I’m a biochemist and doctor in chemistry by training with a passion for all things immunology and research. I’m a Research Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin. I’m a problem solver by nature and love making sense of complex biological data sets and biochemical interactions. I’ve spent the last 10+ years of my career researching strategies to enhance or modulate the immune system though synthetic and natural compounds as means of treating infections and cancer.
In 2019 my life changed abruptly as my young husband was diagnosed with stage IV colorectal cancer. With a grim prognosis and a very deficient medical system, I was faced with the biggest challenge of my life: finding doctors who could help us devise new treatment paths and defy that prognosis. This involved 4 different teams across continents, enrollment in two clinical trials and the set up of one trial from scratch to access a new technology not available in the country where he was being treated at the time.
Becoming a colorectal cancer advocate was not a path I envisioned for myself, but rather one that life unexpectedly led me to. Having witnessed the positive impact of patient education and advocacy on cancer care first hand has been nothing short of extraordinary. I’ve been in awe, seeing how the education, peer-support, and empowerment offered by the Colontown community have positively impacted many patients and contributed to creating space for healing even in the absence of a cure. The positive ripple effect that it has had on my personal journey as a caregiver and my husband’s prognosis is certain.
I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to serve PALTOWN and COLONTOWN in this new role as a Research Librarian and Data Analyst and put all my knowledge and passion for science at the service of colorectal cancer patients.