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We don’t often hear about a young researcher making the leap from the classroom to working on research with cutting-edge technology, however, Champica Nicholas made this remarkable journey. Recently named first author on a paper published in the journal of Oncology - Cancers titled, Point of care liquid biopsy for cancer treatment—early experience from a community center, Champica’s career has always been driven by her curiosity.
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Health Studies from the University of Waterloo, Champica faced a crossroads while considering exploring a career path based on her interests. Her strong background in both quantitative and qualitative research led her to a role as a research assistant at Osler. “I was applying for jobs in my field,” she recalls. “I was looking for something that matched my education, and I was offered a role at Osler, supporting Dr. Brandon Sheffield, Anatomic and Molecular Pathologist, Advanced Diagnostics, and Andrea Beharry, Charge Technologist, Advanced Diagnostics. It was both exciting and a bit overwhelming.”
When Champica joined the team, her role was varied, involving administrative tasks, medical lab assistance and research support. However, her first major project, the pioneering liquid biopsy study, quickly became a central focus. “Initially, I didn’t know what a liquid biopsy was or understand the importance of biomarkers in cancer treatment,” she explains. “Brandon took me under his wing, guiding me through the basics and helping me grasp the impact of our work. The transition from assisting to understanding and contributing to the research was incredible.”
The liquid biopsy project, which started in 2022 at Osler, has been transformative for both the lab and the community. Liquid biopsies offer a less invasive alternative to traditional tissue biopsies and provide critical insights into cancer biomarkers through a simple blood draw. As Champica became more involved, she began to appreciate the broader implications of her work. “The key breakthrough is the ability to perform a liquid biopsy instead of a more invasive tissue biopsy,” she says. “We’ve seen cases where liquid biopsies provided crucial information, avoiding the need for more invasive procedures. That’s a significant win for patient care.”
The impact of the liquid biopsy project has been substantial. It has also streamlined the process of identifying biomarkers and offered vital insights into cancer progression and treatment efficacy. “This groundbreaking technology enables precision medicine and personalized cancer care for a broader range of patients. Previously, patients faced barriers due to invasive procedures, but this innovation removes those obstacles,” says Dr. Sheffield. “Looking ahead, our team is dedicated to advancing cancer care beyond our hospital. We aim to help other hospitals adopt technologies like our ultra-fast turnaround in-house liquid biopsy, bridging the gap between what we offer and what is available elsewhere.”
Champica’s journey underscores the dynamic nature of careers in research and diagnostics. Her story highlights the importance of being open to new opportunities and the value of mentorship in professional growth. “I’ve learned so much in this role and see how diagnostics play a crucial behind-the-scenes role. It’s a fascinating field, and while I’m open to where it might lead, my ultimate goal is to make a difference.”
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