Researcher to reach new heights in charity skydive
PhD student will skydive to raise funds for ovarian cancer research: July 2018
Nicola Murray Centre for Ovarian Cancer Research has been established within the Edinburgh Cancer Research Centre and the Institute of Genetics & Molecular Medicine in 2015 to advance understanding of different types of ovarian cancer so that patients could be offered the most effective treatments for their specific conditions. Professor Charlie Gourley has been named as its director and Miriam Gomez was one of the first PhD students recruited to the research programme. The aim of her PhD was to study a kinase inhibitor drug for ovarian cancer and explore possible pathways to resistance. Three years later she is approaching completion of her degree and plans to celebrate this with a fundraising skydive on the 11th of August. The funds are to be raised for the Nicola Murray Foundation as a “Big thank you” for supporting her own research on ovarian cancer and with conviction that they will contribute to further valuable investigations into this devastating disease.
I think every single one of us has, at one point or another, dreamt of being able to fly.
I started my PhD in 2015 at the Nicola Murray Centre for Ovarian Cancer Research, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine. My research focuses on use of a small molecule inhibitor in high grade serous ovarian cancer, and resistance that might arise to it. My research is only a snippet of a bigger picture but hopefully it will shed light on how to overcome resistance in case it occurs. Better prepared than sorry!
As introvert as I am, during my time in Edinburgh, I never ventured out of my comfort zone to try new experiences. While searching for something different to do in my last year, a lab mate mentioned being able to skydive for charity, and that is how I ended up signing for what I believe will be a liberating experience for me (all the while raising funds for a Nicola Murray Foundation – win win!). It is definitely one of those go big or go home moments where the feeling of anticipation and waiting for the jump is building up.
Related Links
Miriam's donations page:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Miriam-Gomez
Nicola Murray Centre for Ovarian Cancer Research:
https://www.ed.ac.uk/cancer-centre/research/gourley-group
Nicola Murray Foundation:
http://www.nicola-murray-foundation.org.uk/
Ovarian cancer research centre seeks to develop better treatments:
Professor Charlie Gourley named NHS Hero by the Herald:
Information about ovarian cancer:
https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/ovarian-cancer