Summer Studentship 2024-2025: Caleb Lopez-Sanchez

1.    Can you tell us how you got involved with medical research?

I participated in some research during a semester exchange in my undergraduate degree. Since entering Medicine, I wanted to extend beyond this and contribute to research that worked directly with people.  

2.    Could you provide a brief overview of the key aspects your study will explore?

My research topic is investigating the use of automated insulin delivery (AID) technology in Māori and Pacific Peoples with type 1 diabetes and above-target glycaemia. Working with Dr Alisa Boucsein and Professor Ben Wheeler, we are aim to give this priority population access to AID technology to provide essential data on efficacy and safety.  

3.    Can you tell us about your motivation and inspiration for your research?

There are many motivations to my research. Firstly, is my whānau, where a member of our family is affected by diabetes. Contributing to work that can make life easier - and better - for them and others, is a great privilege and continues to motivate me. Secondly, is how research is such a multidisciplinary field and combines aspects of my previous and current studies. I think it’s great that I can mix my different interests together. 

4.    Can you elaborate on how your research project will positively impact the lives of individuals in Aotearoa living with diabetes?

Our research aims to close the gap in the health outcomes and experiences of Māori and Pacific Peoples with type 1 diabetes, while contributing to a wider scope of literature that examines the value of advanced diabetes technology. Beyond Aotearoa, our work with high priority groups aims to provide much needed data within a global context, so as to inform clinical practice and health policy in NZ and other countries, such as the United States.

5.    What does it mean to you being selected as one of the five recipients of the Summer Studentships this year?

It's a privilege and very exciting to have been selected! I am grateful that I was supported to carry out such important research. I look forward to continuing my research journey thanks to the Studentship!

6.    The Summer Studentships are made possible thanks to donations to the Diabetes Research Foundation. Please tell us how important these Summer Studentships are to others looking to conduct research?

The Summer Studentships are an invaluable opportunity. I think that everyone interested in research and diabetes, regardless of previous research experience, should apply. You can contribute to something tangible that will have positive impacts for people across Aotearoa. This opportunity has opened my eyes even further into the world of research and clinical trials and I look forward to seeing what doors it may open in the future.