At the Member Forum held on Friday 2 December 2022, Elena-Georgiana Capbun from the University of Cambridge, UK, was presented with the Rob Clarke Presentation Award. Since the excitement of the event, we followed up with Elena to find out more about her studies, her chosen topic of interest for her research project and presenting to a judging panel.
What are you studying?
I am in my fourth year of medicine at the University of Cambridge and have just started my clinical years. I am currently working on an audit and have plans to carry out a clinical research project in transplant surgery under the supervision of a clinical fellow at Addenbrooke’s Hospital, Cambridge.
What topic did you explore for your research project?
My project focused on the ‘Comparative expression of carbonic anhydrases IX and XII in human prostate cancer”, as potential biomarkers used in risk stratification, to allow better targeting of treatment with the intent of improving success and minimising adverse effects associated with therapy for indolent phenotypes. This was my first research project, and I completed during my intercalated year at university.
What did you find were the challenges and highlights of participating in the Rob Clarke Award?
Although challenging at times, given the amount of work and diverse techniques undertaken, I thoroughly enjoyed this experience: reading around the subject, thinking about data analysis, the significance of our findings and future paths that can be undertaken. I am thankful for the opportunity to work with my supervisor and other experts in histopathology and the field of carbonic anhydrases.
The poster presentation was enjoyable, from meeting other students and learning about their work, to presenting and being questioned by the panel of judges. It was an honour to be able to present my work to experts, to be listened to and questioned in a way in which interest was shown and ideas were discussed. The feedback from the judges was encouraging and it is a privilege to receive the award.
What are your career plans?
Motivated by my experience working on this project, I would like to work on clinical research and I am interested in pursuing a career in surgery.
Read more interviews with our Rob Clarke Award finalists, meet the Runners-up Peter Panizza and Luke McAuley.