A UNBC biochemistry student will be helping the fight against breast cancer thanks to a prestigious award from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation (CBCF).

Daud Akhtar, a fourth-year biochemistry and molecular biology major from Prince George, received a 2014 BC Cancer Studentship, sponsored by the CBCF, to work with UNBC biochemistry professor Dr. Chow Lee on a project entitled “Towards Breaking the CRD-BP-GLI1 mRNA interaction as an Potential Approach for the Treatment of Breast Cancer”.

Daud Akhtar, 2014 BC Cancer Studentship recipient Download High Resolution Image

The award is made on the basis of academic excellence and demonstrated interest in cancer research. It will allow Akhtar to continue research he began in the second year of his undergraduate program.

Certain genes result in proteins being produced, and his research focuses on breaking the interaction between the protein and the gene product that causes cancer.

“I think this is very promising, because this is something we can prevent at a molecular level,” explains Akhtar. “By looking at cancer from a molecule perspective we are able to have a better understanding of the factors involved in the progression of cancer. We can have a more targeted and controlled treatment method with less hazardous side effects associated with other treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation.”

Akhtar’s father is a doctor and he says that influenced him to pursue a medical profession. His goal is to become an oncologist and he has been accepted to the University of British Columbia’s Faculty of Medicine.

“The studentship exposes me to research on a regular basis, while at the same time providing financial support, allowing me to not have to find a summer job, but continue researching in the lab,” says Akhtar.

“The BC Cancer Studentship program provides valuable opportunities for undergraduate students to acquire cancer research experience by way of summer studentship awards,” says Dr. Wan Lam, chair of the BC Cancer Agency Studentship Program and deputy head and distinguished scientist at Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Agency.

“Under the leadership of Dr. Mary McBride for the past decade, the BC Cancer Studentship has provided research training to hundreds of studentship trainees like Mr. Akhtar. Many of the previous trainees have subsequently developed careers in science and medicine that ultimately impact the life of cancer patients."

The CBCF - BC/Yukon Region supports several trainees each year who participate in breast cancer related research, including four this year. The BC Studentship is also supported by The BC Cancer Foundation.

Several UNBC students have received BC Cancer Studentships in the past, including Randi Woodbeck and Sangeun Kim, who are now in the Northern Medical Program, Trevor Haines, an NMP graduate, and Dustin King, currently pursuing a PhD at the University of British Columbia.