Meet Sarah — A research bioinformatician with a creative heart and a love for B.C.’s wilderness.
Q: What is your role in health research?
A: I am a research bioinformatician in the Wyatt Lab at the Vancouver Prostate Centre. My research explores the genomics of advanced prostate cancer using patient blood samples from our provincial biobank and from clinical trials around the world. I help profile the DNA that is shed into the bloodstream by tumours — called circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) — to gain insight into each patient’s unique tumour genome and to search for biomarkers that predict treatment response. My work usually involves coding in the programming languages Python, Bash and R to analyze and interpret data.
Q: What is your research area of interest, and what led you to that interest?
A: I am currently working on discovering biomarkers and mechanisms of resistance in ctDNA for a new prostate cancer radioligand therapy called [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617. It is an extremely promising new treatment that precisely identifies and attacks specific cancer cells, but we lack understanding of why some patients respond well and others do not. Uncovering the genomic and epigenomic mechanisms underlying [177Lu]Lu-PSMA-617 treatment response would help clinicians select the best treatment course for individual patients.
Q: What is the best part about your job?
A: Being surrounded by a group of scientists with genuine enthusiasm for their work and diverse expertise is inspiring. I love those moments when a team member finds or creates something interesting and we all cluster around their desk to join in the discussion. The comradery, academic freedom and scientific rigour in our lab creates an optimal environment in which to conduct research.
Q: What do you do for fun in your spare time?
A: I sometimes spend my free time doing small creative projects. I paint with watercolours, mostly to make cards for friends and family around the holidays. I also make cakes with my mom.
Q: What might you have done had you not pursued health research?
A: It’s hard to imagine doing something unrelated to research and health care. However, early in my academic career, I considered pursuing an undergraduate degree in English literature. I might have become a writer had I gone down that path.
Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would you go and why?
A: I would likely travel to the northern coast of B.C. I love places that are peaceful and quiet, so I would enjoy wandering the less inhabited parts of the province to see flora and fauna absent in and around cities.
Q: What is your favourite book?
A: My favourite book is Stoner by John Williams. It details the unassuming, somewhat disappointing life of an English professor named William Stoner. My English teacher lent me his copy when I was in high school and, when I returned it, he remarked how Stoner had had a good life. His comments about Stoner led me to broaden my perspective about what it means to live a good life, and in some ways, have influenced my own worldview.
Q: What piece of advice would you give to your younger self?
A: Don’t hesitate to learn and try new things while you have the time and mental capacity! Broaden your focus and be less afraid of failure.
