Alumni Brains

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

What is your name?

Kevin Francis Marcaida

Where are you from?

I was born in Manila, Philippines, and currently reside in a small town in Suffolk, England.

To which class do you belong?

MSc Translational Neuroscience, Class of 2021

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

I did my undergraduate in BSc Biomedical Science at the University of Essex and graduated in 2019. I specialised in drug discovery and development. After this, I studied and passed the Financial Modelling and Valuation Analyst (FMVA) designation at the Corporate Finance Institute. I wanted to combine two of my passions – Science and Business, so I decided to take the MSc Translational Neuroscience course

How did you find your Master experience at the College?

The Master’s program is very stimulating and challenging because of the wide variety of theoretical content, which challenged me to approach each lesson with an open mind. The professors were friendly and inspiring as they went above and beyond accommodating student needs, despite the ongoing pandemic. I thought the program was insightful as it delves deep into relevant and upcoming issues in neuroscience and biotechnology, where we are exposed to contrasting views to get a balanced understanding of the field. Overall, I really enjoyed this course, and I recommend it to anyone wanting to study.

Which research project did you work on?

I was a Data Analyst for the MS Register, a UK-wide database supported and funded by the NHS and MS Society. I worked with Dr Richard Nicolas and Dr Jeff Rodgers on the largest European investigation on the long-term efficacy of therapeutics and drug repurposing candidates on multiple sclerosis patients. I am fortunate enough to soon publish my work in an abstract and research journal on Sage Publications and was subsequently invited to speak at the 2021 Vienna ECTRIMS Congress.

Where are you now?

I’m currently the Equity Research Lead at a Shanghai-based fintech company ChineseAlpha.

What are you working on?

I am responsible for leading a team of analysts to produce comprehensive reports of small to mid-cap publicly traded companies, where I specialise in analysing pharmaceutical and technology businesses. I regularly meet C-level executives and managing directors to develop synergistic joint ventures whilst playing a lead role in the company’s strategic development.

With the reputation I’ve developed, I am regularly featured as a business commentator on Reuters, Fortune Magazine and US News and Reports on trending financial news. I am also invited to guest lecture at over 20 universities across the US and UK, some of which include Imperial College London, University of Cambridge and Yale University

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

The importance of personal branding and networking effectively. I learnt that networking is more than just a “connection” but the opportunity to build long-term tangible relationships based on mutual value creation and friendship. These tools have been a great way to showcase my achievements – and differentiate myself on what I bring to the table, which has unlocked hidden opportunities

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

The programme honed my ability to read and interpret research articles more effectively by being constantly exposed to a variety of publications in different fields. This is particularly useful in Biotech equity research, where the analyst must efficiently deduce the primary drivers behind research themes to accurately forecast the performance of a project, company, or industry. This skill has helped me land various internships at J.P Morgan and Citibank and my current position at ChineseAlpha.

Read Kevin Francis Marcaida: ‘I learnt that networking is more than just a “connection” but the opportunity to build long-term tangible relationships based on mutual value creation and friendship’ in full

What is your name? 

Nadhrah Izmi

Where are you from? 

I’m from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

To which class do you belong? 

MSc Translational Neuroscience, Class of 2020

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

I studied BSc Biomedical Science at King’s College London

How did you find your Master experience at the College? 

A different experience compared to my undergraduate degree: the course was fully assignment-based with no exams, which I found refreshing, but also very stressful at times. Still, I’m glad for the skills I improved. It was also refreshing because there were only less than 40 of us in the course, all around the same age and with the same enthusiasm for neuroscience and mental health. My peers were so kind; our course had a healthy social environment and stimulated independence, which was great. Time management is certainly something I struggled with, yet improved on throughout the year. Unfortunately, COVID-19 robbed us of the last six months we all had together. Still, I’m fortunate enough to have experienced my first and a bit of my second term on campus

Which research project did you work on? 

I worked on the acute and long-term effects of psychedelics in adolescents, supervised by Dr Robin Carhart-Harris and Hannes Kettner at the Centre for Psychedelic Research

Where are you now?  

I’m in London

What are you working on? 

