Submitted by Irena Rao on Fri, 12/07/2024 - 15:30
An Early Cancer Institute PhD student has been awarded the best oral presentation at the Asia-Pacific Gastroesophageal Cancer Congress, which took place in Singapore from 10-12 July 2024.
Aisha Yusuf, who is a University of Cambridge Gates Scholar, is carrying out the research for her PhD at the Fitzgerald Lab.
Aisha's research focuses on oesophageal cancer which is one of the most deadly cancers and is often difficult to identify. She is studying the early genomic events that might help lead to early detection.
Her talk at the congress was titled 'Enhancing early detection of oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma through shallow whole-genome sequencing and non-endoscopic sponge sampling.'
The presentation focused on her PhD thesis results, which showed that copy number alterations, a type of genomic mutation, could help improve the detection of early oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and its premalignant lesions.
Aisha was delighted to win the prize and had a wonderful experience in Singapore. She said "I was truly honoured and humbled to receive the award, and it was an emotional moment for me. The enthusiastic questions following my talk were especially encouraging. My PhD journey has been filled with challenges and small victories, so I am incredibly grateful to have my hard work recognized at such a prestigious meeting. It felt like a pat on the back, and I couldn't imagine a more rewarding way to conclude the program. This recognition also pays homage to all the kind people who have tirelessly supported and guided me along the way. Ending this chapter in this way fills me with encouragement for all that lies ahead."
The APGCC is a biennial gathering of clinicians and surgeons specializing in gastric, oesophageal, and gastroesophageal junction cancers. Find out more about the Asia-Pacific Gastroesophageal Cancer Congress
Aisha was interviewed for the King's Parade magazine in 2022.