GCI Trainee Julie Shizas Receives Prestigious Tomlinson Doctoral Fellowship

The Rosalind & Morris Goodman Cancer Institute (GCI) is proud to celebrate Julie Shizas, a first-year PhD student in Experimental Medicine, on being awarded the Tomlinson Doctoral Fellowship, McGill University’s most prestigious graduate student honours.

Working under the supervision of Professor Peter Siegel, PhD, Julie’s research focuses on colorectal cancer liver metastases, one of the most challenging aspects of cancer progression. Colorectal cancer has two different ways of invading the liver: cells either invade healthy liver tissue directly, called replacement-type growth, or cancer cells can be contained within a barrier of scar-like tissue, called encapsulated-type growth. Importantly, patients with replacement-type tumours tend to face worse outcomes and higher rates of recurrence. By analyzing patient samples and mouse models relevant for this cancer type, Julie is working to identify the molecular drivers behind these two growth patterns, with the goal of improving outcomes for patients.

Julie’s motivation for research comes from a combination of scientific curiosity and a desire to make a tangible difference. As she puts it, her research is fueled by “a deep curiosity for the complex biology behind cancer progression and metastasis,” paired with a commitment to turning that curiosity into science that can meaningfully improve patients’ lives.

When asked why she chose the GCI for her graduate studies, Julie pointed to the community as much as the science. She was drawn to the GCI’s collaborative, cross-disciplinary approach, and the people. As she describes it, “it’s rare to find a place that pushes top-tier research while genuinely prioritizing the well-being of its trainees.”

The Tomlinson Doctoral Award recognizes outstanding academic promise among McGill graduate student recruits, and Julie’s achievement reflects the caliber of research and dedication the GCI trainees bring to the fight against cancer every day. Please join us in congratulating Julie on this well-deserved honour!