Alumni Brains

What is your name? 

Aglaia Freccero

Where are you from? 

Turin, Italy

To which class you belong to? 

MSc Translational Neuroscience 2022

Where and what did you study before joining Imperial College London?

BSc Biomedical Sciences at University College London

How did you find your Master experience at the College?

My Master’s experience has been extremely insightful and rewarding. The modules taught me about various aspects of the neuroscience field, and the research project allowed me to apply that knowledge in practice. I appreciated the guidance and support of the academic staff and had the opportunity to learn from and work with world-leading researchers, as well as brilliant peers

Which research project did you work on?

For my MSc research project, I joined Dr Martina Di Simplico’s lab in the Division of Psychiatry. I researched motivational abnormalities in young people with binging and purging behaviour as part of the iMAGine Study. In particular, I investigated the role of attentional biases towards food and body shape cues and their interaction with negative affect in driving eating disorder psychopathology. I am now in the process of publishing the results of my thesis

Where are you now?

I am still in the Department of Brain Sciences at Imperial, in the Division of Psychiatry. I am now in the second year of my PhD. Following my MSc, I graduated with a Master’s in Public Health at Imperial to translate my experience in clinical mental health research at a population level

What are you working on?

My PhD project investigates the potential of delivering AI-informed mobile behavioural interventions to support adolescents’ mental health in schools. Due to the ubiquitous use of smartphones among adolescents, mobile mental health apps might constitute a promising scalable tool for mental health prevention and early intervention. My project integrates clinical, social and data science. I am being supervised by Prof Dasha Nicholls, Dr Martina Di Simplicio and Dr Lindsay Dewa

What is the most important lesson you learnt as a Master student?

The biggest lesson I have learnt during the Master’s is to be able to carry out research independently. I believe that my Master’s experience has truly been the start of my journey to mature as a scientist. The MSc taught me how to take ownership of my research, develop appropriate research questions and methodologies and overcome challenges when things do not go as planned

How did the Master programme help you get to where you are now?

The knowledge, skills and network I acquired during my Master’s programme have been fundamental in helping me to get where I am now and being awarded the President’s PhD scholarship. The welcoming environment of the Division of Psychiatry and the solid relationships I built with my supervisors also played a significant role in my decision to stay in the Department of Brain Sciences for my PhD

Read Aglaia Freccero: ‘My Master’s experience has been extremely insightful and rewarding’ in full

What is your name?

Dana Aljarrah

Where are you from?

Jordan

To which class you belong to?

MSc Translational Neuroscience, Class of 2024

Where and what did you study before joining Imperial College London?

I completed my BSc in Medical Neuroscience at the University of Sussex

How did you find your Master experience at the College?

I found my master’s to be a huge learning experience; the MSc Translational Neuroscience course was detailed and well-organised. This course involved many learning and assessment approaches covering different aspects of neuroscience, from neural differentiation to neural networks. Overall, this course offered a comprehensive understanding of molecular and computational neuroscience, thus deepening my knowledge of the brain, its development, and its function and dysfunction. During my undergraduate degree, I learned about studies conducted at Imperial College London. When I started my master’s, I was lectured by world-leading researchers I have looked up to and it was surreal! I undertook the computational stream, something I had little experience in before this course: I found it to be incredibly rewarding

Which research project did you work on?

My laboratory-based research project was supervised by Dr Nathan Skene and aimed to develop an epigenomic technique for the profiling of single cells in post-mortem human brains. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) was previously viewed as a disease of the neuron; however, recent studies highlighted the role of the microglia, the brain’s immune cell, in inherited and non-inherited AD. Despite identifying genetic risk variants for AD, specific microglial subtypes remain elusive. We employed a cutting-edge microfluidics technique to isolate single cells from post-mortem human brain-sorted nuclei cultures. We then successfully integrated this technique with our lab’s protocol for single-cell epigenomic mapping. When this approach is applied to sorted microglia, it aims to provide us with an understanding of how AD-related genetic variants affect immune cell function, and how they contribute to disease onset and progression. By identifying the distinct epigenomic profiles of subpopulations of microglia, researchers can develop more targeted therapeutic strategies for AD. I enjoyed this project and found it to be deeply insightful. I was responsible for designing and executing experimental protocols, analysing my data and presenting my outcomes during weekly lab meetings. This improved my scientific writing and communication skills

Where are you now?

