Congratulations to our 2021/22 Research Studentship recipients. These three young researchers are enthusiastic about making lasting differences in the field of brain tumour research and treatment, and their excitement and confidence gives us all hope.

Because of your generosity and that of our funders, Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada is able to continue supporting the researchers of today and those of tomorrow.

 Leonaes Brahel Tatchinda Kuete

Undergraduate Science Student, McGill University

Supervisor: Dr. Leandra Desjardins

Project: “Understanding Social Behaviors in Pediatric Brain Tumour Survivors”

Generously funded by Taite Boomer Foundation

 “Being awarded a Brain Tumour Research Studentship means a lot in the developing field of brain tumour research, which enables students such as me to acquire experience and work in collaboration with researchers.

This studentship is a great opportunity for me to learn from experienced mentors and explore the science of brain tumours, helping me to advance towards my career goal: becoming a medical doctor specialized in Oncology. After witnessing the effects of tumours through a close family member, I realized that there is a large room of study which needs to be done in order to provide promising advances in the science of tumours.

This award demonstrates an act of confidence towards the upcoming generation of researchers and encourages me to put in a lot of effort in this research project and overcome the challenges it will present. Research is a way of creating and sharing knowledge, made possible when grateful donors support such studies.

I sincerely thank Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada for this studentship, which is generously funded by Taite Boomer Foundation and their donors, for making this research possible. I am more than motivated to persevere, learn and gain from this experience the best of its science.” 

Yujin Suk

Medical Student, McMaster University

Supervisor: Dr. Sheila Singh

Project: “Identification of ITGA5 as a novel immunotherapeutic target against treatment refractory medulloblastoma”

Generously funded by Jack Nichol Family Fund (London Community Foundation)

I am grateful and honoured to receive the Brain Tumour Research Studentship from Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada for the 2021-2022 duration. The award will support my research investigating novel immunotherapeutic modalities for pediatric medulloblastoma patients facing recurrence and/or metastases using recurrent markers such as ITGA5.

I am passionate about performing translational research that aims to bridge the gap between pre-clinical findings in the laboratory to clinical practice in hospitals in order to provide meaningful, alternative treatment modalities for patients facing no other options.

Awards such as the Brain Tumour Research Studentship go a long way not only to directly support my research but also aids in my career development as an aspiring clinician scientist.

Aiyireti (Dina) Dilinaer

Undergraduate Science Student, University of Windsor

Supervisor: Dr. John Trant

Project: “Self-Immolative NanoCapsule – A New Form of Drug Delivery for Glioblastoma Multiforme”

Generously funded by Jack Nichol Family Fund (London Community Foundation)

I am extremely honoured to receive a Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada Studentship. I have always been intrigued by the development of new medicines as well as drug delivery methods. Receiving this studentship will allow me to apply my knowledge and passion for organic chemistry in combination with my interest in medicine, to develop a targeted drug delivery method for glioblastoma multiforme in the Trant Lab.

It will also help me explore my future career options by allowing me to do research full-time for two summers. Lastly, it will provide me with the financial support that I need as an international student studying in Canada.

To think that someday the research I have conducted might be of help for brain tumour patients is truly motivating, and therefore I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to Brain Tumour Foundation of Canada and the Jack Nichol Family Fund (London Community Foundation). Thank you for your generosity and contribution towards brain tumour research, and for making all these possible.

About the studentship program:

This program offers $10,000 research opportunities to first-year medical students and first, second or third-year undergraduate science students pursuing a four-year Bachelor of Science degree. Research studentships offer funding for two summers of research work. All research studentships are funded thanks to the generosity of donors.