Dementia Researcher Blogs

Dr Becky Carlyle - How on earth do I hire my team?!

Dr Becky Carlyle, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Becky shares practical insights on hiring your first lab team, from crafting inclusive job descriptions to structuring interviews and making thoughtful selections. Drawing from her own experiences, she offers advice on shortlisting candidates, forming interview panels, and assessing scientific curiosity and critical thinking. With a focus on balancing essential criteria with inclusivity, this blog provides valuable guidance for early-career researchers navigating the hiring process for the first time - useful if you're building a team... or applying for a job.Find the original text, and narration here on our website.https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-how-on-earth-do-i-hire-my-team/--
 
Dr Becky Carlyle is an Alzheimer's Research UK Senior Research Fellow at University of Oxford, and has previously worked in the USA. Becky writes about her experiences of starting up a research lab and progressing into a more senior research role. Becky's research uses mass-spectrometry to quantify thousands of proteins in the brains and biofluids of people with dementia. Her lab is working on various projects, including work to compare brain tissue from people with dementia from Alzheimer’s Disease, to tissue from people who have similar levels of Alzheimer’s Disease pathology but no memory problems. Becky is also a mum, she runs, drinks herbal tea's and reads lots of books. Find Becky on LinkedIn
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
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Dr Emma Law - My First Clinical Trial: Lessons Learned

Dr Emma Law, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Emma shares her experiences from her first clinical trial, reflecting on the challenges, surprises, and key lessons learned. From navigating the complexities of trial coordination to overcoming logistical hurdles like sample transportation and time management, she highlights the importance of preparation, organisation, and adaptability. This insightful blog offers valuable takeaways for those new to clinical research, providing practical advice to help future trials run smoothly.
 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-my-first-clinical-trial-lessons-learned/
#DementiaResearch #ClinicalTrials #CognitiveAssessment #Research 
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Dr Emma Law is Strategic Manager for the The Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network in Scotland. Emma has 13 years experience as a Clinical Trails Network Manager and over 35 years experience as a Nurse, many of which were spent in the delivery of Clinical Research Trials. Emma completed her PhD and is passionate about giving people living with dementia and their carers access to participate in research. 
 
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
--
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Dr Sam Moxon - How to turn your thesis into publications

Dr Sam Moxon, narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.
Struggling to turn your thesis into a publication? Dr Sam Moxon breaks down the process in this insightful blog, guiding you through structuring your paper, identifying the core message, simplifying complex content, and navigating peer review. Whether you're overwhelmed by the differences between a thesis and a journal article or unsure where to start, this guide provides practical tips to streamline the journey. Plus, don’t forget the final step—celebrating your achievement!
 
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-how-to-turn-your-thesis-into-publications/
#PhDLife #AcademicPublishing #ThesisToPaper #ScienceWriting #ResearchTips
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Dr Sam Moxon is a biomaterials Research Fellow at University of Birmingham. His expertise falls on the interface between biology and engineering. His PhD focussed on regenerative medicine and he now works on trying to develop 3D bioprinting techniques with human stem cells, so that we better understand and treat degenerative diseases. Outside of the lab he hikes through the Lake District and is an expert on all things Disney.
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Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice dementiaresearcher@ucl.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with the NIHR, Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
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Dr Clíona Farrell - My first time as a peer reviewer

Dr Clíona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Clíona shares her experience of peer reviewing a research paper for the first time, reflecting on the challenges, learning process, and confidence needed to take on this key academic role. From tackling imposter syndrome to using structured resources and thoughtful feedback, she offers valuable insights for early career researchers looking to step into peer review.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-my-first-time-as-a-peer-reviewer/
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Dr Clíona Farrell is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London. Her work focuses on understanding neuroinflammation in Down syndrome, both prior to, and in response to, Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Clíona completed her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience in Trinity College, and then worked as a research assistant in the Royal College of Surgeons studying ALS and Parkinson’s disease. She also knows the secret behind scopping the perfect 99 ice-cream cone. @ClionaFarrell_--
Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
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Rebecca Williams - Draft Zero to Hero

Rebecca Williams, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Rebecca reflects on the challenges of academic writing, emphasising the value of producing an unpolished first draft to overcome the difficulty of getting started. She discusses the importance of cutting unnecessary content, refining clarity, and making writing more engaging, while also acknowledging the role of collaboration and feedback in improving a paper. By sharing her own experiences, she highlights how the writing process is rarely straightforward and often requires multiple revisions before reaching a final, polished version.Find the original text, and narration here on our website.https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-draft-zero-to-hero/--
Rebecca Williams is PhD student at the University of Cambridge. Though originally from ‘up North’ in a small town called Leigh, she did her undergraduate and masters at the University of Oxford before defecting to Cambridge for her doctorate researching Frontotemporal dementia and Apathy. She now spends her days collecting data from wonderful volunteers, and coding. Outside work, she plays board games, and is very crafty. @beccasue99
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
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Emily Spencer - Writing, Parenting, & Everything Else: Making things Work

