Amelia Belsey
Name:
Amelia Belsey
Job title:
Postgraduate Research Student
Place of work / study:
Cardiff University
Area of Research:
Neurodegenerative Diseases and Computational Neuroscience Intersect.
How is your work funded:
Cardiff University
Tell us a little about yourself:
I create in silico mathmatical models (neuronal networks) of neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders, focusing on excitation/inhibition imbalance. My model is novel, modular and composed of multi-compartmental cells – provising flexibility to model a large range if neurological disorders. I completed my BSc dissertation on rare channelopathies and am continuing the work by looking at wider range of diseases. I created the first virtual Multi-Electrode Array (MEA) system to produce virtual drug trials of rare calcium channelopathies with results comparable to and validated by real MEA data.
I hope to use this model for disease and therapeutic prediction for conditions where there is increased difficulty in testing and treating patients.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
When I’m not doing neuroscience research, I love keeping my brain sharp by exploring the intersections of linguistics, logic, and creativity by studying spoken languages, computer programming, and music.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
Its always been an interest to me since my grandfather was diagnosed. Ive been fortunate to complete research placements in the field, which solidified my ambitions and has set my trajectory.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early-career researcher?
Networking outside of your bubble/field is much more beneficial and will provide more opportunities and skillsets than anticipated.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Behave, by Robert Sapolsky. I would definitely recommend it. It connects many disciplines together elegantly to explain core human behaviours.
Favourite film of all time?
The Prestige
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
I teach myself languages and practice on fluent friends. I also play piano and clarinet and write music to play.
What’s the best decision you ever made?
Picking projects and opportunities outside of my comfort zone.
What’s your favourite vacation spot?
Malta, Madeira, Crete – anywhere island with a variety of things to do!
Do you collect anything?
Book nooks to adorn my continuously groeing personal library.
Beccy Owen
Rebecca Williams
