The colorectal cancer subgroup research is focused on the development of clinically relevant, orthotopic models of metastatic colorectal cancer, utilising xenograft and Patient-Derived Xenograft (PDX) models.

Using these models, which replicate as close as possible the patient experience, we aim to investigate mechanisms of treatment response and resistance, and develop new treatment strategies. We also aim to validate new methods of patient stratification.

To achieve these aims we incorporate state of the art preclinical CT and bioluminescence imaging modalities

Senior tumour biologist

In 2002 I graduated from St Mary’s University College (Twickenham, UK) with a BSc (Hons) degree in Health & Human Science, and Sport Science. Following this I spent 5 years working at GE Healthcare as a lab technician. As part of the pre-clinical R&D team I performed biodistribution studies and QC batch release testing for a number of radiopharmaceutical product. In 2010 I joined Prof Byrne’s group as part of the SFI Funded Molecular Therapeutics for Cancer Ireland (MTCI) strategic research cluster. As part of this cluster I performed a number of pre-clinical studies investigating novel treatments for breast cancer. I also assisted in a number of studies as part of the FP7 funded AngioTox and AngioPREDICT projects. In 2015 I completed my MSc by research in Prof’s Byrne’s lab. Currently I am investigating the efficacy of novel treatments in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) using clinically relevant surgical orthotopic models of CRC.

Research Assistant

I completed my B.Sc. in Biopharmaceutical science at Dundalk institute of technology (DKIT) in 2020.  My first experience of research was my fourth year thesis; gene expression of protein kinase 2 (Chk2) in irradiated and non-irradiated human embryonic kidney 293 cells (HEK293). It was through this experience that I knew I would like to pursue a role in research. My first position upon leaving college was working in Enfer medical carrying out Covid- 19 PCR testing during the pandemic. It was a great experience working in a Highly regulated busy environment. In Oct 2022 I joined the PCM group as a research assistant. My role centres around the HEA funded RADCOL project. The aim of the project is the development and validation of a CT-based Radiomics signature for early detection of colorectal liver metastases and post treatment disease recurrence. This is a collaborative effort between RCSI, Queens university Belfast (QUB) and the National Preclinical Imaging Centre (NPIC).