Biography

I completed my B.S. in Neuroscience and Cell and Molecular Biology at the University of Toronto. During my studies, I got the opportunity to work in a variety of labs. I have previously built MRI coils to image the breaking of the blood brain barrier, worked to find conserved molecular markers that trigger the plant innate immune system, investigated how the brain perceives visual interference, and examined the genetic underpinnings of Parkinson’s disease. Eventually, I became fascinated by the effects of ageing on the brain at the protein level. At Cambridge, I will be examining the underlying mechanisms that cause protein aggregation in neurodegenerative diseases. Specifically, I will be studying the coupling of biosynthetic and degradation pathways of secretory and membrane proteins. I hope that my work will not only inform clinical practice and aid in the development of novel therapeutic approaches, but also lead to a better understanding of a fundamental molecular pathway.