- Third-year biomedical sciences student, Maisy Wilkes, has been awarded the Chancellor’s Medal for her work at the Julia Garnham Genomics Centre which has sped up diagnosis and access to treatment for patients with rare cancers
- The Chancellor’s Medal is an annually presented award in recognition of one student’s outstanding attainment in academic, sporting, or other personal achievements
- Maisy Wilkes was presented with an engraved solid silver medal at her graduation ceremony
A Sheffield student whose work has sped up diagnosis and access to treatment for patients with rare cancers, has been awarded the University of Sheffield prestigious Chancellor’s Medal.
During her studies at the University of Sheffield’s School of Biosciences, Maisy Wilkes has dedicated her time to working with clinicians from the Julia Garnham Centre in Sheffield.
The unique facility, created in partnership with the Sheffield Children’s NHS Foundation Trust, helps the NHS to help reduce backlogs of rare disease and cancer cases requiring specialist analysis, whilst simultaneously training the next generation of experts in the field of clinical genetics.
The award has been given in recognition that Maisy has risen to be one of the top analysts at the centre, where her work and leadership in oncology has led to diagnosis of previously overlooked cancers, and reduced patient diagnosis waiting times, which has undoubtedly saved lives.
Through her work Maisy has developed genomic analysis skills that are essential for the diagnosis of rare genetic disorders, which have contributed to a new project to enable genomic laboratories across the UK to adapt to new NHS best practice guidelines.
This work is set to change the national approach to diagnosis, and as such Maisy has been selected to present the latest research from the project for the Association for Clinical Genomic Science (ACGS), the governing body for NHS genomics research at its national conference in September.
Maisy said: “It is so rewarding to know that my work has had a positive impact on patients. This work has inspired me to want to pursue a career within the field of genetics, ideally within the NHS, however I am remaining open-minded to any opportunities which may come my way.
“I have loved every minute of working in the Julia Garnham Centre, it is such a positive and supportive environment to work in. It really has been a highlight of my University experience.
“I am equally proud of the work I’ve done within student recruitment on open days, and all the positive relationships I’ve built with lots of wonderful people through this. It has made me confident that I would love to continue working with people, in whatever career I end up in."
As well as her incredible work in clinical genetics, Maisy has also been pivotal in supporting the School of Biosciences, playing a key role in the transformation of its approach to student recruitment by building and directing a student-led ambassador team.
Maisy’s work, which has been adopted by the School of Biosciences, includes approaches to ensure students and guests with extra mobility or wellbeing needs can be welcomed to accessible locations on campus.
She also championed the value in having a more student-led approach to open days, and that student perspectives and voices are represented in how potential undergraduates are informed about a career in biomedical sciences.
The School of Biosciences referenced Maisy’s dedication, reporting a 32 per cent rise in undergraduate applications on its flexible biomedical science degree, in her nomination.
Maisy added: “I am beyond grateful to have been awarded the Chancellor’s Medal, and am so thankful to everyone who has supported, encouraged and inspired me. It means a lot to me, as I have worked extremely hard throughout my time at Sheffield, both on my studies and part time jobs. It has been both challenging and extremely rewarding.
Dr Mark Bass, Lecturer for the University of Sheffield’s School of Biosciences, nominated Maisy for the award on behalf of the school. He said: “Maisy has affected people’s lives, both in terms of supporting the future success of young people and overcoming health issues.
“Early diagnosis is the key to successful cancer therapy, meaning that slow analysis of patient samples and hospital waiting lists cost lives that could otherwise be saved. Maisy’s work has accelerated the diagnostic process and patient access to treatment by as much as 50 days, having a potentially life-saving effect on those individuals while reducing the burden on the NHS.
“As well as being a remarkable student, Maisy can claim credit for much of the current success within the School of Biosciences. She will be impossible to replace when she graduates this year but, fortunately for us, she has created a legacy that will persist beyond her time in Sheffield.”
