Name:
Jo Sharpe
Job Title:
PhD student
Place of work / study:
University of Manchester
Area of research:
C9orf72 FTD/ALS
How is your work funded:
Medical Research Council DTP
Tell us a little about yourself:
I use the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, to investigate the molecular mechanisms that underpin FTD and ALS. I started my PhD in 2017 after completing an integrated masters course in biology at the University of York. I have come to love all aspects of public engagement and outreach work, and am enthusiastic about making science accessible for all.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
In my spare time, I like to make stop-motion animations using clay figures.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
It was a combination of two things: firstly a fascination with the brain and a love for genetics, and secondly to try and help address the lack of understanding and treatment for this devastating disease.