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