Gene Editors of the Future members from the University of Westminster have achieved great heights, participating in a televised roundtable discussion on a recent breakthrough in cancer treatment and securing international industry internships.
Applied Biotechnology MSc students and Gene Editors of The Future members Harshana Chaurasia and Nadine Benyahia spoke with host Enda Brady on the show Roundtable on TNT World about mRNA-based vaccines that work similarly to COVID-19 vaccines that can be tailored for cancer treatment. They were joined by Dr Oksana Pyzil, Lecturer from the University College London School of Pharmacy, and Dr Khalid Sadek, a general physician within the NHS.
During the discussion, Harshana and Nadine shared their excitement and highlighted the importance of understanding the genetic and environmental factors that contribute to cancer, citing examples of the pervasive chemicals that surround us daily—a topic central to their extended Master's project at the University’s Genome Engineering Laboratory.
The experts on the panel emphasised the scientific and logistical challenges in bringing cancer vaccines from the lab to the clinic, highlighting the ongoing phase three clinical trials for personalised mRNA cancer vaccines, which are critical for evaluating their safety and efficacy.
Along with her appearance on TRT-World, Harshana has also been offered a summer internship by MedixBiochemica, a global leader in diagnostics. She will be joined by her fellow students from the gene editors programme Aya Hijazi and Magdalena Ruiz Perez from the Biomedical Sciences BSc Honours course. The students will specifically work on applications of HIDI polymerases in assessing editing efficiency in CRISPR-edited populations, the use of a limiting number of cells for gene expression analysis, and the detection of mutations in cancer hotspots.
About the internship Harshana Chaurasia said: “An international internship at MedixBiochemica is an exciting milestone in my journey as a member of the Gene Editors of the Future. The opportunity to design experiments, work with innovative materials, validate results and present findings is extremely valuable.”
Magdalena Ruiz Perez said: “This internship is a significant step towards my research and academic goals. I am excited to collaborate internationally with MedixBiochemica, representing Gene Editors of the Future and the University of Westminster. This hands-on experience will enhance my employability and support my ambition to become a data scientist. I look forward to the growth and learning this role will provide.”
Aya Hijazi added: “As an undergraduate student, the opportunity to intern internationally for MedixBiochemica allows me to bridge the gap between theory and practice through collaboration with industry experts. This experience will enhance my degree and future ambitions. I am proud to represent the University of Westminster and the Gene Editors of the Future programme. I look forward to developing skills that will foster my growth as a scientist.”
The students’ cancer research and participation in an international internship directly contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 3: Good Health and Wellbeing and 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. Since 2019, the University of Westminster has used the SDGs holistically to frame strategic decisions to help students and colleagues fulfil their potential and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable and healthier society.
Watch the discussion on YouTube.
Find out more about studying in the School of Life Sciences at the University of Westminster.
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