Currently, though close collaboration with clinical teams I lead a basic science and translation research lab, identifying medically relevant biomarkers and treatments using advanced biochemistry, imaging, (epi)genomic analysis and pre-clinical models that include direct monitoring of patient tissues ex vivo.
Over the last 20yrs my drive has increasingly come from listening to GPs, surgeons, medical and clinical oncologists that identify the most urgent medical need and where our projects are most likely to benefit patients. This led to successful collaborations in pancreatic cancer that involve national and international initiatives in detection (ADEPTS) and treatment (Precision Panc). Through these, our research has directly led to new discoveries and initiated several novel clinical trials.
As a scientist in a clinically orientated role, I am primarily driven by a passion for coordinating individual projects to make larger impactful changes in healthcare. Engaging with patients, their families, charity volunteers and clinical teams through outreach events and presentations I have developed a rounded view of the patient pathway. I have also been recruited to help lobby parliament by supporting all party parliamentary group initiatives, ‘sandpit’ events for charities (Cancer Research UK and Pancreatic Cancer UK), educational initiatives for the Royal College of Radiologists and involved with National Cancer Research Institute conferences and clinical subgroups.