Paula González Menéndez

About Your Research

In simple terms, what is your current research project about?

My current project aims to study and characterise the proteomic signature to uncover any possible links to treatment response, with the ultimate goal to help predict the treatment with the best possible outcome for each patient. More specifically, the project focuses on protein information that standard/traditional analytical standard have overlooked, with the aim to uncover ant previously missed information that could keep informing treatment selection

What problem or gap in ovarian cancer care does this research aim to address?

This project is trying to tackle the relapse rates observed when standardised first-line treatment is used in all patients, by trying to address the current lack of treatment response tests

Why is this research important for women and their families?

Testing the probable responses before the treatments is administrated can help make sure patients get the treatment with the best possible outcome, which would in term improve long-term survival possibility

The Impact of LLRF Funding

How has funding from the Letitia Linke Research Foundation supported your work?

In very broad terms, LLRF funding has allowed me to start pursuing my PhD with all that it entails

What specifically has LLRF funding enabled (e.g. experiments, staff, data analysis, equipment)?

LLRF funding has enabled me to do experiments and data analysis I have been doing and that I will continue to do as well as the year-long stay at the Freiburg University, which is part of my PhD program, I will start later in the year

Would this research have been possible without LLRF support? Please explain.

It would have not, or at least not by me. As an international student, I would not have been able to pursue my PhD in Australia had I not received the scholarship I did, which I applied to on the basis that the LLRF would help fund my project, which I am extremely grateful for

Progress & Outcomes

What progress or key milestones have been achieved so far?

As the first year of my PhD is coming to an end, I have working on establishing a data analysis pipeline that includes previously ignored data, which allows a broader exploration of our samples. I am also in the later stages of analysing the results of an experiment on tissue culture medium modification to mimic tumour environment.

Other than strictly laboratory-related milestones, I have been able to attend the Dagstuhl Seminar entitled “Computational Proteomics” (Aug. 2025) and the EMBL 2025 PhD course which focused on implementing machine learning and AI in life science research and technologies, as well as the collaboration across research disciplines (Dec. 2025).

Looking Ahead

What are the next steps for this research?

This research will continue developing sample preparation and data analysis pipelines to further the characterisation and understanding of proteomic information

How could this work improve early detection, treatment, or outcomes for ovarian cancer in the future?

Being able to predict treatment response before it starts could help improve survival rates in ovarian cancer by improving treatment outcomes and reducing relapse by ensuring the best available treatment is used

Message to Our Supporters

What would you like to say to the LLRF supporters, volunteers, and donors who made this research possible?

Esteemed LLRF supporters, volunteers and donors,

The only thing that can really be said is thank you, and even that feels insufficient. Not just for the financial help, but especially because knowing that there is such a wonderful team of people who are passionate and care for this project as much as our team does has definitely been a driving force in this project.

So, truly, thank you very much for your support, time and dedication.

Paula