Emily Spencer, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In blog, Emily reflects on the whirlwind journey of juggling a PhD and motherhood as her child turns one. From the emotional shift of leaving the newborn stage behind to the ongoing challenges of making time for work, family, and personal pursuits, she shares the realities of navigating academic life as a parent. With candid insights on managing career opportunities, feelings of guilt, and the ever-changing nature of childcare, this piece is a must-read for anyone striving to find balance in research and parenthood.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-writing-parenting-everything-else-making-things-work/
#DementiaResearch #AcademicMother #Academia #MaternityLeave #Research #Productivity
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Emily Spencer is a PhD Student at University College London looking at improving how GPs communicate with people with dementia and their family carers about their future care. Emily previous had a 5 year career break to pursue a career as a musician, and has previously undertaken research on improving the care people with dementia receive from their GP practice, as well as end-of-life and palliative care provision in the community. Emily is also a new mum and will be writing about her experiences navigating motherhood and a research career.
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
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Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali - Addressing inequalities in access to dementia treatment

Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.
In this blog Kamar discusses the inequalities in access to new Alzheimer's disease treatments following the UK approval of lecanemab and donanemab in 2024. Although these drugs were hailed as a breakthrough, they were not recommended for NHS use due to their high cost, limited efficacy, and safety concerns, meaning only those who can afford private treatment will benefit. This decision disproportionately affects lower socioeconomic groups, who are already at greater risk of developing dementia - not to mention others in low and middle income countries. With nearly a million people living with dementia in the UK, Kam stresses the need for a healthcare system capable of delivering future treatments equitably.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-addressing-inequalities-in-access-to-dementia-treatment/
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Dr Kamar Ameen-Ali is a Lecturer in Biomedical Science at Teesside University & Affiliate Researcher at Glasgow University. In addition to teaching, Kamar is exploring how neuroinflammation following traumatic brain injury contributes to the progression of neurodegenerative diseases that lead to dementia. Having first pursued a career as an NHS Psychologist, Kamar went back to University in Durham to look at rodent behavioural tasks to completed her PhD, and then worked as a regional Programme Manager for NC3Rs.
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
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Dr Clíona Farrell - Experience from a collaborative research trip

Dr Clíona Farrell, narrating her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
Clíona shares her experience of a collaborative research visit to a US lab, detailing the planning process, securing funding, and navigating visa requirements. She highlights the benefits of international collaborations, from accessing rare samples to gaining new research perspectives. Clíona provides practical advice on networking, early planning, and making the most of the visit, including shadowing new techniques and engaging with other researchers. Reflecting on her time in California, she emphasises the professional and personal growth gained from the experience and encourages others to explore similar opportunities.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-experience-from-a-collaborative-research-trip/
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Dr Clíona Farrell is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the UK Dementia Research Institute at University College London. Her work focuses on understanding neuroinflammation in Down syndrome, both prior to, and in response to, Alzheimer’s disease pathology. Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Clíona completed her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience in Trinity College, and then worked as a research assistant in the Royal College of Surgeons studying ALS and Parkinson’s disease. She also knows the secret behind scopping the perfect 99 ice-cream cone. @ClionaFarrell_--
Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
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Yasmin Bonsu - Final Semester: Uncertainty, Applications & Balance

Yasmin Bonsu, narrates her blog written for the Dementia Researcher website.
In this guest blog, Yasmin Bonsu, a Neuroscience BSc student at the University of Manchester, reflects on the challenges of her final semester. She discusses navigating PhD applications, managing the balance between studies and work, and offers practical advice for students approaching graduation.
Find the original text, and narration here on our website.
https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-final-semester-uncertainty-applications-balance/
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Yasmin Bonsu is an an undergraduate student from the University of Manchester currently undertaking a placement year at Wade-Martins Lab at Oxford University. Yasmin is investigating the activity of proteoforms of the granin family in cortical neurons insulted with oligomerised amyloid beta. Her goal is to finish her placement year, earn her bachelor’s degree in neuroscience, and then pursue a PhD in clinical neuroscience. Through Yasmin's blogs we'll gain insights on life as an undergraduate, and hopefully inspire others to pursue a career in dementia research. @yasminnnx2
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Enjoy listening? We're always looking for new bloggers, drop us a line. http://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk
This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.
--
Follow us on Social Media:
https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
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