What motivated you to come to Bristol and do this programme? 

I decided to do a PhD in Molecular, Genetic and Lifecourse Epidemiology at the University of Bristol for several reasons. My main motivation was to learn causal inference methods such as Mendelian randomization. During my MSc in Nutrition for Global Health at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine I developed an interest in data analysis and epidemiology. I wanted to continue learning about methods to overcome some of the limitations of observational studies and use them to contribute to the understanding of cancer aetiology. The Integrative Epidemiology Unit was my first choice. Moreover, the Wellcome Trust provides generous funding to international students like me. When I received an offer, I just had to accept it! 

What is the key research question of your PhD research project and what have you found out so far? 

The aim of my PhD is to uncover novel risk factors and molecular markers to improve the prevention and treatment of cancer. Throughout my PhD, I will explore associations between several lifestyle/biological risk factors and cancer and investigate metabolic pathways mediating these associations. So far, I have performed an analysis to identify factors mediating the associations between the consumption of foods according to their degree of processing and head and neck cancer and oesophageal cancer in an observational framework. My findings suggest that reducing the intake of processed and ultra-processed foods in favour of unprocessed/minimally processed foods may confer protection against head and neck cancer and oesophageal cancer. Some of the underlying mechanisms identified include alcohol intake, waist-to-hip ratio, obesity and adherence to a Mediterranean diet. 

Where do you think your research could lead and what are your future career plans now? 

I hope my research contributes to the prevention and treatment of cancer. After my PhD, I would like to work in academia as an epidemiologist. I would also like to get involved in policymaking and teaching.