London, UK

What are you working on?

I am a research assistant at the Neurogenomics Lab at the UK Dementia Research Institute with Dr Nathan Skene and I am also seeking PhD opportunities. My current focus is on further optimising the technique we developed during my master’s project and contributing to the lab’s objectives in discerning the specific cell types involved in Alzheimer’s disease

What is the most important lesson you learnt as a Master student?

The importance of taking the initiative. This course is only one year long but because I took the initiative, I could work on three projects throughout the year. I wanted to explore different areas of neuroscience I had not yet explored during my undergraduate degree: psychiatry, computation and neurogenetics. During the first project, I analysed data from patients with eating disorders. In the second project, I processed data from human clinical trials to build a machine-learning model for clinicians and scientists. While tutoring the new students undertaking the Translational Neuroscience MSc (2025) course, I was happy and proud to see them take the initiative and channel their excitement about the course

How did the Master programme help you get to where you are now?

This experience shaped me into a well-rounded scientist with a diverse skillset, from grant writing to data analysis and machine learning. I look forward to applying those skills in the future. This programme also provided many networking opportunities, leaving me with lifelong connections with peers and world-leading researchers

Read Dana Aljarrah: ‘I found my master’s to be a huge learning experience’ in full

What is your name?  Rou Ann Lim

Where are you from?  Malaysia

To which class you belong to? MSc Translational Neuroscience, Class of 2024

Where and what did you study before joining Imperial College London? I studied BSc Medical Biosciences also at Imperial College London before pursuing my Master’s

How did you find your Master’s experience at the College? My Master’s experience was extremely rewarding. Despite some challenges, I appreciated the opportunity to push my limits, gain new skills, and learn valuable techniques. I found much support from my personal tutor, Professor Payam Barnaghi, my supervisors (Professor Adam Hampshire, Valentina Giunchiglia and Ziyuan Cai), the whole department and my peers. As a student representative, I also enjoyed supporting my peers and working with the department to improve the student experience. Overall, it was an academically stimulating, supportive and enriching experience

Which research project did you work on? My MSc thesis focused on modelling cognitive and motor impairments using British 1946 birth cohort data. The aims were to refine cognitive metrics obtained from the online cognitive test data using a computational model called the Iterative Decomposition of Cognitive Tasks (IDoCT) to enhance their precision and sensitivity. My analysis was on eleven different cognitive tests assessing various cognitive domains. The findings indicated that IDoCT metrics, particularly from memory-related tasks, emerged as robust predictors of brain biomarkers, including amyloid levels, brain volume, and brain boundary shift integral metrics. The machine learning analyses predicted motor function using the IDoCT metrics, employing decision trees and random forest algorithms for their superior performance. These models successfully forecasted the severity of right pronation-supination and kinetic tremor hand movements

Where are you now? I am currently based in London

What are you working on? I will soon start a clinical data scientist internship at Great Ormond Street Hospital. The aim is to design a graphical user interface for clinicians to access a large language model that predicts delays in cardiology treatment times. Additionally, I aim to pursue medicine in September 2025

What is the most important lesson you learned as a Master’s student? The most important lesson was learning to be independent, proactive, and resourceful. Self-improvement and acquiring new skills are essential, but knowing when to seek help from experts, such as professors, is equally crucial in shaping one’s learning experience

How did the Master’s programme help you get to where you are now? Before starting, I knew artificial intelligence (AI)/ data science was becoming crucial in healthcare, and the programme gave me the skills to leverage it effectively. I developed technical expertise in data analysis, machine learning, and coding and soft skills like problem-solving, teamwork, and leadership. These experiences have laid a strong foundation for my future as a clinician-scientist, particularly in neurosurgery, where AI can predict surgical outcomes and enhance precision. This foundation will allow me to apply AI to improve patient outcomes while carefully evaluating the associated benefits, risks and biases

Read Rou Ann Lim: ‘It was an academically stimulating, supportive and enriching experience’ in full

What is your name?

