The objective of
this project is to create a computational platform to be used by researchers to
more easily assess histochemical images. The specific application that is being
focused on are images of lung cancer tissue biopsies. I became interested in this
project because I am deeply passionate about oncology research. The prevalence
of cancer is astounding; 1 in 2 American men and 1 in 3 American women will be
diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. Research to improve treatment and
screening of cancer is imperative. Given my experience in my major,
bioengineering, and through past research in data mining, I felt confident that
I could do this crucial project justice.
This project
related to my long-term goals in many different ways. After I graduate from
Mason, I will pursue research in health care. This research experience will
give me vital insight and skills that will be valuable and translatable to my
future career. On a weekly basis, I am programming to optimize my software
platform. There are many design decisions that need to be made on top of
getting the software to even work as best as possible. I have learned a lot
already this semester. I have gained a greater understanding of the biology
behind lung cancer and some treatments associated with this disease. This
project is also my first experience with software development which is valuable
knowledge in a world becoming more technological by the day.
