Meet the scientists: Connor Powell

As part of our interview series, Meet the Scientists, we caught up with BCUK-funded PhD student Connor Powell from Kings College London. Connor’s research is supervised by Dr Michael Antoniou, and his research is looking into the links between bisphenols and breast cancer. 

Why have you chosen to enter the field of scientific research, and what in particular drew you to breast cancer research?

In primary school, I remember confidently saying that I either wanted to be a scientist or an actor. For one reason or another, I became more and more interested in trying to understand the ‘ultimate truth’ of reality. This naturally pushed me towards science. Luckily, I had the opportunity to complete various internships in science at high school – from assisting with the artificial insemination of Salmon (Pitlochry Freshwater Fish Laboratory) to analysing the antioxidant content in the shells of sea urchins (James Hutton Institute). These experiences ultimately influenced my decision to study Chemistry at university.  

At university, it became apparent that I was more interested in the interface between chemistry and biology. So, I pursued research projects in this area. After a brief break from science, I spent three years working at a scientific consultancy specialising in chemical risk assessment, exposure science and toxicology. Over this time, I decided that I wanted to return to academia to complete a research project relating to toxicology and chemical exposure.  

Friends and family members of mine have been directly affected by breast cancer, so this further encouraged me to take up this research project.  

In your own words: Could you tell us what your PhD project is about? 

We are interested in a group of substances known as bisphenols that are frequently used in the manufacture of plastics and numerous other consumer products. These substances can disrupt the body’s hormonal system and are known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs). Bisphenols have been linked to breast cancer initiation and progression. 

In fact, these substances are extremely ubiquitous. So much so that multiple studies in various countries show that the most well-known bisphenol, bisphenol A (BPA), can be detected in the urine and blood (plasma) in the general population. However, there has been much regulatory scrutiny over the use of BPA, with various restrictions now in place in the EU. This is driving manufacturers to look for alternatives to BPA. Whereby the molecular structure of BPA is altered in order to temporarily avoid regulatory restrictions, creating new bisphenol substances. These can be, however, just as dangerous or even more dangerous to human health.

This project will focus on answering three main questions: Which bisphenols are found in the urine of the general population? And at what concentration levels? To what degree do these substances, individually or in combination with one another, cause breast cancer cell initiation and growth at realistic concentration levels? Does bisphenol exposure alter gene expression, and can this help us understand the mechanism of toxicity at a biochemical level?  

What difference do you think your project will make? 

This will be the first biomonitoring study based in the UK focusing on detecting bisphenol alternatives in human urine. This will allow us to determine realistic concentrations of bisphenols in the general population and high-risk groups. As a result of this, we will be able to investigate the effects of bisphenols on breast cancer initiation/proliferation at realistic concentrations based on the biomonitoring study. Hopefully, the results from this study will put pressure on regulatory bodies to adequately regulate and restrict the use of these chemicals. Prioritising the safety of the general population.

What have you done in the first few months of your project? 

Initially, I carried out an extensive literature search of the available toxicological studies and regulatory information relating to the bisphenol alternatives. Based on this, we have established criteria for prioritising the most significant bisphenol alternatives for analysis. Over the summer, I have been carrying out various in-house training sessions. To be able to use the main instrument for urine analysis – ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS).

The sample is passed through a chromatographic column. Where certain substances will take longer to pass through the column than others, this allows us to separate each substance in the sample before the substance is ionised in the mass spectrometer, causing fragmentation of the substance. The mass-to-charge ratio of each fragment can be determined. Therefore, we can characterise each substance based on the known exact mass.

Are there any initial results? What are you working on right now? 

It is important to optimise various parameters that are required for mass spectrometry. We have used BPA to conduct an initial optimisation run; however, the current method is not sensitive enough to detect BPA at low concentration levels.

Currently, we are trying to optimise the method to decrease the limit of detection of BPA. To have the capability to detect bisphenols at extremely low concentration levels – in the parts per million range. We will start to analyse urine samples in September, when we will begin to recruit participants.  

What does a typical day at work look like for you? 

Typical Monday 

• Early morning: Review toxicological and regulatory studies.  
• Late morning: Attending our group meeting to discuss current progress.  
• Early afternoon: UPLC-MS/MS method development.  
• Late afternoon: Preparing various reports, online training sessions and catching up with outstanding work 

In terms of your career: What do you hope to be doing in five years’ time? 

After my PhD, I hope to continue my research in this area at the post-doctoral level. I plan to work outside of the UK. Perhaps joining a research group in Europe or Latin America. After this, ten years from now, I can see myself spending a significant amount of time in East Asia. 

What scientist living or dead, do you most admire?  

Any scientist that has suffered in the pursuit of knowledge – from the dangerous nature of their work or from societal condemnation. Unfortunately, this would include a long list of unfortunate yet resilient scientists such as Marie Skłodowska Curie, Galileo Galilei and Giordano Bruno. 

I also admire all the great educators in science that inspire young people to pursue a career in the field. I have undoubtably been positively influenced by some excellent teachers and mentors. 

Where do you like to be when you’re not working?  

I try to keep myself occupied with mini-projects. These tend to involve learning something new or doing something creative. I love theatre. So, I am lucky to be spoilt for choice as I live relatively close to London’s theatre district. 

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