DOHA
A Qatar-born Goan medical researcher Dr Queenie Fernandes’ path breaking research in the field of Oncology - which has identified the presence and prevalence of cancer-causing viruses in Qatar - has been acclaimed on many forums, and also won her many awards.
Incidentally, she bagged four awards last year alone.
Her research is the first study from Qatar and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region to report the presence or co-presence of such viruses in the local population. Such discoveries like this are of extreme importance in influencing the development and selection of appropriate vaccines for Qatar and the MENA region at large.
EDUCATION, AWARDS
The painstaking innovative scientific breakthrough has bought her many laurels in the last few months.
Dr Queenie, who traces her roots to Pomburpa and is married in Cuncolim, completed her schooling in Qatar, at the Ideal Indian School. She then moved out of Qatar to pursue a Bachelor of Science (BSc.) degree in Biotechnology from the University of Pune, India.
She completed her post-graduation at the University of Greenwich in UK, pursuing a Master of Science (MSc.) in Biotechnology, specialising in applied molecular biology. Her research in the UK was focused on sickle cell disease and was carried out in collaboration with the NHS (National Health Service) and the Medway Hospital, Kent, UK.
She also holds a doctoral degree / PhD. in Medical Sciences from Qatar University at Doha.
Dr Queenie was awarded the first place at both the QUHealth level and university level 3MT Competition held at the Qatar University in May, and June, respectively.
Further, she also won first place at the Best of the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Conference held in Qatar in October, for her outstanding research on the discovery of such viruses in the local population in Qatar.
“It is indeed an honour to receive these awards at such esteemed platforms. I have long aspired to be a scientist, since the age of 12, and now it’s certainly an intellectually rewarding experience, being at the epicentre of medical innovation and scientific breakthrough,” Dr Queenie said.
The award at the Best of ASCO conference came her way as she warded off competition from a host of competitors and was bestowed upon her for outstanding research in the quality and applied research category.
“The event saw 32 contesting applicants from various research institutions in Qatar like Hamad Medical Corporation, Sidra Medical and Research Centre, Qatar Science & Technology Park, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, University of Calgary, Qatar University as well as other local universities and research institutions. However, by the Grace of God... I won first place for my research on the discovery of cancer-causing viruses in the population in Qatar,” said Dr Queenie.
“My study is the first one from Qatar and the GCC region to report the presence/co-presence of such cancer-causing viruses in the local population,” added.
More recently, she was also awarded the 1st place for her ground-breaking research on the development of a pioneering and cost-effective drug against colorectal cancer. The award was vested at the Qatar University Annual Research Forum and Exhibition held in November, 2023.
Accordingly, her research claimed that the novel drug was shown to possess an enhanced treatment potential as compared to existing drugs used in the treatment of cancer.
Also, the newly developed drug prototype is shown to possess advanced optical activity that can facilitate its tracking within the human body; a feature that is absent in currently used cancer drugs.
RESEARCH
She remains devoted to research focussing on cancer therapeutics, genetics and immunology; with a special focus on developing personalised cancer therapies. Her specific research interest lies in understanding the intricate and complex interaction between viruses and especially viruses causing cancer.
In the past years, she has been involved in research towards the development of vaccines for the MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) outbreak that hit the Middle-East in 2012.
Talking about the Covid period and her role she said: “I have felt the significance of my role during both, MERS and COVID-19 pandemics, where humanity was pressed against the wall, hoping for a miracle in terms of novel diagnostic, preventive and therapeutic medical advancements.”
“My work resonates with my passion to serve humanity through advancing our understanding of human diseases, developing new diagnostics, vaccines and treatments, and contributing to the overall improvement of public health.”
Moreover, she has published several research papers and books on the COVID-19 virus amidst the 2019 pandemic.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Dr Queenie is thankful for the support of the Qatar government in taking her research projects to the next level.
“I’m also grateful for the support received from the Qatar government in providing the necessary funds and resources to foster and fuel research, especially in the area of science and medicine. I’m glad to be born in such a supportive environment, and call it my home,” said Dr Queenie, who joined the National Centre for Cancer Care and Research (NCCCR) at Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar, in 2013.
Dr Queenie is grateful to her parents and husband for the support and encouragement she has received.
“This wouldn’t be achievable without the efforts and sacrifices of my parents in enabling me to pursue my dreams and the unparalleled encouragement from my husband.”
She has not forgotten her roots and said Goa holds a special place in her heart.
“I have lacked the opportunity to live in Goa, apart from brief school-time summer-vacations; yet I’m proud to trace my roots to a place like Goa, beyond the horizon, yet very close to my heart.”
AWARDS
FIRST PLACE: QUHealth Level 3MT Competition
VENUE: College of Pharmacy, Qatar University.
DATE: May 15, 2023
FIRST PLACE: Qatar University Level 3MT Competition
VENUE: Research Complex, Qatar University.
DATE: June 4, 2023
FIRST PLACE: Best of American Society of Clinical Oncology Conference
VENUE: Le Royal Méridien Hotel, Doha.
DATE: October 13-14, 2023
FIRST PLACE: Qatar University Annual Research Forum and Exhibition 2023
VENUE: Qatar University.
DATE: November 14-15, 2023
