'Nature Medicine': reward for a degree program dedicated to the research

Ainhoa Mielgo PHOTO: Courtesy

Ainhoa Mielgo, a graduate in Biology from the University of Navarra, has just published a article in Nature Medicine, one of the journals with the highest impact index in the world. The article addresses her research about the proliferation of cancer cells, which she is carrying out at the Moores Cancer Center of the University of San Diego (California, USA).

Ainhoa Mielgo's international experience began in 2002, after completing a Master's Degree in Virology at the National Center of Biotechnology of CSIC. She then decided to continue with the doctorate at the department of Biomedicine of the University of Basel (Switzerland), where she worked on apoptosis, tumor biology and cell proliferation.

At the end of her Ph. D. she joined the University of San Diego, where she did her postdoctoral work from 2006 to 2010, again focusing on tumor biology. "Specifically," the researcher recalls, "my project consisted of studying the function and regulation of caspase 8 in neuroblastoma, a subject cancer that affects the pediatric population."

In 2010, Ainhoa joined School as a project scientist at the laboratory of Dr. David Cheresh. It was there that she recently discovered a new function for the RAF protein, as a player in the regulation of cancer cell proliferation and tumor progression in mouse models, which has been published in Nature Medicine.

research Dedication, patience and passion
In the biologist's opinion, at degree program of researcher it is a priority to spend time abroad. Preferably in countries where English is spoken: "This is a requirement to get a position as an independent researcher , inside or outside Spain. This is the language of science, both for writing articles and for apply for grants. And leaving home also requires adapting to a new country, opening one's mind and being more creative and independent, indispensable qualities in a good scientist".

Regarding the most useful tips on her degree program, Ainhoa Mielgo prioritizes maintaining contact with her people: "Asking committee to your family, former teachers, etc., makes it easier to face many challenges and make the right decisions. The research is a fascinating profession that allows you to be very creative and innovative. In fact, it is in our nature to never get bored; to learn new things and to participate in the fascinating goal of curing diseases and improving the health and quality of life of many people." "The research is also a profession that requires dedication, patience and passion," concludes the School Science graduate.