A novel approach to oncology research has UNB graduate Luke Andy Boateng buzzing with interest.
"I have always been interested in cancer and medicine, but I didn't really know how to pursue that interest," said Boateng, a Bachelor of Health graduand on the University of New Brunswick's Saint John campus.
In Saint John, biomedical sciences honours graduate Luke Andy Boateng is researching how nature-inspired compounds called Bee Glue Molecules, may slow or stop an aggressive form of lymphoma.
He certainly didn't anticipate it would involve a natural substance produced by honeybees.
In Boateng's second year, he became acquainted with the work of Dr. Alli Murugesan, a senior research associate in UNB's faculty of nursing and health sciences and a translational cancer researcher whose work explores the development of nature-inspired treatments for blood cancers.
He was immediately fascinated, and after reading more about Dr. Murugesan's work online, he reached out to express his interest. Soon, he joined her biomedical research cluster, where he had the opportunity to contribute to several projects before eventually being entrusted with his own research project.
Boateng's research focuses on investigating the therapeutic potential of Bee Glue Molecules nature-inspired compounds based on constituents of bee glue and propolis and whether they can positively alter microRNA expression, which may in turn influence the genes and cellular signals that regulate the growth and death of aggressive lymphoma cells.
This work has earned institutional, provincial, and regional research awards, including the Honours Research Award, the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Award, the ResearchNB Health Research Symposium Oral Presentation Award, and the Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute Summer Studentship Award.
Through this project, Boateng developed strong skills in experimental design, bioinformatics workflow development, scientific writing, and research presentation.
"That experience has meant a lot to me because it transformed me from a student learning science in the classroom into someone actively contributing to research with potential clinical relevance," he said. "More importantly, it's given me a clearer sense of direction in how I want to pursue a career in oncology."
As Boateng's experiences in research expanded, so did his understanding of the future he wanted to build for himself and others.
"I realized I did not want to choose between medicine and research, but to combine both," he said. "Oncology especially stood out to me because cancer affects so many lives, and I want to contribute through patient care and through advancing treatments and scientific understanding."
Yet research was only one part of Boateng's UNB experience.
"As an international student, I learned resilience, independence, and how to push myself beyond my comfort zone."
Outside the classroom and laboratory, Boateng immersed himself in campus leadership and community involvement. As an international student, he felt motivated to support others in the same way he had been supported.
As an orientation week leader, a research coordinator, and a volunteer in student initiatives, he said he developed a leadership mindset focused on supporting others, creating a positive environment, and helping people succeed. He later received the Sir Howard Douglas Scholars Award, which recognizes exceptional academic achievement and outstanding service to the university and community.
"Those experiences strengthened my communication, teamwork, and leadership skills, which I believe are just as important as academic knowledge."
Balancing academics, research, leadership responsibilities, volunteering, financial pressures, and adapting to life in a new country was often challenging, but Boateng said those experiences made him stronger and more resilient.
"There were moments when it felt overwhelming, but I learned the importance of asking for support when I needed it," he said.
He also acknowledged the support he received from instructors, mentors, and family.
"I'm very grateful for the support from instructors and mentors who always made time to answer questions, guide me academically, and even provide life advice," Boateng said. "That played a big role in shaping my confidence and goals."
After graduation, Boateng plans to continue contributing to cancer research, expand his volunteering and community involvement, and further strengthen his experience in healthcare and oncology. He also plans to explore graduate studies opportunities as he continues working toward becoming a physician-scientist.
"I want my work to help bridge the gap between laboratory research and real clinical outcomes. Ultimately, I want to help create treatments that give patients a better quality of life," he said.
"I'm excited to continue learning and taking on new challenges. Most of all, I want to make a difference in people's lives."
