Supervisor:
Program of Study:
PhD, Chemistry
Project Title:
Developing Aptasensor for Rapid Detection of Breast Cancer
Research Summary:
The current go-to screening method for breast cancer, the mammogram, is inaccurate when it comes to patients with dense breast tissue. This often results in patients needing to go for additional screening procedures, which slows down the whole process and adds on burden to the healthcare system. To tackle this problem, my project revolves around developing an electrochemical sensor that can detect specific biomarkers for breast cancer. This sensor ideally should complement the current well-established breast cancer screening procedure, which will speed up the whole process and relieve the burden on the healthcare system.
Scholarships and/or Awards:
- 2024- Frank J. and Norah Toole Graduate Scholarship in Chemistry
- 2024- NSERC L2M Validate
Career Aspirations:
After working with electrochemistry for a few years, I have developed a love-hate relationship with electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. In the future, I see myself working in sectors related to electrochemistry.
Location:
University of New Brunswick-Fredericton
Publications:
C. O’Brien, C. K. Khor, S. Ardalan, A. Ignaszak, Multiplex Electrochemical Sensing Platforms for the Detection of Breast Cancer Biomarkers, Front. Med. Technol., 2024, 10.3389/fmedt.2024.1360510
Recent News:
Recently, I had the opportunity to be included in the L2M Validate program organized by the Toronto Metropolitan University. Through this 4 month program, I was able to approach various breast cancer patients in Canada and listened to their breast cancer screening experience. I also talked to a few nurses and mammogram technicians to further understand the detailed procedure of breast cancer screening. Listening to their stories gave me a lot of insight on how I should proceed with my project and reminded me how significant my research can contribute to the breast cancer screening process.