PhD student in Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University
I graduated with a 2.1 degree from the University of Bristol. During this degree course, I completed an optional academic placement year. I worked in a Dementia Research Lab for a year . I looked at concentrations of a protein responsible for increasing vascular in the brain (VEGF) in relation to occipital blood flow in postmortem brain tissue from individuals with Dementia with Lewy Bodies (DLB). I was fortunate enough to have my work published from this year.
I am now currently in the midst of completing my PhD at the MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics at Cardiff University. I am investigating the relationship of sleep and mental health outcomes in children and adolescents with the copy number variant (CNV) genetic syndrome, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome. As part of my PhD, I travel extensively around the UK undertaking sleep studies in the homes of the participants. I use polysomnography to do this, including the use of electroencephalography and polygraphy.
During my PhD, I have been fortunate enough to have a multitude of science communication and engagement opportunities. I won the 'I'm a Scientist get me out of Here' award in March 2016, and subsequently was awarded £500 to continue my engagement. I created 'Dream Workshops' discussing sleep and designing pillowcases and making blue-light blocking glasses! I have worked with Erasmus+ scheme, presenting at the European Commission in Cardiff, as well as presenting for Time to Talk Day 2017 at Welsh Government Offices. I worked as part of a team to create a project which was undertaken at Green Man Festival 2016 showcasing the importance of genetics in mental health research. I frequently write blogs for the National Centre for Mental Health and Cardiff University Mental Health Blog specifically.
22q11.2 deletion: the most common syndrome you have never heard of
May 16, 2017 15:45 pm UTC| Health
You wouldnt be blamed for thinking that 22q11.2 was a postcode or password. My guess is you wouldnt have thought it was the most prevalent syndrome of its kind. So lets talk about 22q. Everyone has 23 pairs of...
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