Early Stage Researcher

What is your project/research about? What would you like to find out?

My project focuses on investigating the role of alpha-synuclein, a protein implicated in several neurodegenerative disorders and brain ischemia-associated injury, in the regulation of cerebral vasculature in physiology and pathology. I am specifically interested in understanding whether and how alpha-synuclein influences the interaction of macrophages and endothelial cells or their activation under neurotoxic conditions. Moreover, I will study alpha-synuclein-associated vascular pathology in various mouse models of brain ischemia and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

Why did you apply for a Marie Skłodowska-Curie ITN and especially this project?

I applied to the Marie Curie ITN program because it best fit my professional and personal aspirations. I had an amazing networking opportunity while doing my masters under the Neurasmus consortium and Marie Curie ITN offers a similar but a more enhanced experience. At ENTRAIN, researchers address similar topics with different perspectives and I believe this opens up a room for a focused, efficient, and non-redundant research work. Moreover, ENTRAIN provides the opportunity to be part of multidisciplinary & Interdisciplinary research teams, state of art research facilities and family friendly research environments.

What is so fascinating for you on research in general?

The chance to always stay in motion, be altruistic and be part of professionally noble communities such as academia!!

What do you do in your free time? Do you have special interests/hobbies?

Spending time with family and friends, Travelling, Learning languages, Cooking, Reading, Watching movies, etc.

What are your plans for your future? Where/what you will be in 5 years?

To stay in academia and pursue a career in research!