Brandon University undergraduate student Danielle Isfeld has earned top honours at the Paul Albrechtsen Research Institute CancerCare Manitoba Research Day, where she was awarded Best Poster Presentation in Translational/Fundamental Research. The annual conference, held in Winnipeg, showcases innovative cancer research and connects emerging scientists with leading experts in the field.
Isfeld's award-winning project, Mechanistic and Functional Assay of snoRNAs Known to Display Oncogenic Potential in Ribosome Assembly, was presented during the conference's competitive poster session. Her work, conducted under the supervision of Dr. Michael Charette in the Department of Chemistry, focuses on how small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) influence ribosome assembly, an essential cellular process that is often hijacked in cancer. Using yeast as a model organism, her research sheds light on how specific snoRNAs affect the fidelity of protein synthesis and may contribute to tumor growth.
"This award means so much to me, it validates the long hours and care that went into the research," said Isfeld. "I'm grateful to Dr. Charette for his mentorship and to the supportive research environment at Brandon University. Presenting at CancerCare Manitoba was a huge learning opportunity, and I'm excited to continue pursuing research that can make a difference."
Born and raised in Brandon, Manitoba, Isfeld is a proud graduate of Vincent Massey High School (Class of 2020, Honours). She recently completed a four-year Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Chemistry and is awaiting a second graduation for her three-year Bachelor of Science in Biomedical stream Biology. This summer marks her third year working in the Charette Ribosomopathy Laboratory, most recently funded by an NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (USRA). Her research delves into the mechanisms required to build the ribosome, a microscopic molecular machine essential to life, and how this process is disrupted in rare disorders like Bowen-Conradi Syndrome.
"Danielle's achievement is a shining example of what our Faculty of Science strives to nurture, curiosity, dedication, and excellence in research," said Dr. Chris LeMoine, Dean of Science at Brandon University. "It's incredibly rewarding to see a student from our undergraduate programs not only contribute meaningfully to complex biomedical research, but also receive recognition on a provincial stage. We're extremely proud of her success and can't wait to see what she accomplishes next."
"Danielle's project explores fundamental questions about how ribosomes are assembled and how errors in this process can contribute to diseases like cancer," said Dr. Michael Charette. "Her careful experimentation and critical thinking were evident in her presentation, and this award is a well-deserved recognition of her scientific potential."
Outside the lab, Isfeld is deeply engaged in her community and has been recognized for her leadership and service. She was honoured during Brandon University's Annual International Women's Day Celebration and was nominated for the Women of Distinction Awards hosted by YWCA Westman. She volunteers at the Elspeth Reid Family Resource Centre, and in her spare time enjoys crocheting and baking.
Isfeld has presented her work at the Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba's Child Health Research Days in 2023 and 2024, and plans to continue her academic journey in Brandon University's Master of Environmental and Life Sciences (MELS) program under Dr. Charette's supervision.
"Danielle's success showcases the exceptional research opportunities available to undergraduate students at BU," said Dr. Bernadette Ardelli, Vice-President (Research and Graduate Studies) at Brandon University. "Her work under Dr. Charette's guidance exemplifies the kind of inquiry that not only contributes to our understanding of cancer but also empowers students to become leaders in science."
Brandon University congratulates Danielle Isfeld on this outstanding achievement and looks forward to celebrating her future research accomplishments.
