January 2024: Diana Asante – African Female Researcher of the Month

January 2024: Diana Asante – African Female Researcher of the Month

Diana Asante, a PhD candidate in the Biochemistry and Cancer Biology program at Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia, is making waves in the field of cancer research. Originally from Ghana, West Africa, Asante earned her BSC in Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology from the University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, before embarking on her doctoral journey in the United States.

Asante’s passion for research was evident long before she joined the labs at Augusta University. She served as a research assistant at prominent institutions in Ghana, including the Centre for Plant Medicine Research in Akropong Mampomg (2018), the Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research in Legon, Accra (2019), and the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research, Biomedical and Public Health Research Unit in Accra (2020-21). Armed with this robust research background, Asante sought out translational research opportunities, particularly in cancer research using exosomes.

Upon joining Augusta University, Asante found herself drawn to the research team of Dr. Sharanjot Saini, a renowned figure in the field of cancer research. Driven by a desire to contribute to research that directly impacts human lives, Asante was captivated by Dr. Saini’s work on utilizing exosomes as targeted therapy in cancer treatment.

Since joining Dr. Saini’s team, Asante has demonstrated exceptional dedication and aptitude. Dr. Saini praises Asante as a “sincere, motivated, and hard-working student” who quickly acquired the technical expertise necessary for their projects. Currently, Asante, alongside Dr. Saini and post-doctoral fellow Dr. Sandip Nathani, is focused on developing novel exosome-based therapeutic interventions for neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a particularly lethal form of prostate cancer.

NEPC presents a significant challenge, with half of diagnosed individuals living less than a year. The urgency to find effective treatments is underscored by the poor survival rates associated with NEPC and the limitations of current therapies. Asante and her team aim to address this critical need by exploring innovative exosome-based therapies and investigating the role of microRNA genes in driving NEPC.

Asante’s dedication to advancing cancer research recently earned her recognition at the 13th National Symposium on Prostate Cancer and Dr. Sidney A. McNairy Jr. Student Symposium. During the event, Asante presented her research and secured the second-place award in the graduate poster competition. Her presentation not only showcased her work but also opened avenues for valuable feedback and suggestions, including exploring different drug combinations for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.

Reflecting on her experience at the symposium, Asante expressed gratitude for the meaningful connections she made with faculty researchers and fellow students. These connections, she believes, will play a crucial role as she continues her research journey. The recognition and feedback received during the symposium further fueled Asante’s commitment to making a difference in cancer research.

Looking ahead, Asante remains open-minded about her future path. While she is currently inclined towards entering the industry due to her interest in drug development from natural sources, she acknowledges the plethora of opportunities in the field. Whether she chooses to contribute to academia as a professor or continues her path in the industry, one thing remains clear – Diana Asante is poised to leave an indelible mark on the landscape of cancer research, driven by a passion to make impactful contributions to the well-being of humanity.

African Researchers Magazine (2024). January 2024: Diana Asante – African Female Researcher of the Month. Retrieved from https://www.africanresearchers.org/january-2024-diana-asante-african-female-researcher-of-the-month/