Caitlin Law

Where are you from?

Herefordshire, UK

To which class you belong to?

MSc Translational Neuroscience, Class of 2024

Where and what did you study before joining Imperial College London?

I studied BSc Biomedical Sciences at the University of Leeds

How did you find your Master experience at the College?

The taught part of the course was very stimulating, with lectures delivered by top neuroscientists within their fields. Although balancing both the teaching and assignments was challenging at times, the hard work proved to be rewarding. I enjoyed how each module had a unique form of assessment, from research proposals to hackathons and presentations, allowing me to develop a diverse range of skills. Additionally, the taught part was a great opportunity to develop strong friendships with my colleagues. I really enjoyed the second half of the course, offering the invaluable experience of being fully integrated into a research group and developing my skills as a researcher

Which research project did you work on?

I carried out a laboratory-based research project under the supervision of Dr Raffaella Nativio. I investigated the molecular mechanism underlying the astrocyte response to amyloid-b42, including transcriptomic and upstream epigenetic alterations. I was very fortunate to undertake my project at the UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College London, where I was exposed to cutting-edge, multidisciplinary dementia research. The Institute has a very welcoming and friendly environment, which made the experience even more enjoyable

Where are you now? What are you working on?

I am applying for PhD positions and hope to start next year. In the meantime, I am taking some time off to travel

What is the most important lesson you learnt as a Master student?

I have developed my confidence as a neuroscientist. For example, the course provided many opportunities to communicate my ideas, such as by presenting research proposals as an assignment or during lab meetings within the research project. I have also learned to be more confident in asking questions and networking

How did the Master programme help you get to where you are now?

Within the Master’s programme, I made connections, which have opened doors for future opportunities. My experience during my research project has also further fuelled my motivation to pursue a research career

Read Caitlin Law: ‘I have developed my confidence as a neuroscientist’ in full

What is your name?

Mariam Ahmad

Where are you from?

I am from England, but my ethnicity is half Chinese and half Pakistani, and I grew up in Qatar and Dubai

To which class you belong to?

MSc Translational Neuroscience, Class of 2024

Where and what did you study before joining Imperial College London?

I studied Biological Sciences at Imperial College London

How did you find your Master experience at the College?

Overall, I found the Master’s to be incredibly stimulating and rewarding. We were constantly challenged to step out of our comfort zones and approach problems from different perspectives. I particularly appreciated how the course was structured into two streams: computational and molecular. This allowed me to focus on computational neuroscience, an area I had not previously explored. I was also amazed at the diverse range of research areas available to us, spanning from psychiatry to bioengineering

Which research project did you work on?

My research project was “Establishing an “-omics” for neurophysiology: a large-scale data-driven approach for clinical electroencephalography and discovery research”, supervised by Dr. Gregory Scott. It involved analysing thousands of EEGs, focusing on age-related patterns and abnormalities. I also used machine learning to predict an individual’s age based on their EEG and to classify EEGs as pathological or not. The research component of the Master’s was a highlight for me as I was able to learn new skills while being given the freedom to explore an area that truly fascinated me

Where are you now? 

I am back home in Cambridge

What are you working on?

I’m currently exploring career opportunities in data science, and taking additional programming courses to enhance my skillset

What is the most important lesson you learnt as a Master student?

Time management. When I started the Master’s, I quickly realised that the course was more demanding and intense than my undergraduate studies, which left me with less time for all my extracurricular commitments. It took me some time to accept that I couldn’t do everything at once. Ultimately, I had to prioritise what truly mattered, allowing me to manage my time more effectively

How did the Master programme help you get to where you are now?

