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Beccy Owen
Name:
Beccy Owen
Job title:
PhD Researcher
Place of work / study:
University of Warwick
Area of Research:
My research uses electrophysiology to investigate the molecular mechanisms of pathological tau accumulation in the brain in Alzheimer’s disease. I am particularly interested in how this accumulation disrupts neuronal ion channel function, and in turn, alters neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and hippocampal network activity.
How is your work funded:
URKI
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a first-year PhD student at the University of Warwick, and part of the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Programme (MIBTP). I grew up in the Welsh countryside and moved to Nottingham for my undergraduate degree, and this is where my interest in neuroscience began. I stayed on to complete my MRes, and this is where my passion for dementia research really started. I then moved to the University of Warwick to start my PhD, where I use electrophysiology to investigate the effects of tau pathology on neuronal ion channel function in Alzheimer’s Disease. Outside of the lab, I love to do lots of outdoorsy things like hiking, climbing, and kayaking. I also really enjoy regularly playing and performing in brass bands!
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I have a very cute tortoise named Alex.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
Although I have always been fascinated with neuroscience, it wasn’t until my MRes in neuropharmacology that I truly fell in love with neuroscience. I remember absolutely loving the content, alongside the lab research, particularly around dementia, and thinking to myself for the first time; “Wow. I really want a career in this. This is me”. It is safe to say I haven’t looked back since! My lovely Nain was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago and now lives on a dementia ward in a great care home. I have experienced first-hand the devastating effects of dementia on both the individual and their family and making a difference in the dementia field is something I have always wanted to do. This became a reality when I started my PhD. I feel extremely honoured to study dementia, I am so excited to see where my PhD research takes me – and to share my journey along the way.
What single piece of advise would you give to an early career researcher?
I am an early career researcher myself, and I think the biggest thing for me has been learning to cope with setbacks. It can be challenging sometimes to keep a positive mindset during setbacks both with experiments and in our careers – and that’s okay! The one important thing is to keep going, and it will come!
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
One thing about me is that I absolutely love romance novels! I am currently working my way through books my Colleen Hoover, and I have just finished ‘Verity’. Although this isn’t a classic romance novel, I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t put the book down – I would highly recommend it!
Favourite film of all time?
The Harry Potter franchise.
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
I have played the cornet (which is essentially a small trumpet) in a brass band since I can remember. I love to go to band in the evenings and play my favourite music!
What’s the best decision you ever made?
Although I absolutely love my seaside hometown in Wales, deciding to move to Nottingham opened so many doors for me. I was absolutely blown away by the amount of opportunities there were for me not only for my career, but for my hobbies as well! Moving away from my hometown during the height of the pandemic was a big step outside of my comfort zone, but it ultimately allowed me to experience new challenges, meet new people, and grow both personally and professionally into the person I am today.
What’s your favourite vacation spot?
For me, the best vacation spot is anywhere by the sea. I love being outdoors and doing lots of activities – so any holiday like that is perfect!
Do you collect anything?
The only thing I’d say I really collect is fun ornaments from every new destination I go abroad. I love bringing ball a small souvenir as a reminder of the trip. So far, I have little windmill from the Netherlands, a tiny house from Belgium, a mini Eiffel tower from Paris, and a few more from other travels. I think it is a nice way to look back on the places I’ve been!
Alz Forum