I am finalising a manuscript derived from my MSc thesis to submit it to a high-impact journal. I am also picking up Python through online courses and actively applying for jobs in London and abroad

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

Be proactive: don’t wait for an opportunity to fall into your lap. You only have one year of Master’s so make the most of it! Meet amazing new people and create lifelong friendships, network with excellent researchers at Imperial, attend career and social events, explore all the opportunities available to you as an Imperial student (there are many!). Most importantly, enjoy your time as a Master’s student as much as possible

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

My Master’s really helped me shape my choices and open doors to people who have helped me discover where my career interests truly lie. I’ve always wanted to contribute to the mental health industry, and my time at Imperial has helped opened my eyes to the plethora of opportunities available to me. Also, I have never dreamed of working with data science, or anything computational for that matter, but taking the Computational Neuroscience stream was really game-changing: I now know this is what I want to dive into

Read Nadhrah Izmi: ‘Enjoy your time as a Master’s student as much as possible’ in full

What is your name?

My name is Federico Licini

Where are you from?

I am originally from Valdobbiadene, a small town in Northeast Italy

To which class do you belong?

MSc Translational Neuroscience, Class of 2021

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

Before joining Imperial, I earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Western Michigan University in the United States

How did you find your Master experience at the College?

Given the ongoing pandemic, my Master experience was a bit different than what I expected. Indeed, I completed the entire programme remotely! Despite the typical challenges that come with virtual learning environments, I found that I was still able to make great connections with peers and field professionals. What is more, the administrators consistently asked for feedback and were generally receptive to it

Which research project did you work on?

I worked on a research project at the Centre for Psychedelic Research, under the supervision of Robin Carhart-Harris, Fernando Rosas, and Hannes Kettner. Specifically, I built statistical models aimed at predicting the best contextual setting for a psychedelic experience based on an individual’s psychological and demographic profile. This project allowed me to apply and further improve the coding skills that I learned during the Master’s computational modules, which was a great “real-world” experience!

Where are you now?

I am currently in Italy while conducting research remotely with the Centre for Psychedelic Research

What are you working on?

At the moment, I am working on formatting my MSc thesis into a publishable research article, which involves conducting some additional data analysis. Moreover, I am collaborating with an exciting start-up, Mindleap, to educate the public on topics related to psychedelic science

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

Refusing to believe that I cannot do something is the most important thing I learned from this Master. Coming from a psychology background, I often felt like the biology-intensive modules would be impossible for me to succeed in. With the right time management and study strategies, I was able to pass them all with results that were much better than I would have ever thought!

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

This Master allowed me to make connections and gain academic and research skills that I would not have otherwise. While I am just now starting my career, I am confident that this programme was the right choice to help me further it

Read Federico Licini: ‘Refusing to believe that I cannot do something is the most important thing I learned from this Master’ in full

What is your name? 

Linshan Chu

Where are you from? 

China

To which class do you belong? 

MSc Translational Neuroscience, Class of 2020

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

I completed my bachelor course in Bioengineering at the University of Sheffield

How did you find your Master experience at the College? 

The course structure is quite impressive: for the first six-month, it consists of a series of modules, one after the other one, instead than all the lectures at the same time. The second six-month is entirely dedicated to the research project. It took me some time to adjust to this teaching model, but it suited me, and I became more efficient in organising my time. However, although there were no ‘exams’, there were several assignments to work on: it was quite hard to concentrate on the course content as well as the assignments at the same time. For the project, it was exciting to be fully involved within an actual research environment and work alongside PhD students and post-docs. I trained in several experimental techniques, and it was a precious scientific experience for me. Overall, this year really made me grow a lot: besides the neuroscience knowledge I was exposed to, I learnt how to develop personal qualities and habits as a young scientist

Which research project did you work on? 

The title of my project is ‘The underestimated role of leptin: Leptin signalling in neuroregeneration’. Professor Simone Di Giovanni supervised me

Where are you now?  

Oxford, UK

What are you working on? 

I am currently doing my PhD at the University of Oxford

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

Be true to science, do not ignore anything that seems not right, however tiny it might be

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

The high-pressure studying pace made me study more efficiently, and I learnt how to be calm when I face challenges. Moreover, the six-month project helped my current academic life. It made me realise how amazing it is to be a scientist and made wanting to continue working in the neuroscience field

Read Linshan Chu: ‘I learnt how to develop personal qualities and habits as a young scientist’ in full