Name:
Dr Maura Malpetti
Job title:
Place of work / study:
University of Cambridge
Area of Research:
Neuroimaging, fluid and behavioural markers in frontotemporal lobar degeneration.
How is your work funded?
Race Against Dementia – Alzheimer’s Research UK (ARUK-RAD) Fellowship.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I trained initially in Italy, with a BSc in Psychology and MSc in Cognitive Neuroscience at the Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, where I came across neuroimaging and began to specialise in PET imaging and neurodegenerative disorders. After that, I moved to the University of Cambridge for my PhD in Clinical Neurosciences, where I am now a post-doctoral researcher in Prof. James Rowe’s Lab. My work focusses on multimodal imaging techniques (multi-tracer PET and MRI) integrated with fluid markers, post-mortem validation, and prognostic modelling approaches in frontotemporal lobar degeneration. I particularly enjoy organising research outreach events within our lab and beyond aimed at people with dementia and their families.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I was a karateka for 12 years, up to the black belt. During COVID I found a more tranquil hobby in fishkeeping and built a pond in my backyard.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
My interest in dementia research emerged and solidified during my studies, and volunteering experiences, which gave me critical insight into the impact of these conditions on lives and families, tearing away memories, everyday skills and self-determination. I have since always felt a profound need to bring my own contribution to dementia research to fight against these conditions, their underpinnings and impact.