Oonagh O’Leary Wins National Three-Minute Thesis Competition: Shining a Light on Ovarian Cancer Research
Cork-based PhD student Oonagh O’Leary has been crowned the winner of the 2024 Irish Universities Association National Three-Minute Thesis competition. Her compelling presentation on early detection methods for ovarian cancer captivated both the judges and the audience.
O’Leary’s research focuses on identifying biomarkers, particularly specific types of RNA, that could indicate the presence of ovarian cancer in its early stages. This is crucial as ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it reaches an advanced stage, making treatment more challenging.
What Inspired Oonagh’s Research Journey?
O’Leary’s fascination with science began during her school years in Meath. She pursued a bachelor’s degree in plant science at University College Dublin (UCD) and later a master’s in bioinformatics and computational biology at University College Cork (UCC). It was during her master’s research project with Dr. Kellie Dean at UCC that O’Leary discovered her passion for cancer research.
“I enjoyed it so much that I went on to do the PhD in her lab through the Research Ireland Centre for Research Training in Genomics Data Science,” she explains.
Patient-Centric Research is Key
O’Leary emphasizes the invaluable contribution of patient and public involvement (PPI) in her research. Through workshops organized by the Irish Cancer Society, she engages with individuals who have been directly or indirectly affected by ovarian cancer.
“By talking with patients,” O’Leary says, “we find out things that we would never know from reading the scientific literature. It helps us understand their needs and ensure our research is relevant and impactful.”
Raising Awareness: Early Symptoms Matter
O’Leary stresses the importance of recognizing possible ovarian cancer symptoms. She encourages individuals to remember the “BEAT” acronym:
- B – Persistent bloating
- E – Eating less and feeling fuller quicker
- A – Abdominal pain
- T – Toilet changes in urination or bowel habits
She urges anyone experiencing one or more of these symptoms for two or three weeks to seek medical attention.
Sea Swimming and a Budding Research Career
When she’s not immersed in research, O’Leary enjoys sea swimming.
O’Leary’s dedication to finding innovative solutions for ovarian cancer makes her a beacon of hope in the fight against this disease. Her impressive win at the Three-Minute Thesis competition showcases her ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in an engaging and informative way, ultimately advancing public understanding of this critical health issue.
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