Mining genomic data for better stratification of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia

Supervisor: Mgr. Karla Plevová, Ph.D.

Institution: Medical Genomics group, CEITEC Masaryk University

Field of Study: Bio-Omics

About my project

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a molecularly heterogeneous disease with a highly variable prognosis. With the advent of massively parallel sequencing, there has been substantial progress in risk stratification and therapy for CLL, however, we are still unable to accurately stratify patients for particular treatments. In this project, we will explore patterns of genetic mutations and will aim to classify CLL cases into prognostic groups using somatic mutations data.

My role is using a computer and DNA/RNA sequences from cancer cells to find unique features of the disease which could be used for precise diagnosis or for personalized therapy leading to improvement of cancer patients‘ lives.

Where I see myself in my career in 10 years

I plan to finish my PhD studies in 2021. I believe it is doable to complete my degree in 3 years which is the standard study period in many European countries (ours is 4 years) and I will work hard to accomplish that. In 10 years, I see myself as a group leader of a clinically oriented research group focusing on the applications of machine learning in clinical settings. However, I will stay open to all opportunities which would allow me to do impactful and meaningful science for the better of humanity. I think that nowadays when technologies such as artificial intelligence and genome editing are developing so quickly no one can really predict what challenges we will face in 10 years and that is what really excites me.

What I like most about Brno

How the city supports science and technology compared to other places in the Czech Republic.