The programme has provided me with transferable skills, ranging from machine learning to critical thinking, which will be invaluable for my future career

Read Mariam Ahmad: ‘I found the Master’s to be incredibly stimulating and rewarding’ in full

What is your name?

Keelin Harrison

Where are you from?

Dublin, Ireland

To which class you belong to?

MSc Translational Neuroscience

Where and what did you study before joining Imperial College London?

I completed my Bachelor’s degree in Biological and Biomedical Sciences, specialising in Neuroscience from Trinity College Dublin

How did you find your Master experience at the college?

My experience during the Master’s program at the college was incredibly positive. It was a welcoming and supportive community that fostered personal and academic growth. The course covered a broad range of topics, offering a comprehensive understanding of neuroscience. I particularly appreciated how various transferable skills were taught, from critical thinking to research techniques, which significantly improved my confidence and deepened my knowledge of the field. The balance between educational rigour and a vibrant social environment made it a truly enriching experience

What research project did you work on?

For my research project, I explored how Multiple Sclerosis impacts age-related proteinopathies in Alzheimer’s Disease under the supervision of Dr Alegre-Abarrategui. Using post-mortem brain samples, I compared AD-related protein accumulations in MS cases and age-matched controls using immunohistochemistry and neuropathological staging. The findings suggested that MS may have a protective effect, as MS cases showed reduced AD pathology compared to age-matched controls. This may provide novel avenues for early disease-modifying therapies derived from Multiple Sclerosis pathophysiology that may prevent neuronal loss and consequent, clinical manifestations in AD. Additionally, I developed a novel in situ assay to improve the detection of toxic protein oligomers by combining a quantifiable readout with proximity ligation assay, which could help advance the understanding of early Alzheimer’s pathogenesis

Where are you now?

I have recently moved back to Dublin

What are you working on?

I’m focused on starting my career in neuroscience after recently completing my viva. I’m actively looking for opportunities in progressive research labs or clinical companies where I can apply my technical and interpersonal skills to contribute to their growth and success. In the meantime, I’m also enhancing my skill set by completing coding courses in Python, which I began during my Master’s program. I believe that improving my programming skills will better equip me to tackle data analysis and research challenges in the field of neuroscience

What is the most important lesson you learnt as a Master student?

The most important lesson I learned as a Master’s student is the value of resilience and adaptability in research. Throughout my studies, I faced various challenges, particularly while troubleshooting this novel assay. These varied from experimental setbacks to navigating complex topics. These experiences taught me that setbacks are often part of the learning process and can lead to valuable insights. I also learned the importance of being open to new ideas and approaches, as flexibility can lead to innovative solutions. This resilience has not only strengthened my research skills but has also prepared me to tackle future challenges in my career with confidence

How did the Master programme help you get to where you are now?

The Master’s program played a crucial role in shaping my career path and preparing me for the opportunities I’m pursuing now. It provided me with a strong foundation in neuroscience, equipping me with theoretical knowledge and practical skills. The hands-on research experience allowed me to develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, which are essential in the field. Additionally, the program fostered a collaborative environment where I learned to work effectively in teams, enhancing my interpersonal skills. Networking with professors and peers also opened doors to potential career opportunities. Overall, my Master’s experience has not only deepened my understanding of neuroscience but also instilled a passion for research that drives me as I look to start my career. My time at Imperial College London will continue to shape my future and has provided me with the confidence and skills to begin my career as a future neuroscientist!

Read Keelin Harrison: ‘My time at Imperial College London will continue to shape my future’ in full

What is your name?

Brianna Austin

Where are you from? 

I am from Ghana, but I grew up in Milton Keynes, UK

To which class you belong to?

MSc in Translational Neuroscience, Class of 2024

What and where did you study before joining Imperial College London?

I studied Neuroscience BSc (Hons) at Queen Mary University of London

Which research project did you work on?

