During my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at Durham University, I gravitated towards biomedical-related topics, spanning embryonic development to immunology. I became fascinated by the complex cellular interactions essential to maintaining the human body, and how (under certain circumstances) their dysregulation can have disastrous consequences. By undertaking online courses, including the ‘Introduction to the Biology of Cancer’ via Coursera, and completing a fully-funded research internship at the University of Manitoba during Summer 2023, this broad interest converged onto the molecular signals that underpin cancer. More specifically, I am keen to understand how these pathways can be targeted and manipulated to increase efficacy of current anti-cancer therapeutics.Throughout the three-year programme, I took full advantage of opportunities to develop skills in standard molecular techniques, including cell culture, immunohistochemistry, gel electrophoresis and microscopy. As a result, I am able to critically analyse data, interpret relevant academic literature, and present information in various formats (e.g. posters, verbally, written reports). Away from my studies, I have also held leadership positions, including Secretary for the Durham University Ballet Company, and acted as an academic mentor to students in lower years under the University’s BioSoc Parenting Scheme.Having graduated with First Class Honours in July 2024, I am now excited to be in the early stages of my next chapter as a PhD student at the Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute within the Cancer Immunosurveillance Research Group.