Brandon University (BU) student Reid Opperman certainly made his mark with his RiboClub presentation.
A student in BU’s Master of Science (Environmental and Life Sciences) program, Opperman shared his work in a 15-minute presentation with RiboClub, a monthly virtual meeting of experts and students from across Canada in the field of RNA biology. His presentation on his breast cancer research was so impressive that he was chosen by a small committee of students to receive the Best MSc Presentation Award for the 2023-24 RiboClub sessions.
“There were many great RiboClub presentations throughout the year, so I was surprised when I found out about the award,” said Opperman, whose award was accompanied by a $250 cash prize. “Whenever you win an award for presenting your findings, it makes you feel proud, and it gives you a boost of confidence and motivation to continue pushing forward with your work.”
As a member of Dr. Mousumi Majumder’s BU Breast Cancer Cell & Molecular Research Laboratory, Opperman is studying whether the presence of certain microRNAs (mRNAs) change how breast cancer cells respond to chemotherapy drugs, possibly making the cancer cells more resistant to treatment. By gaining a better understanding of how breast cancer cells react to stress and chemotherapy, the research could lead to new ways of making treatments more effective, especially in cancers that have developed resistance to current therapies.
“This is excellent recognition for Reid and for our MSc research program at BU,” Dr. Majumder said. “RiboClub is a great place for RNA researchers to connect, collaborate, discuss research projects through presentations and get expert opinions. The meeting has become so influential that even Prof. Victor Ambros, the 2024 Nobel laureate in Physiology and Medicine for his microRNA discoveries, mentioned RiboClub in his official interview after being notified of the prize. I’m very proud of Reid of earning this great honour!”
Contact
- Brandon University
- communications@brandonu.ca
To receive any BU publication in an alternate format please contact Communications@BrandonU.ca
About BU
Success is built at Brandon University. Our growing, progressive campus welcomes a diverse and inclusive community that combines proud tradition with shared ambition. Through our excellence in teaching, research, and scholarship, we educate students to make a meaningful difference as engaged citizens and leaders. Join us at BrandonU.ca.