My research project was titled “Investigating hierarchal control among functional networks disrupted by Opioid Use Disorder using effective connectivity”, supervised by Dr Danielle Kurtin. My research focused on using computational neuroscience and machine learning to better understand the differences in brain connectivity in those with opioid use disorder and healthy controls. Dr Kurtin and the addiction team treated me more as a colleague than a student. This was a project highlight for me as I felt trusted and valued for my contributions. This collaborative dynamic also allowed me to take ownership of my work and approach the research with more confidence and independence

How did you find your Master experience at the College?

I found the course to be challenging but extremely rewarding. At the beginning, I knew I did not have the most extensive computational neuroscience skills, but I wanted to develop them. The fast-paced nature of the course meant that this was possible but required patience and long hours of work. However, it pushed me out of my comfort zone in ways that I had not anticipated, which helped both my personal and professional growth

Where are you now?

I am in London

What are you working on?

I am working on a neuroscience podcast that I co-founded during the Masters called ‘Craving Clarity’. Building on my research project, I will begin working as a research assistant in the Addiction Team at Imperial to understand the neural correlates of substance misuse better

What is the most important lesson you learnt as a Master student? 

The process itself is as important as the outcome. Every assignment or mock presentation teaches you something valuable. Research is rarely straightforward or linear, however, the unexpected setbacks and challenges are crucial as they spark creativity

How did the Master programme help you get to where you are now? 

The programme confirmed my interest in translational neuroscience, exposing me to the diversity of the field. As the programme bettered my computational skills, I am now enthusiastic about data science and AI for healthcare. If it were not for this programme, I would have never attended my first conference, the British Association of Psychopharmacology 2024, presented my work or begun the podcast. I am very grateful for the academic and personal opportunities the programme provided and very excited for the future as a neuroscientist!

Read Brianna Austin: ‘I am very grateful for the academic and personal opportunities the programme provided and very excited for the future as a neuroscientist!’ in full

What is your name?

Milly Adams

Where are you from?

Devon, England

To which class you belong to?

MSc Translational Neuroscience, Class of 2024

Where and what did you study before joining Imperial College London?

I studied for a BSc in Liberal Arts and Natural Sciences with a Major in Neuroscience at the University of Birmingham. My main focus was understanding substance addiction on a neurobiological level but also within a broader socio-cultural context of stigma. I strongly believe in interdisciplinary thinking, which is part of what drew me to the course

How did you find your Master experience at the College?

The taught component was intense and fast-paced, but I valued being able to focus on one module at a time. The group projects also helped me make lasting bonds with colleagues. Finishing the coursework by spring meant I could fully immerse myself in the research project and gain a realistic insight into what it’s like to work in a lab. I was also surprised by my experience as I initially planned to pursue a neurobiology project but pivoted towards machine learning and EEG! Something that stood out to me was being surrounded by enthusiastic and curious people working on a wide range of cutting-edge topics, many of which will help to make the world a better place

Which research project did you work on?

I worked in the Centre for Psychedelic Research, investigating the use of baseline EEG data to predict the acute, subjective effects of psychedelic DMT using machine learning methods. Though my project was data-based, I had opportunities to help with data collection and conduct clinical research

Where are you now? 

I am in London

What are you working on?

I’m currently applying for Research Assistant positions in Psychedelic research and planning to turn my thesis into a publication with my supervisor. I’m also volunteering with a non-profit, analysing data collected from psilocybin retreats for veterans with a range of psychiatric conditions

What is the most important lesson you learnt as a Master student?

Curiosity will help you achieve your goals. If you choose to study something you love, it feels much less like work! I also learned the importance of making connections in the field and putting yourself out there for opportunities—experiences and conversations can be just as valuable as textbooks. Mentors make a big difference, and people genuinely want to help you succeed

How did the Master programme help you get to where you are now?

The programme provided me with foundational neuroscience knowledge while teaching the skills for independent and creative scientific thinking. The skills I’ve learned in coding and machine learning have opened doors both within computational neuroscience and outside the field. The project helped narrow my research interests and ignited a passion for predictive modelling and precision psychiatry approaches

Read Milly Adams: ‘If you choose to study something you love, it feels much less like work!’ in full

What is your name?

