Embarking on a doctoral journey is a voyage of discovery, one that intertwines personal history with academic pursuits. Mina Tsenkova, with a multicultural background spanning Bulgaria, the US and France, decided to join the University of Luxembourg after doing her bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the University of Strasbourg. “That was an exciting prospect ─she explains─, drawn by the vibrant research community and the collaborative atmosphere of the doctoral training unit focusing on the gut microbiome”.
Tsenkova’s transition from virology to cancer research marked a significant turning point in her academic trajectory. “It was exciting to rediscover immunology from a different angle”. Immersed in a diverse and supportive environment, she found herself captivated by the collaborative spirit and shared passion for unravelling the complexities of the gut microbiome. “I was amazed by the camaraderie among the researchers,” she remarks, emphasizing the allure of working alongside like-minded colleagues dedicated to advancing biomedical research.
Insights from their scientific exploration
Elisabeth Letellier, her supervisor during the PhD, shed light on their journey into microbiome research, providing an initiative to investigate the role of the different interventions in colorectal cancer. “Our foray into microbiome research opened doors to groundbreaking discoveries,” Letellier reflects, highlighting the therapeutic effects of the ketogenic diet mediated by the gut microbiome.
Through meticulous experimentation, Mina unveiled the microbiome’s causal role in determining individual responses to dietary interventions, laying the foundation for personalized therapeutic strategies in cancer treatment. The significance of those findings extends beyond academic circles, offering hope for integrating dietary guidelines into clinical practice. “Our study lays the groundwork for personalized therapeutic interventions,” she explains, emphasizing the potential of microbiome-based therapies in revolutionizing cancer treatment. This pioneering research represents a milestone in bridging the gap between scientific inquiry and clinical application, paving the way for tailored interventions to combat cancer.
Navigating the challenges and illuminating the path
Mina undertook her PhD during the COVID-19 pandemics. However, even during those inevitably moments of tension and difficulties, Mina showed all her resilience and dedication, showing a great independence and critical thinking skills, emphasizing their respectful and supportive relationship with all her colleagues and with Letellier.
Tsenkova highlights the unwavering support and intellectual freedom she received from her supervisor. “Throughout my PhD journey, Elisabeth empowered me to explore new avenues of research,” she recalls. Letellier’s mentorship played a pivotal role in shaping Tsenkova’s research endeavours. From grant applications, through conference attendance, to the final phase of thesis completion, their collaboration was marked by resilience and camaraderie, transcending the professional realm.
“Mina’s success is a testament to her resilience and determination,” Letellier remarks, celebrating Tsenkova’s achievements as she has received one of the Excellent Doctoral Thesis Award 2023 and the 2024 Rolf Tarrach Award. Currently, as Mina embarks on the next phase of her academic journey as a postdoc at Amgen in US, they both continue to chart new frontiers in biomedical science, with their partnership as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring researchers, forging pathways to a future defined by collaboration, innovation and discovery.