Get to know Patricia Bunda, biomedical scientist and cancer researcher1) What do you do?My current r

Get to know Patricia Bunda, biomedical scientist and cancer researcher1) What do you do?My current research project focuses on creating mouse models of organ-specific cancer metastasis which are useful tools in pre-clinical testing of novel immunotherapy treatments and in studying the ability of cancer cells to preferentially metastasize to organs such as the brain and the bone. Most, if not all, of us know someone who is suffering or had suffered from cancer. Being able to work on something that can help cure this disease is a unique privilege that motivates me on a daily basis.2) Where do you work?I currently work as a post-baccalaureate researcher at the National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health (NIH) in Bethesda, Maryland. Working in the largest biomedical facility in the world enables me to collaborate with experts and see the potential impact of my basic science research in the clinical setting.3) Tell us about the photos![Top:] I was presenting the results of my senior thesis to one of the judges at the UCLA Undergraduate Research Poster Day. I remember being quite nervous but, at the same time, excited to present the results of my year-long project. Winning the Dean’s Prize was just icing on the cake![Bottom:] Apart from my research involvement, I also served as the medical outreach director for Pilipinos for Community Health (PCH) at UCLA during my senior year in college. I was in charge of planning and fundraising for our medical mission to the Philippines. This photo was taken at Sitio Kidadayaig in General Nakar, Quezon Province where our team helped provide basic medical services to over a hundred residents of this remote mountain community.4) Tell us about your academic career path so far.I graduated from Imus Institute Science High School in Imus, Cavite. My biology teacher, Mr. Donnie Legaspi, inspired me to study Biology in UP Los Baños. After only my sophomore year at UPLB, my family decided to immigrate to the US. I continued to pursue Biology at Palomar College and eventually transferred to University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology, minor in Biomedical Research. I am concurrently doing research and applying to MD/PhD programs here in the US.5) Anything else you’d like to share?According to a University of the Philippines study, 6 out of 10 Filipinos die without seeing a doctor. Growing up in a small town in the Philippines and seeing firsthand the reality of this statistic motivated me to pursue a career in medicine. However, my research experience in the US allowed me to realize that a good healthcare system and a strong research community go hand in hand. Every year, countless doctors, nurses, and scientists leave the Philippines in search of better employment opportunities overseas. This creates a shortage of high-skilled workers that are supposed to be integral parts of our country’s healthcare sector. I believe that promoting biomedical research is a powerful way to improve healthcare in the as it fosters a society that supports and encourages intellectuals to stay in their own country instead of seeking jobs abroad.In 2013, the Philippines only had 187.7 scientists per million people, one of the lowest densities of researchers in the world. To all Pinoy Scientists out there, I urge you to advocate for and help develop the research field in our country. You can start small by mentoring an aspiring young pinoy scientist or go big and take advantage of the DOST Balik Scientist Program (https://bspms.dost.gov.ph/). With the innate curiosity and resourcefulness of Filipinos, I believe that we have the potential to make a significant impact in the larger scientific community and help improve the lives of our countrymen. Mabuhay ang mga siyentipikong Pinoy!P.S. I am planning to start a facebook group for current and aspiring Pinoy scientists to share experiences, ideas, and opportunities with each other. If you’re interested in helping me start this group, shoot me a message (facebook.com/patbunda). Also, feel free to contact me if you want to learn more about cancer research! -- source link

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