CIHR Health System Impact Fellow Dr. Francesco Gentile is focused on implementing and applying novel physics-based and machine learning methods for computer-aided drug discovery.
Research topic
Research Description
My research focuses on implementing and applying novel physics-based and machine learning methods for computer-aided drug discovery. I am particularly interested in developing deep learning approaches to accelerate and improve the structure-based drug discovery process and apply those to identify drug candidates for resistant prostate cancer, breast cancer, and COVID-19.
Why did you decide to pursue a postdoctoral fellowship at UBC? Did you consider other opportunities?
I was specifically attracted by the proven track record of UBC in health research and the presence of world-class research groups and facilities at the University. Lastly, I always wanted to live in Vancouver since I moved to Canada. I had a few other postdoc opportunities in other countries but UBC, and specifically the Cherkasov lab, was my first choice.
What specifically attracted you to your research group?
The Cherkasov lab at Vancouver Prostate Centre is one of the few academic groups in the world with expertise in computer-aided drug discovery and a proven track record of translational research in cancer. I was also interested in exploring machine learning in drug discovery, and the group provided the perfect ground to pursue this research line.
What advice do you have for new postdoctoral fellows?
To not be discouraged by the difficulties you encounter. As the front line of research, a postdoc faces the most challenging and high-risk projects, and this was a big change for me compared to the Ph.D. But this is the only way to have an impact in the field and grow as an independent scientist.
What do you like to do for fun?
I used to play a lot of team sports (basketball mainly). Now with the pandemic, I do yoga and a lot of hiking in the beautiful wilderness of BC. I also like to make fermented drinks like kombucha at home.
What is the most enjoyable aspect of your postdoctoral fellowship?
I like the independence in research that I have compared to graduate studies. Also, the feeling of working in a world-class cancer research center (the Vancouver Prostate Centre) with the possibility, one day, of making a difference for cancer patients.
What are the biggest challenges you have faced, or anticipate facing, in your career?
I guess the biggest challenge was to move away from my home country for my Ph.D. It turned out to be a great advantage in the end.
What does receiving this award mean for your career?
The CIHR fellowship was definitely a great achievement for my career. It helps me to develop my own research philosophy and to be more independent. It was also great to learn that my research plans are competitive at a national level.