Ms Luisa Beltran
Research Interests
I completed my BSc in Biological Sciences at Warwick University before going on to do an MSc in Clinical Biochemistry at the University of Westminster. I then worked as a Biomedical Scientist at Southend University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.
In my current research group, we are using mass spectrometry-based proteomics and phosphoproteomics to investigate the activity of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. This pathway regulates key cellular functions such as cell survival, growth, proliferation, migration and metabolism. Thus, its deregulation is implicated in many conditions including cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and inflammatory disease.
With our work, we hope to improve our understanding of how this pathway is regulated and to characterise the changes in signalling that occur when it is disrupted. This may help us to identify novel drug targets and biomarkers, which could ultimately lead to better patient care.
Life at the Institute
Studying here has been a great opportunity. This centre offers a rare chance to train alongside experts in mass spectrometry and traditional molecular biology and I think my project has really benefited from this.
The diversity of work performed in the Institute gives you plenty of exposure to other areas of cancer research and it’s been great to collaborate with other groups. I have also had the opportunity to see many great scientists speak.
Barts Cancer Institute is a really friendly place to study. We have a PhD student forum and plenty of social events to keep us busy!
Highlights
I was lucky enough to receive funding from Barts Cancer Institute to attend the British Society of Proteome Research conference last year. I presented some of my work and I was awarded the conference poster prize. It’s very exciting to find out that other people like your work!
Low Points
I spent many (futile!) months trying and failing to improve on the method key to my project. Accepting that sometimes the traditional way is the best way was an important step!
Experiments sometimes don’t work. There’s no need to panic!
Future Plans
At the moment my plans don’t go further than “finish PhD”! But I love working in science and I feel very at home in the lab.
