Biochemistry student Daud Akhtar, in his fourth year at UNBC, has received a 2014 BC Cancer Studentship sponsored by the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF).
Akhtar will work with UNBC biochemistry professor Dr. Chow Lee on a project called 'Towards Breaking the CRD-BP-GLI1 mRNA interaction as an Potential Approach for the Treatment of Breast Cancer'.
Akhtar got the award for academic excellence while demonstrating an interest in a career in cancer research.
"I think this is very promising, because this is something we can prevent at a molecular level," explains Akhtar. "By looking at cancer from a molecule perspective we are able to have a better understanding of the factors involved in the progression of cancer. We can have a more targeted and controlled treatment method with less hazardous side effects associated with other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation."
The CBCF, BC/Yukon region, supports several trainees each year who participate in breast cancer related research. There are four this year. The BC Studentship is also supported by The BC Cancer Foundation.
