We caught up with Luke Tattersall, our PhD Research Student from The University of Sheffield and he told us more about a day in a lab and why funding is important.
Luke Tattersall, PhD Research Student from The University of Sheffield said:
“Without funding and support from BCRT my PhD research and other research currently being done to look specifically into primary bone cancer simply wouldn’t continue”
What does a day look like in your lab?
My time in the lab involves checking my osteosarcoma cell lines are growing and are suitable for various experiments. I will then spend most of the day at the lab bench using these cells in experiments that assess important osteosarcoma characteristics – such as how quickly they grow or how much they can migrate. Some experiments can be repetitive, but it’s exciting when experiments work, and you are generating new results. In order to get the best possible data, sometimes I have to work around the clock, visiting the lab every 2 hours, even through the night to take experimental readings. Other tasks include analysing the data from the experiments, attending lab meetings, or guest lectures, reading publications and writing parts of my thesis chapters or abstracts.
Why do you think funding is essential?
Without funding and support from BCRT my PhD research and other research currently being done to look specifically into primary bone cancer simply wouldn’t continue. Without this funding it is also possible that future research ideas and opportunities will be missed. Funding is crucial to help find a cure, support research careers and encourage the next generation of researchers in the field of primary bone cancer.
What difference do you think you will be making to people’s lives?
My PhD research aims to uncover a suitable target for new osteosarcoma drugs to act on, when this molecule has been targeted in other cancers the results have been very promising. We are aiming to further develop this and therefore, the research could make a massive difference as a new treatment option for osteosarcoma patients.
What does the biggest ever commitment to primary bone cancer mean to you?
To me this demonstrates how dedicated to making a difference BCRT is and that BCRT will continue to build on their previous achievements, leading to further significant progress and breakthroughs.
Why do you think public engagement is important?
In our lab group there is a huge emphasis on public engagement and we regularly hold lab open days. It is important for us to do this to share news and updates on progress we have made. It also gives BCRT supporters the opportunity to see first-hand exactly how the money they have raised is used to enable the research to be carried out and also the facilities it supports and the techniques we use on a day to day basis.
Is there a message you would like to send to the supporters of the charity?
I would just like to say a massive thank you for all their hard work and effort in raising funds to support BCRT and researchers like me. Every donation whether small or large can really make a difference. Personally, to me it means that I can work hard to hopefully find a new treatment for osteosarcoma, and to be the best researcher I can be to make a difference both now and in the future.