Menu Close
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.

Experience

  • –present
    PhD student in Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics , Cardiff University

Education

  • 2014 
    University of Bristol, BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Study in Industry