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Profile – Dr Chris Henstridge, University of Dundee

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Dr Christopher Henstridge

Name:

Dr Chris Henstridge

Job Title:

Principal Investigator

Place of work / study:

University of Dundee

Area of research:

I study anatomical and molecular changes in the human synapse, with a particular focus on Motor Neuron Disease

How is your work funded?

Currently funded by a variety of local and national charities

Tell us a little about yourself:            

I grew up on the far north coast of Scotland and this beautiful location instilled my interest in nature and biology. I did my PhD in Dundee and the city has been an important part of my life ever since, and I have established my lab here. I have always enjoyed travelling and was lucky to spend 4 years living and working in Budapest, as a PostDoc. I am fortunate to have a very supportive wife and two young kids and we are soon to add a dog to the mix. If my daughter gets her way, the dog will be named after her favourite kids TV character, Makka Pakka! I really enjoy the challenges of an academic career, and try really hard to ensure that my career runs on my terms.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself:

I like to experiment with growing things from seed, and currently have a 8 foot tall avocado plant outgrowing the house!

Why did you choose to work in dementia?

I have always been interested in synapses and their role in disease, but historically my work centred on neuropharmacology and models of autism. However, my focus shifted to dementia when I joined the lab of Tara Spires-Jones in Edinburgh as a PostDoc. I was fascinated to learn that synapse loss is the strongest correlate with cognitive decline in Alzheimer’s disease and that it’s a common feature across all dementias.

What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?

You have to be proactive and look after your own career. Seek as many opportunities as you can that excite you, BUT only within your own personal capacity.

What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?

With two young kids, I haven’t read a book in a LONG TIME. However, my favourite author is John Steinbeck and Travels With Charley is one my my favourite books of his. It’s not a well known Steinbeck book, but it’s really good and i definitely recommend it. He describes a road trip he took around the USA with his dog, Charley. My wife got me a first edition as a wedding gift x
Can we find you on Twitter & Instagram?

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