September 8, 2024

Congratulations to the 2024-2025 Breast Cancer Research Traineeship Awardees in London

The Breast Cancer Canada Translational Research Unit (BCC-TRU) at the London Health Sciences Centre is delighted to announce eight new scholarships and fellowships at Western University for the 2024-2025 academic year. These awards are supported by Breast Cancer Canada’s tremendous and ongoing commitment to accelerating progress through breast cancer research in London.

Trainees compete annually for these awards. Applications are assessed by a scientific review committee based on the quality and translational potential of their project, their academic record, and the strength of their mentor and training environment.

Three MSc students (Zachary Freeman, Noor Rizvi, Jeri Spilberg), four PhD students (Lianghong Chen, Nitara Fernando, Jaren Wooten, George Xie), and one clinical research fellow (Dr. Samir Fasih) were awarded full BCC-TRU traineeships this year. In addition, we are delighted to welcome Urvi Patel and Anayra Gonçalves (PhD students) as additional participants in the BCC-TRU Program who hold scholarship funding from other sources.

These talented students and fellows are conducting their breast cancer research in laboratories located at the London Health Sciences Centre and at Western University, and are enrolled in six different academic departments/programs at Western including Anatomy & Cell Biology, Biochemistry, Computer Science, Epidemiology & Biostatistics, Medical Biophysics, and Oncology. Their translational research projects are broadly focused on the understanding, prevention, tracking and/or treatment of metastatic breast cancer (the deadliest aspect of breast cancer), as well as precision medicine approaches for improving breast cancer outcomes. Further details about the award recipients and descriptions of their projects can be found on the BCC-TRU website.

“Breast Cancer Canada is proud to support LHSC and to have shared in their breast cancer progress and accomplishments for the last 25 years. The scholarships for the year ahead are not only an investment in breast cancer research; they are also an investment in bright minds that will shape the future”. – Kimberly Carson, CEO of Breast Cancer Canada

Over the coming year, we encourage you to support Breast Cancer Canada’s fundraising and community events including their Raise More Challenge in October and Mother’s Day events in the Spring. You can also read about our students and their research progress throughout the year via their blog postings on the Breast Cancer Canada website.

Congratulations to our trainees and best wishes to them as they contribute to breast cancer research in London!

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