Arianna Bunnell is pursuing her PhD in computer science at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, with an appointment at the University of Hawaiʻi Cancer Center. Her research utilizes artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance breast imaging—specifically, mammography and ultrasound—with the goal of expanding access to early cancer detection.

“At the highest level, my research is basically just AI for medical imaging,” Bunnell explained. “Most of my work focuses on breast cancer. Right now, my biggest project is developing AI for portable breast ultrasound so that we can do screening in areas that are too remote or too rural for mammography access to be feasible.”

In the U.S.-affiliated Pacific Islands, many women must travel by boat or plane to reach a clinic with a mammography machine. This often means screening happens late, if at all.

“Breast ultrasound is a very difficult modality to interpret,” Bunnell said. “It’s noisy, and it takes a lot of training to recognize possibly malignant breast lesions. By combining AI with portable ultrasound, our hope is that general healthcare workers can use this technology to screen women earlier.”

The need is urgent.

“In many Pacific communities, more than 50% of breast cancer cases are diagnosed at an advanced stage,” Bunnell noted. “On the mainland, it’s about 9%. In Hawaiʻi, it’s 11%. Earlier detection could change outcomes for so many women.”

Bunnell’s path into this research grew from her passion for the medical applications of data science.

“I wanted to be a statistician in high school, but I discovered computer science during my undergraduate studies,” she said. “Coming to Hawaiʻi and working with my advisors connected me to the Cancer Center and to the community. I’ve been privileged to learn how important this work is and to become passionate about breast cancer screening.”

Support from ARCS Foundation has made her work possible.

 “I received the ARCS Award, and it was absolutely huge for me,” she said. “The cost of living in Hawaiʻi is extremely high, and the ARCS funding relieved so much of that pressure. It allowed me to focus on my research and my PhD without worrying constantly about making ends meet.”

Originally from Utah, Arianna has embraced her role in Hawaiʻi, where her research has the potential to make a lasting difference.

 “I just hope the impact of my work is that more women can get screening and we can discover cancers earlier,” she said.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Arianna’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of research, innovation, and support in the fight against breast cancer.