Researcher Spotlight: Dr Amalia Ruiz Estrada
Dr Ruiz graduated in Biochemistry from the University of Havana, Cuba. She completed her PhD in Advanced Materials and Nanotechnology at the Autonomous University of Madrid. Her PhD research project focused on developing magnetic nanoparticles for different biotechnological and biomedical applications. Previously, Dr Ruiz held different postdoctoral positions across Cuba and Europe.
In 2014 she joined the Centre for Advanced Studies in Cuba to investigate novel formulations of iron oxide nanoparticles and their toxicological evaluation in different in vitro and in vivo models. In 2016, she joined the University of East Anglia in Norwich as Senior Research Associate (Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow) to work in the DNA-TRAP EU funded project to develop a range of antimicrobial nanoformulations and assess their therapeutic efficacy in in vitro models. Later, she moved to the Molecular and Cellular Biology Institute in Strasbourg to be part of the Graphene Flagship project, the European Union's biggest scientific research initiative, to assess the pharmacological behaviour of different graphene-based materials and their innovative application in cancer treatment.
In November 2018, she started at the School of Pharmacy at Queen’s University Belfast, where her research was focused on the development of smart nanocarriers for targeted cancer therapy, as well as engineering novel nanoformulations to detect and treat aggressive metastatic prostate cancer. Currently, Dr Ruiz’s research focuses on the fabrication of multifunctional nanomaterials to target cancer and other diseases, developing novel nanomedicines for combinatory therapy and theragnostic applications and the safety evaluation of these nanomaterials applied to human health. Her long-term research career objective is to facilitate the translation of nanoparticle-based therapeutics from the lab to the clinic.
Can you give us an overview of your research and what you have achieved so far and hope to achieve in the future?
"Currently, my research focuses on the fabrication of multifunctional nanomaterials to target cancer and other diseases, developing novel nanomedicines for combinatory therapy and theragnostic applications and the safety evaluation of these nanomaterials applied to human health. My long-term research career objective is to facilitate the translation of nanoparticle-based therapeutics from the lab to the clinic."
Why did you choose to pursue a career in cancer research?
"Nanomaterials are amazing! They have so many potential applications in different fields of science and technology, but the one that excites me the most is how they can enhance cancer treatments. Cancer is a terrible disease that affects millions of people around the world, and I want to make a difference by finding better ways to fight it. That's why I chose to focus on prostate cancer, which is one of the most common and deadly types of cancer among men. This is not only a professional choice but also a personal one. My grandfather was a fundamental pillar in my career development. Unfortunately, he passed away from prostate cancer when I was young, and I miss him every day. He is always in my heart and in my mind when I work on this topic. I dedicate every discovery and achievement that I make in this field to his memory."
What motivates and inspires you in your work?
"What motivates and inspires me in my work is the hope of finding new ways to improve current therapies for cancer treatment or develop more potent methods to diagnose this devastating disease. I am fascinated by the complexity and diversity of cancer cells and how they interact with their environment. I enjoy the challenge of designing new nanoparticles, more sophisticated materials that can stop the development and progression of the disease. I also feel a strong sense of responsibility and compassion for the patients who are suffering from cancer and their families. I want to make a positive difference in their lives by contributing to developing new treatments with reduced side effects that can improve their quality of life."
What has been the highlight in your career within the ICT?
"The highlight of my career within ICT has been working on the development of novel anticancer agents that target specific tumour cells. I have had the opportunity to crystalise different projects that were in my head and this has only been possible due to the multidisciplinary and collaborative nature of the institute. Working with experts from different fields such as cell biology, pharmacology, and medicinal chemistry was a rewarding and enriching experience that enhanced my skills and knowledge. I am proud to contribute to the ICT's mission of advancing anticancer medicines and biomarkers from concept to clinic."
What are your plans, hopes, ambitions, and goals for the future?
"I am passionate about pursuing a career in academia, where I can contribute to the advancement of knowledge and innovation in the field of Nanomedicine. My plans for the future include completing my Bradford fellowship with excellence, publishing high-quality research papers in reputable journals and conferences, and collaborating with other researchers across disciplines and institutions. My hopes are to become a recognised expert in the area of drug delivery, to mentor and inspire the next generation of scientists, and to make a positive impact on society through my research. My ambitions are to lead cutting-edge projects, obtain external funding that supports my research, and establish a strong network of academic peers and partners. My goals are to constantly challenge myself to learn new skills and methods for nanoparticle synthesis and characterisation, to expand the scope and relevance of my research in drug delivery, and to achieve excellence in teaching and contributing to the education of young scientists."