Shadia Adekunte

Shadia Adekunte

Shadia Adekunte
Home Institute: Western University
Supervisor: Dr. Mohammad Akbari

Hi! My name is Shadia Adekunte, and I am finishing up my 4th year at Western University studying Epidemiology and Biostatistics. I'm passionate about health disparities particularly as they relate to marginalized populations, so a lot of my extracurricular work has been based on equity, diversity and inclusion. Studying Epidemiology has afforded me the opportunity to learn a lot about different research methods and other important research skills like critical appraisal and statistical analysis. I plan to apply these skills to a career in research and public health. Outside of school, I am also passionate about band! I played the flute throughout high school and I was also a part of Western's pep band. In my spare time, you can often find me reading, strength training, or watching a Marvel movie!

Project Title: Breast cancer in young women: A comprehensive review I have the absolute pleasure of working with Dr. Mohammad Akbari on a comprehensive review of breast cancer in young (pre-menopausal) women this summer! This project is interesting and exciting for me because I have volunteered in my local hospital's Breast Care Clinic where most of the patient demographic was older women. Screening is not regularly recommended for younger women, which is why I was surprised when I saw women my age getting a mammogram. The behaviour of breast cancer in younger women is different compared to older women, however there is not much representation of younger women in breast cancer research. Therefore, we plan to take a systematic look at breast cancer in young women and identify the gaps in the literature. I have also written a systematic review on ethnic disparities in health-related quality of life after breast cancer diagnosis in the past, so I look forward to doing research that looks at breast cancer from a different angle.

I was drawn to apply to the Amgen Program because of all the aspects that it included- an opportunity to build my research skills and to also be in a group of people who love research as much as I do! Having social activities incorporated into the program really sets the Amgen Scholars Program apart from other summer research opportunities.  I'm very excited for this summer, and I hope to build on my current skills and get to know the other scholars from all around Canada! I am also particularly excited to learn from Dr. Akbari and be able to conduct meaningful research that can help strengthen the literature base.