Perinatal stress and early brain development
Developing Human Connectome Project (dHCP), Evaluation of Preterm Imaging Study (ePrime), Perinatal Stress Study
PhD project.
Supervised by: Dr Michael Craig, Dr Suresh Victor, Prof Serena Counsell
My PhD project is focused on investigating the relationship between maternal stress (anxiety and depression) and fetal/neonatal brain development. This study is part of the developing Human Connectome Project (dHCP), which aims to map the growth of the baby's brain during pregnancy and how it continues to develop after birth.
Find out more about the dHCP at http://www.developingconnectome.org/
I led all stages of the Perinatal Stress Study, including ethics applications and amendments, recruitment, and data collection (using online platform Qualtrics and in-person visits). I analysed neonatal imaging data from the dHCP and ePrime studies (using MRTrix, FSL, R) and published several peer-reviewed studies and preprints.
Fetal scan
Neonatal scan
EDiTS Study
Early Development in Tuberous Sclerosis study - Research Assistant (2018-2019)
Supervised by: Dr Charlotte Tye
The aim of the Early Development in Tuberous Sclerosis (EDiTS) Study is to better understand how the development of babies with TSC differs to typically developing babies, and how sudden changes in seizure severity and treatment affect development.
Find out more about EDiTS at: https://www.edits-study.org/
I was involved in data collection for infants aged 18-24 months (Eye-tracking, Mullen Scales of Early Learning, ADOS-2)
IDEAS Study
Individual Differences in EEG in young adults - Research Assistant (2016-2017)
Supervised by: Dr Grainne McLoughlin, Dr Alex Lau-Zhu
The aim of the IDEAS study is to investigate the development of young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or ADHD in twin sample from TEDS (Twins Early Development Study) using mobile EEG.
Find out more about IDEAS at: https://www.ideas-kcl.co.uk/
I was involved in study set-up and data collection (Mobile EEG, ADOS-2, DIVA)
DiDS Study
Dementia in Down syndrome study - MPhil Student (2014-2015)
Supervised by: Prof Tony Holland, Dr Shahid Zaman
The DiDS Study aims to investigate the development of Alzheimer's disease in people with Down syndrome. My MPhil was focused on mitochondrial dysfunction as an early indicator of dementia in this population.
Find out more about DiDS at: http://www.psychiatry.cam.ac.uk/ciddrg/research/dementia-in-downs-syndrome-dids/
Experience outside of research
Dementia Support Worker - Alzheimer's Society (Oct 2015 - May 2016)
Drug Support Worker - Devon Drug Service (Nov 2013 - May 2014)
Camp Counsellor for neurodevelopmental disabilities - Camp Horizons USA (June 2013 - Sept 2013)