Melanoma Week 1
This first week was really interesting, as I started working on researching the background of Melanoma in detail and shared my work with my external advisor. In this project, I am going to be studying and examining minute differences between substages of Melanoma in sample slides in order to potentially identify further substages of Melanoma which would help with detection, prevention, and contribute to finding a cure for this deadly disease. Using the QSI (quadrant slope index) method developed by my external advisor, Dr. David Nguyen, I will study these discrepancies in the slides provided to us by my other external advisor, a pathologist and med school professor, Dr. Rajendra Singh.
This week, I did that research and also started learning how to code using the R-language under Dr. Nguyen’s guidance. Knowing R will be a useful tool in using his QSI program. I also familiarized myself with the Fiji image analysis tool with help from Dr. Nguyen. I am excited to work with the Melanoma cells in the coming months.
Sounds like you are off to a great start. Please talk to your advisor to find out if there are any images from the project you can share on your blog. It would be great if you could share some images and point out what you are looking at.
I think it’s really interesting that you are looking at cancer, but in a less traditional sense combining computer science and biology. Also, I like that you’re working with a lot of new technology and new techniques.
I think that this research topic is very relevant to today’s issues. After all, not a lot of people do really understand the consequences of melanoma and don’t actually wear sunscreen most of the time (including me). Looking forward to understanding more! -Mabel
Great Job with the blog. I would love to understand more about the different stages of melanoma and look forward to reading your blog next week.
Hey Vanya! Your project sounds super cool and definitely relevant in today’s society! I can’t wait to see where you go with this!