Orthi Onupom
Research Assistant
I completed my four-year integrated Master’s degree in Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry from the University of Oxford in 2024. In 2023, I undertook a two-month placement with Professor Rachael-Bashford Rogers in the Department of Biochemistry in Oxford and was involved in investigating B cell responses in fibromyalgia patients. During my Master’s year, I conducted my research project in the Jenner Institute under the supervision of Professor Sandy Douglas where I characterised the binding mode of novel neutralising antibodies against glycoprotein B of the tumour-causing Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) using cryo-electron microscopy and various molecular techniques. Through my experiences, I developed an interest in investigating the role of adaptive immune responses and their cellular interactions in the context of diseases, with a particular interest in tumours.
Currently, I am working in the group of Dr. Carol Leung in the Oxford Centre for Immuno-Oncology as a research assistant. I primarily investigate cytotoxic T-cell responses against cancer vaccines for EBV-associated malignancies. I am also looking at other therapeutic methods which may ameliorate T cell responses in the tumour microenvironment.