"I look forward to joining a multidisciplinary network of scientists and exploring all the opportunities SCI can offer. "
My scientific interest lies in cancer research, with my doctoral thesis focusing on the intracellular detection and quantification of cancer biomarkers, and the intracellular delivery of chemotherapeutic agents by nanomaterials.
How did you first get involved with SCI?
I recently got involved with SCI by participating in the Scotland Group Postgraduate Researcher essay competition, where I was awarded with a membership.
What do you hope to gain from your involvement with SCI?
Throughout my scientific career, I have always been intrigued by the application of science to tackle emerging healthcare issues. I truly believe that the only way to achieve this is by communicating science in an effective manner, and SCI offers a platform to do exactly that. I look forward to joining a multidisciplinary network of scientists and exploring all the opportunities SCI can offer.
SCI aims to be ‘where science meets business’. What is the potential commercial application of your research?
The overarching aim of my PhD is to tackle the unmet need for biomarker quantification – such as the estrogen receptor alpha (ERα+) – through SERS measurements. Preliminary data of my PhD shows the successful development of a SERS calibration model, with the capability to be applied for the quantitation of ERα+ in cancer cells. Our plan is to apply this model for the quantification of various biomarkers and study how their presence relates to cancer. This platform not only can identify the biomarker itself but can also provide a quantitative output and therefore has the potential of improving SERS diagnostic tools and ultimately benefitting public health.
Why would you encourage your peers to join SCI?
A scientific community like SCI, is comprised not only by scientists but entrepreneurs, business-oriented people, and innovators. I have always been interested in communicating science and translating it to real-world issues. I truly believe in the power of applied science, and I think every scientist should be an active part of a community that looks to translate and apply scientific research to tackle emerging issues.
Arianna Leventi
University of Strathclyde in collaboration with National Measurement Laboratory (NML) hosted at LGC
