Reflecting on Life as a Mathematician and a Researcher - Linnéa Franssen on Being the St Leonard's Associate Researcher 2017-18
Friday 20 April 2018
In this article doctoral student Linnéa Franssen reflects on her experiences working with students at St Leonards School in St Andrews as the 2017-18 St Leonard's Associate Researcher.
Linnéa Franssen is a doctoral student in the School of Mathematics and Statistics. Her supervisor is Professor Mark Chaplain.
About Linnéa Franssen
In recent years new technology has facilitated the collection of vast amounts of data on cancer as well as insights into its complex mechanisms of evolution. Many of the over 200 forms of cancer, however, are still poorly understood. In particular, the cancer cells’ ability to invade the tissue and metastasize poses an unsolved challenge because 90% of cancer deaths occur due to secondary metastases.
Linnéa's doctoral research focuses on this very problem. Using mathematical models Linnéa is looking at the interaction between cancer cells and their environment in order to predict how they may invade the tissue and spread in the body. Her derived computational model is aimed at gaining an understanding of the mathematical rules driving cancer’s invasion process. Her research will help doctors to anticipate a cancer’s next move, giving them a better chance of "outsmarting" it with case-specific treatment.
Linnéa Franssen - Personal Website