The award was granted for the degree of innovation and projection in the industry of her thesis “Classification of images with overexpression of the HER2 protein using Bayesian Deep Learning”, aimed at assisting and automating the diagnosis of breast cancer.
HER2-positive cancer is a type of breast cancer that is characterized, among other things, by the presence of a protein – of the same name – capable of promoting the growth of cancer cells.
Detected in approximately 20% of these diagnoses, currently the method to determine if the cancer corresponds to HER2 positive consists of the visual analysis of breast biopsy samples, which allows the pathologist, through the use of a digital microscope, determine the degree of protein overexpression in patients.
Precisely at this stage of detection, the project entitled “Classification of images with overexpression of the HER2 protein using Bayesian Deep Learning”, by USM civil engineering student Sebastián Bórquez, aims to automate the diagnostic procedure through digitized samples and the use of a deep learning model for their analysis, aimed at supporting physicians in decision making, specifically with a Bayesian approach that allows quantifying the reliability of the prediction.
After his defense, and considering the merit, applicability and contribution that the proposal implies in the industry, the project that was guided by the researcher of the Technological Scientific Center of Valparaíso, Dr. Raquel Pezoa, and having as co-referent Dr. Claudio Torres, also a researcher at the Center, was recognized by the Chilean Institute of Engineers with the Roberto Ovalle Aguirre award, which since 1949 has highlighted works with a strategic projection in the field of engineering.
“For me, this recognition means that my research has not only been read by other people, but also that it is important for our environment, providing a relevant value to Artificial Intelligence in our lives”, said the now student of the Master in Technology of Information, adding that with the award he feels “motivated to continue working in the same direction, developing better solutions to the different problems that afflict us as human beings, because it is the sense of innovation.”
Finally, the engineer thanked Dr. Pezoa for her support throughout the process, emphasizing that the recognition is a reflection of the effort and perseverance required to develop applied and innovative research that, in some sense, means a contribution to society. .
If you want to know more details about the project, clic here.
