Research Manitoba supports BU student’s cancer project

A worldwide journey built around the treatment and understanding of illness has brought Shamima Anonna to Brandon University (BU), where her cancer research is being recognized for its promise.

Research Manitoba is supporting Anonna’s work through a Master’s Studentship Award, valued at $20,000, for the upcoming academic year. Anonna is an international student in the Master of Science (Environmental and Life Sciences) program at BU, working in Dr. Mousumi Majumder’s Breast Cancer Cell & Molecular Research Laboratory (BCCMRL). Her project involves studying how microRNAs, tiny molecules that influence protein production in cells, can affect tumors and lead to the spread of breast cancer. By spotting the proteins, Anonna and the lab team hope they can become early indicators of cancer and lead to targeted therapies that could curb its spread.

The funding from the Research Manitoba Master’s Studentship Award will give Anonna the time and support she needs to continue her exploration of the subject while continuing to learn under Dr. Majumder’s guidance.

“This is an immense source of motivation and honour for me,” Anonna said. “This provides me with the opportunity to fully immerse my time and efforts in my project. I am truly grateful for their support.”

Anonna’s journey began in Bangladesh, where she earned a Master of Pharmacy before working in the United Arab Emirates as a hospital pharmacist. With a passion for keeping up with the latest cancer research, she learned about the potential of biomarkers in understanding tumors and diagnosing disease, leading her to discover Dr. Majumder’s work on microRNAs. She applied for a research position in Dr. Majumder’s lab and was delighted to be accepted on her first attempt, taking her on a new adventure to Canada.

“Anonna has been a wonderful addition to the lab,” said Dr. Majumder, Canada Research Chair in Genotoxicology at BU. “I’m inspired to work with such a dedicated and talented group of students who are all so committed to helping women live longer and healthier lives. I’m so proud of Anonna for this amazing accomplishment.”

With support from Research Manitoba, the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and VW International (Avantor), the BCCMRL was unveiled last year, providing Dr. Majumder and her growing team with 1,000 square feet of state-of-the-art research space.

“Dr. Majumder and her students keep hitting it out of the park,” said Dr. Bernadette Ardelli, Vice-President (Research & Graduate Studies) at BU. “Their work is a tremendous credit to BU, as she gives her students an incredible learning environment while contributing to important research that is one day going to be a life saver for many women.”

With impressive academic accomplishments even before her arrival at BU, Anonna credited Dr. Majumder with mentorship that has allowed her to continue learning and growing.

“I consider myself fortunate to have a great supervisor like Dr. Majumder for my graduate program,” Anonna said. “Working with her has deepened my understanding of the complexities of tumor biology, provided me with hands-on experiences in advanced research techniques, enhanced problem-solving skills and overall, her mentorship has been instrumental for shaping my research approach.”

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