Edinburgh student wins top national science award

The Best Computational Science Student has been awarded to a Heriot-Watt student at The Science, Engineering & Technology (SET) Student of the Year Awards.

Chemistry student Therese Bergendahl was presented with first prize for her project, which used a computer program to model radiation absorption processes for a form of cancer treatment, known as photodynamic therapy (PDT).

Speaking to The Journal, Ms Bergendhal said: “It was truly a surprise. I thought I was in the wrong category, and didn’t expect to win at all.”

The SET Awards have been established as Europe's predominant awards for science and engineering undergraduates. Sponsors include industry giants such as Airbus, AstraZeneca, and Microsoft Research.

Roland Ibbett, Chair of the Judges for the Computational Award, told The Journal: “Ms Bergendahl showed tremendous enthusiasm for her subject and demonstrated an impressive level of background knowledge.

“Given the potential importance for public health we are pleased that Ms Bergendahl will be taking this work forward in her PhD”.

PDT involves the injection of molecules, known as photosensitisers, into a patients body. Light is shined onto these photosensitisers from outside the body, causing them to activate oxygen within the body.

Ms Bergendhal explained:"In PDT, we use a chemical which activates oxygen molecules by giving them energy - creating 'singlet oxygen molecules'. Singlet oxygen is extremely reactive and causes mayhem in a cell until the cell commits suicide. If this cell is a cancer cell, then this is excellent."

Unlike radiotherapy, PDT is tumour-selective and does not kill healthy cells. However, PDT is currently limited to treating smaller tumours found on the surface of skin or organs.

Ms Bergendahl’s research looks into developing a more powerful ‘two-photon’ capability, where photosensitisers absorb more energy from light. A stronger form of singlet oxygen is activated, which can target cancer cells with more accuracy, and can deeper penetrate tissue and larger tumours.

Ms Berghendal’s research supervisor at Heriot-Watt University, Dr Martin Paterson, told The Journal: “It is my belief that such two-photon techniques will certainly be more effective in the treatment of deeper tumours in the future.”

Dr Paterson is now supervising Ms Bergendahl, who finished her MChem degree in June 2010, in her research towards her PhD.

Ms Bergendahl told The Journal: “Currently, I am working on my PhD in theoretical and computational chemistry at Heriot Watt University, where I am continuing my previous research, as well as looking at various other biologically interesting molecules, and how they behave when we shine light on them.”