Meet our Bernalite Séamus Hickey, a PhD researcher in cancer research, specifically stem cells and colorectal cancer.
Séamus graduated with a BSc first class honours in Sport and Exercise Sciences from UL, in 2018. During his final year in UL, Professor Pat Kiely gave an insightful lecture on exercise and cancer prevention which became the turning point for Séamus. After introducing himself to Professor Kiely, Séamus applied for funding for his PhD, although unsuccessful the first time, he did not let the rejection diminish his ambition. Séamus remained within the science industry working for Teckro based in Limerick. He transcribed clinical trial protocols into a searchable app for clinicians, patient and those involved in the clinical trial to access information. After two years working and gaining industry experience, Séamus with the help of mentors Pat Kiely and current Supervisor Dr Kieran McGourty applied for funding with the Irish Research Council (IRC) Enterprise Partnership Scheme. It was a new funding call run by the IRC which collaborated with industry partners, to support the funding and PhD. His industry partner is BD-RCI Limerick who is successfully funding Séamus’s PhD. In essence, Séamus's journey showcases his resilience and determination. Despite facing initial setbacks, he persisted and accumulated practical industry experience before securing funding for his PhD by the IRC.
Outside of work Séamus is heavily involved in basketball, playing in the National League with Limerick Celtics last year while also playing and travelling internationally with the sport. One of his favourite places to play was a beautiful seaside village Constanta in Romania with the Irish Men’s 3X3 National basketball team at European Championships in 2021.
When asked to describe the core concepts of his PhD for the public Séamus explains, "In the context of cancer treatment, there's a recurring issue where colorectal cancer, in particular, tends to resurface frequently, leading to decreased survival rates. My focus is on investigating a potential factor contributing to this recurrence, aiming to gain insights into its underlying mechanisms."
Why is this important?
“I'd be hopeful that my research will be beneficial in adding a piece to the puzzle of understanding a possible mechanism governing recurrence in colorectal cancer. If I can help give some insight into this, I'm hopeful someone who is much smarter than me will be able to come along and use my findings to possibly help create and deliver a more effective treatment for patients suffering from colorectal cancer.”
If his life could be a theme song, he said “Kind Friends and Companions, by his grandfather who was a traditional Irish singer named Paddy Tunney.” A song that embodies family, friends and celebrating with loved ones. Values which are very important to Séamus.
Listen to the full song here: https://rb.gy/67jmq
This song will be added to the playlist and great choice Séamus! Best of luck in all your work, we are proud to call you a #Bernalite, from #BernalNeighbourhood.