Miss Chelsi James

I am a Jamaican biomedical researcher with academic interests centered on cancer prevention, health disparities, and improving the equity of cancer therapies for populations of African descent. I hold a Master of Science in Biomedical Research (Distinction) from The University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona, where I received training in both biomedical and public health research methodologies.

For my Master’s research, I conducted a Knowledge, Attitudes, and Practices (KAP) study on dengue transmission and prevention among residents of Kingston and St. Andrew, Jamaica. This work involved questionnaire design, community-based data collection, and statistical analysis using SPSS to identify gaps in knowledge and preventive behaviors, with the goal of informing targeted public health interventions. Through this research, I developed strong skills in research design, data analysis, and evidence-based health research.

Alongside my thesis research, I received training and exposure in cancer research, including cell culture techniques and critical evaluation of cancer cell line models used in the development of targeted therapies. I am a first author on a peer-reviewed review article published in Cancer Metastasis Reviews, which emphasised the gaps in breast and prostate cancer cell line pathology and racial representation alongside their involvement in relevant drug development.

In addition to my research activities, I have served as a teaching assistant and laboratory demonstrator, supporting undergraduate education and hands-on laboratory training in biomedical science. My long-term goal is to pursue advanced research training that integrates cancer biology, prevention science, and equity-focused approaches, contributing to more effective and inclusive cancer care for underrepresented populations.