Leire Garrido Perez

Where are you from?

I am from Spain

To which class you belong to?

MRes Experimental Neuroscience, class of 2024

Where and what did you study before joining Imperial College London?

I did a BSc in Biomedical Sciences at the University of Edinburgh

How did you find your Master experience at the College?

The Master was a big learning experience. Completing three projects over one year is very demanding: it requires you to be proactive and organise your time very well. At the same time, it is also very rewarding and has allowed me to acquire diverse skills and knowledge in different areas of neuroscience before deciding what to specialise in. I also enjoyed the seminars, which were frequently organised in the department. They provided a great opportunity to learn about research from individuals in different labs worldwide and offered many chances to network

Which research project did you work on?

My first project involved investigating the effects of a gene therapy in symptomatic mice models of amyloidosis, under the supervision of Professor Magdalena Sastre. This was a more wet lab-based project. My second project was computational and involved investigating molecular correlates of homeostatic plasticity in mice exposed to a visual overstimulation paradigm. I did this project in the laboratory of Dr Samuel Barnes. My final project was clinical, looking at reinforcement sensitivity and cognitive flexibility in young individuals who self-harm, with Dr Martina Di Simplicio’s group

Where are you now? 

I now work as a research assistant in Professor Rob Brownstone and Professor Marco Beato’s lab, at the UCL Institute of Neurology

What are you working on?

A big part of the lab’s research involves investigating the pathophysiological processes underlying dystonia, a movement disorder. I am looking at the progress of the disorder at different developmental times in a mice model for dystonia

What is the most important lesson you learnt as a Master student?

The most important lesson I learned as a Master’s student was to be proactive and involved in everything I do. Even sending an email showing interest after a seminar can open a door for you further down the line. I learned not to be scared to reach out to people whose research interests me to simply show my interest or to try and carry out one of my projects with them

How did the Master programme help you get to where you are now?

Carrying out three very different projects, I acquired a very diverse skillset, including lab-based and computational skills, which made me a better-rounded scientist. The Master also taught me to adapt to new lab environments quickly and improved my communication and interpersonal skills. Together, I believe everything that I have learnt during the programme, not only skill-wise but also about what research directions I want to take, has helped me get to where I am now

Read Leire Garrido Perez: ‘Even sending an email showing interest after a seminar can open a door for you’ in full

What is your name? 

Lucia Luengo Gutierrez

Where are you from? 

I am from the province of Salamanca in Spain

To which class you belong to? 

MSc in Translational Neuroscience, Class of 2019

Where and what did you study before joining Imperial College London? 

I studied for a BSc in Biotechnology at the University of Salamanca

How did you find your Master experience at the College? 

The master course was challenging, but fulfilling. It required long hours of study, but it provided me with a detailed knowledge of neuroscience delivered by world-leading clinicians and researchers

Which research project did you work on? 

I carried out my research project in Professor Simone Di Giovanni’s lab under the co-supervision of Dr Francesco De Virgiliis and Dr Elisabeth Serger. During my project, I focused on environmentally driven mechanisms to promote axonal regeneration after sciatic nerve and spinal cord injury. Working alongside brilliant and inspiring researchers was the best part of the course.

Where are you now?  What are you working on? 

I am working in Di Giovanni’s lab. I am currently developing my own project studying the different regenerative ability between the peripheral and central nervous system

What is the most important lesson you learnt as a Master student? 

I learnt that even when you are a master student, you can make a significant contribution towards outstanding discoveries in your field

How did the Master programme help you get to where you are now? 

The master programme was fundamental to get me where I am now. This is mostly due to two key factors: the knowledge I acquired during the taught modules, which inspired me towards pursuing a career in academia, and the research project, as it allowed me to work in the field of axonal regeneration

Read Lucia Luengo Gutierrez: ‘Working alongside brilliant and inspiring researchers was the best part of the course’ in full