As a Clinical Research Assistant in the Adolescent and Young Adult (AYA) Oncology Program at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, I contribute to translational research initiatives that span molecular biology, patient-centered outcomes, and healthcare optimization. In this role, I support oncology research involving high-grade gliomas, pelvic malignancies, and sarcomas, contributing to study design, data collection, and analysis of treatment impact on patient quality of life. I’ve worked closely with clinical teams and lab-based researchers, gaining exposure to biospecimen protocols, ethics compliance, and SOP development in regulated healthcare settings.

My responsibilities often require applying aseptic techniques, managing patient-related data, and conducting literature reviews to identify best practices in cancer treatment and survivorship care. I collaborate across disciplines to analyze system inefficiencies and propose evidence-based process improvements, skills that translate directly into optimizing lab workflows—such as those used in cell culture or media preparation.

In addition, I contribute to research dissemination by preparing reports, visual summaries, and presentations tailored for both scientific and non-scientific audiences. My ability to critically assess workflows and transform research insights into actionable outcomes makes me well-suited for evaluating and improving laboratory techniques at Acorn Biolabs.

Beyond clinical research, I’ve independently managed structured projects requiring attention to detail, documentation accuracy, and iterative testing—skills critical to developing standard operating procedures (SOPs). With a strong foundation in scientific inquiry, lab process evaluation, and cross-functional collaboration, I’m excited to apply my knowledge to enhance cell viability, improve culture efficiency, and contribute meaningfully to Acorn Biolabs’ biomanufacturing goals.

As part of my Master of Science degree at the University of Toronto, I led a comprehensive research project focused on the tumor microenvironment of glioblastoma (GBM), a highly aggressive brain cancer. Specifically, my project explored how the expression of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule 1 (ICAM1) on tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) influences tumor progression, immune cell behavior, and overall GBM growth. This work involved extensive cell culture experiments, aseptic techniques, macrophage functional assays, and in vitro co-culture models, including:

Culturing and differentiating bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) under sterile conditions.

Conducting migration and polarization assays to assess immune cell behavior in response to ICAM1 expression and hypoxia.

Using Transwell migration assays, RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and flow cytometry to evaluate cell phenotype, gene expression, and protein activity.

Designing and optimizing hypoxia treatment protocols to simulate tumor microenvironmental conditions affecting immune cell response.

My work led to the discovery that ICAM1 expression on macrophages promotes an anti-inflammatory, tumor-supportive phenotype and enhances cell migration—findings that have potential implications for therapeutic targeting. The project required significant troubleshooting of cell culture protocols, precise handling of primary and immortalized cell lines, and critical data analysis using both experimental and bioinformatics tools.

This experience has equipped me with advanced knowledge in cell biology, immune cell function, and cell culture optimization, making me well-prepared to contribute to Acorn Biolabs’ efforts to enhance cell growth and viability. My familiarity with evaluating and refining cell plating conditions, media components, and immune cell co-culture models aligns directly with the goals of this position.