What did you do before starting your DPhil?
I completed my BSc at the Maastricht Science Programme at Maastricht University in the Netherlands, where I majored in Neuroscience and minored in Molecular Biology. During my undergraduate studies, I developed a strong interest in the molecular mechanisms underlying disease and gained experience in computational analysis through research projects focused on complex biological datasets.
I then pursued an MSc in Biomedical Sciences (Neuroscience: Pathophysiology and Psychopharmacology) at the University of Amsterdam. During this time, I worked on projects in stroke and glioma research. This exposed me to clinically relevant neuroscience research and reinforced my interest in translational science.
Alongside my academic training, I was also involved in data stewardship which gave me a broader perspective on the research data lifecycle. This experience highlighted the importance of well-structured, accessible, and reproducible data, particularly as modern biomedical research increasingly relies on large and complex datasets. It strongly shaped how I think about research practice and continues to influence how I approach my work during my DPhil.
Why did you want to work in Cancer Research?
My interest in cancer research developed through both my academic background and personal experience. Coming from a neuroscience perspective, I became particularly aware of how devastating adult diffuse gliomas, such as glioblastomas, can be, both in terms of prognosis and quality of life. Seeing how fundamentally different cancer is from many other diseases, and how deeply it interacts with normal biological and immune processes, made the field intellectually compelling to me.
I was also personally impacted by cancer through close family members. This gave my academic interest a more human dimension. Seeing how cancer treatments and outcomes have evolved over time inspired me to contribute, in my own way, to research that could help drive further progress.
What attracted you to the DPhil in Cancer Science with Oxford Cancer?
What attracted me most to the DPhil in Cancer Science with Oxford Cancer was its strong interdisciplinary focus and collaborative structure. The programme brings together molecular biology, immunology, computational science, and clinical expertise, which closely aligns with my own academic background and interests.
I was also drawn to the broader training environment, including the cohort-based structure of the DPhil and the support provided by the Doctoral Training Centre. Having both a home department and a wider research community fosters collaboration, peer support, and intellectual exchange, which I see as essential for tackling complex problems in cancer research.
Tell us about your DPhil Project.
As part of my DPhil, I am currently undertaking a rotational project focused on an exploratory analyses of single-cell transcriptomic data to better understand tumour biology in adult diffuse gliomas. My work aims to investigate how molecular and immune processes shape tumour behaviour by using integrative computational approaches.
My department, the Nuffield Department of Clinical Neurosciences, is highly collaborative and interdisciplinary, encompassing a wide range of research areas across neuroscience. One aspect I particularly value is the emphasis on identifying shared research themes across groups which encourages collaboration beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries.
For example, a departmental initiative brought together researchers working on immunology-related questions across different contexts, including cancer, neurological disease, and pain. These forums created a space for discussion, idea exchange, and collaboration, fostering a supportive and intellectually stimulating research environment.
What do you think are the potential implications of this work for patients?
While my current research is primarily fundamental, improving our understanding of tumour biology at a molecular and cellular level is crucial for future clinical advances. In the context of adult diffuse gliomas, this kind of work can help identify patterns of tumour heterogeneity, immune interactions, or molecular features that may eventually inform better patient stratification, biomarker development, or therapeutic strategies.
Ultimately, building a more detailed and integrated picture of these tumours is an essential step towards improving outcomes for patients facing diseases with currently limited treatment options.
What do you think are the major obstacles for the cancer field to overcome in the next 10 years?
One of the major challenges facing the cancer field is the extreme complexity and heterogeneity of tumours, both within individual patients and across patient populations. This is particularly evident in cancers such as adult diffuse gliomas.
Another key obstacle is the integration of diverse and large-scale datasets in a way that is robust, reproducible, and clinically meaningful. As data volumes continue to grow, ensuring high-quality data stewardship and reproducible research practices will be critical for translating discoveries into real patient benefit. Overcoming these challenges will require continued interdisciplinary collaboration between computational scientists, biologists, and clinicians.
Find out more about the DPhil in Cancer Science on our study pages.
