Dr Rebecca Garnham

I am a Lecturer in Cancer Biology in the School of Medicine here at the University and maintain guest researcher status at Newcastle University.

I am a University of Sunderland alumni, after graduating with a distinction in Biomedical Science in 2018. During this time, I completed a research project which sparked my interest in cancer research.

To specialise further in the field of cancer research, I chose to complete an MRes in Cancer at Newcastle University. My research project investigated the role of glycosylation enzymes responsible for adding sialic acid to the cell surface of prostate cancer. Upon completion, I worked as a research technician within the Newcastle Fibrosis Research Group where I developed my laboratory skillset, performing several immunoassays and precision cut tissue slicing of solid organs. Combining my immunological and glycobiology knowledge, I selected a PhD project in the field of prostate cancer glycoimmunology at Newcastle University. My project investigated sialoglycan-Siglec interactions within the prostate cancer tumour immune microenvironment. Following successful obtainment of my PhD, I continued to work within the glycoimmunology team as a Post Doctoral Research Associate before joining the University of Sunderland as a Lecturer in Cancer Biology.

My research interest continues to surround the interplay between immunoinhibitory receptors (Siglecs) found on the surface of immune cells and sialic acid hyper expressed on tumour cells, and the potential to target this to improve treatment response for patients. I continue to work closely with Newcastle University on research projects and would welcome interest from self-funded PhD and summer project students.