Virtual options enable Keeley Barnable to present research at conferences in South Korea, Athens, UK

Although only in her third year of university, Mount Allison biology student Keeley Barnable is already gaining valuable experience and making important contributions to medical research, both in New Brunswick and internationally.

During the spring and summer of 2020, Barnable worked as the Mount Allison Loewen Health Research Intern with the Upper River Valley Hospital in Waterville, NB. Working both remotely in her home province of Nova Scotia and onsite, Barnable was part of a team conducting a retrospective study on patients’ experience and care following laparoscopic surgery for colorectal cancer in rural community settings.

Colorectal cancer is currently the third-most common cancer globally. While it affects older people more frequently, cases have been found in younger age groups and there is ongoing research around the causes of these particular cancers, including lifestyle.

“The research is looking at factors including the patients’ tumor size, recovery and survival times, and their disease prognosis,” says Barnable. “A longitudinal study like this allows us to see post-procedure whether patients are getting the best care possible. It was really exciting to apply the skills I learned at Mount A to real data.”

The study had started in 2019 at the hospital. Barnable continued the research this year, gathering and analyzing data from 117 colorectal cancer patients. This is currently one of the largest data banks in the province focusing on patients with this type of cancer.

So far, Barnable has presented her research virtually for the Asian Congress of Robotic and Laparoscopic Surgery, where she received Best Poster Award and the Baso Association for Cancer, based in the UK. Her abstract has also been accepted for the Athens Institute for Education and Research being held virtually in May.

“It was such a great experience. I learned all about research methodology, scientific writing and project management,” she says. “These are all skills I hope to take with me when I pursue a career in medicine.”

Barnable, who will be one of the first Mount Allison students to earn a Certificate in Foundations of Health in addition to her degree has also continued research with biology professor Dr. Vett Lloyd around COVID-19. Dr. Lloyd and her research team are seeking to learn more about the long-term health effects and potential complications in patients who have had the virus. Barnable worked on the research ethics component of the project, developing the survey structure and navigate the approval processes this past summer. She continues to work in Lloyd’s lab as a research assistant.

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