Mallon’s research in PGJCCR’s Digital Pathology Lab with Dr Stephanie Craig and Professor Jacqueline James is aimed at improving public knowledge around Head and Neck Cancers, as well as the importance of viral vaccination in the prevention of the disease.

‘I hope that my research will contribute to the knowledge at the hands of our clinicians to improve patient diagnosis, treatment, prognostication and overall outcomes regarding Head and Neck Cancer,’ said Mallon.

‘We are really fortunate that we can attract and retain talented students like Mary to undertake important postgraduate research like this, and that there is recognition through this scholarship for our alumni,’ said Dr Craig.

In order to obtain the scholarship Mallon completed an interview and presented work to a panel of Queen’s University Belfast (QUB) staff. The scholarship comes with a financial reward of £2,500 based on academic performance and return to QUB for postgraduate study.

In celebrating this achievement Mallon says that she hopes, ‘this may inspire other students and organisations to work within this field of research and offer additional support to our Head and Neck Cancer patients as well as our research teams.’

Since it was established in 2002 the QGA Scholarship has provided financial assistance to postgraduate students while also acting to strengthen ties between the Queen’s Graduates’ Association, its members and the University.