yet profoundly different from what she had previously done. She worked really hard for the career she has now, and all while still being a really great mum.”

The second person Nancy chose was her PhD adviser Dr Hall. She said: “When I was studying my master’s degree, someone mentioned Dr Hall’s name in a lecture about the microbiome. I looked her up and was so impressed by her academic career.

“When I got the studentship, I was a bit worried. But since being here, Dr Hall has been nothing but supportive in my PhD project. Despite being a well-known scientist who may not always be at the Quadram Institute, she always makes the time for her team.”

After she has finished her PhD, Nancy is unsure of what she wants to do, but knows she wants to use the skills she has gained to continue a career in research.

She said: “At the end of my PhD, I hope I’ve become a more well-rounded scientist and use the skills and knowledge which I have gained in my next role. Even if I can’t go directly into research, I would be happy working with patients and the wider community, too.”

“I always knew I wanted to go into science, but I was told that being a woman in science would be difficult. Despite this, I knew what I wanted to do and persevered.”

To find out more about the research happening in Dr Hall’s lab, visit Quadram Institute’s website.

Let’s keep in touch

Subscribe to our mailing list to receive news and updates from Big C.

Sign up