For the past few years, my involvement in two brain cancer registries and serving on their Research Advisory Boards has been a fulfilling experience. However, recent changes in the healthcare landscape, such as the spinoff of Watson Health from IBM and the shutdown of its Oncology and Genomics product lines, have prompted me to seek new opportunities. As fate would have it, just before embarking on a road trip to Washington D.C. for the National Brain Tumor Society’s Head to the Hill event, I made a life-changing decision. I decided to apply to graduate school, with a specific focus on cancer genomics analysis and research. Today, I am thrilled to share that I have been accepted into UT Health’s School of Biomedical Informatics. Even more exciting is the prospect of collaborating with the Low Grade Glioma Registry, who have graciously offered their assistance in utilizing brain cancer registry data as part of my research track. As I gear up to begin this new chapter in my life this fall, I anticipate a journey filled with wisdom, stability, and purpose.
Being part of the brain cancer registries and serving on their Research Advisory Boards has been a deeply fulfilling experience. The opportunity to contribute to the advancement of cancer research, support patients and their families, and collaborate with dedicated professionals, advocates and patients has left an indelible mark on my heart. It has allowed me to witness firsthand the impact of data-driven research on improving patient outcomes and providing hope to those affected by brain cancer. As I move forward, the knowledge and insights gained from this engagement will undoubtedly shape my future endeavors in graduate school.
The culmination of my efforts arrived in the form of an acceptance letter from UT Health’s School of Biomedical Informatics. This esteemed institution, renowned for its commitment to biomedical research and informatics, offered me an opportunity to pursue my academic aspirations. I am immensely grateful for this chance to immerse myself in a stimulating academic environment, learn from distinguished faculty members, and collaborate with fellow students who share my passion for cancer research.
As I prepare to step into the role of a student once again, I am filled with a sense of anticipation and purpose. Armed with the experiences gained from my involvement in brain cancer registries and the support of the Low Grade Glioma Registry, I embark on this new chapter of my life with the determination to make a meaningful difference in the field of cancer genomics. The journey ahead may be challenging, but I am confident that the wisdom and stability I have gained over the years will guide me through any obstacles I may encounter.
Transitioning from an active participant in brain cancer registries to a graduate student represents a pivotal moment in my life. The decision to pursue cancer genomics analysis and research as my area of focus is driven by a deep desire to contribute to the understanding and treatment of cancer. With the acceptance into UT Health’s School of Biomedical Informatics and the collaboration with the Low Grade Glioma Registry, I am eagerly awaiting the start of my academic journey. This new endeavor holds the promise of equipping me with the knowledge, stability, and purpose necessary to make a significant impact in the field of cancer research. As I prepare for this transformative experience, I am grateful for the opportunities that lie ahead and excited about the future that awaits me.