Dr Keeley Brookes
Name:
Dr Keeley Brookes
Job title:
Associate Professor
Place of work/study:
Nottingham Trent University
Area of Research:
Genetics & genomics of dementia
How is your work funded:
I have been funded by both ARUK and Alzheimer’s Society over the years
Tell us a little about yourself:
Dr Keeley Brookes is an Associate Professor and dementia researcher at Nottingham Trent University. Her work explores how genetics and other biological changes can help us better understand, predict, and ultimately prevent neurodegenerative diseases. She enjoys working as part of multidisciplinary research teams and is committed to making complex science accessible to patients, the public, and the wider research community.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
By day, Keeley investigates the biology of dementia. By night, she trains in lightsaber combat. The Force is strong with this researcher.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
I was drawn into dementia research rather than making a conscious decision to pursue it. My godmother, Marlene, lived with dementia, and watching her gradual decline gave me first-hand experience of the impact the disease has on individuals and families. It felt like losing her twice: once to dementia and then again when she passed away. That experience has stayed with me throughout my career. So when an opportunity came up to conduct genetic research in this disease, I just went for it.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Make failure your friend; it helps you more than you realise!
Favourite film of all time?
GATTACA
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Go for a run with loud music! Or just dance around the house…
What’s the best decision you ever made?
To not give up… but sometimes redirect
