Alumni Brains

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