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Dr Beth Williams
Name:
Dr Beth Williams
Job Title:
Postdoctoral Research Fellow
Place of work / study:
UK Dementia Research Institute, The University of Edinburgh
Area of Research:
My PhD was investigating the mechanisms behind experienced learning and memory in mouse models of health and amyloid. My work now focuses on spine loss and compensation in APP/PS1 mice using 2-photon imaging.
How is your work funded:
UK Dementia Research Institute
Tell us a little about yourself:
I started my academic career doing an integrated Master’s in Genetics at Swansea, but always had a focus on Neuroscience and neurodegenerative diseases. I then moved to Edinburgh to start my PhD at the start of 2021. Where I have since started my Postdoc, moving to a new lab upstairs in the same building! My research interests started with tau and TDP-43 before moving onto learning and the effects of early amyloid on learning and memory mechanisms. Investigating how these are impacted by both experience and early disease progression. This has then lead to further interest in disease progression and its effect on synapses and spine density/size. Investigating synaptic compensation and the effect of amyloid pathology on this process.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
Having grown up in England, moving from the south east to the south west, I’ve now lived in all 3 United Kingdom countries, completely accidentally. This has helped with my love of travel, as I always love to explore somewhere new.
Why did you choose to work in dementia:
My maternal grandmother suffered from Parkinson’s with dementia when I was growing up so I wanted to research dementia to try and help prevent other’s from having similar experiences.
What single piece of of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
It’s probably been said a lot of times, but network. Try and push yourself out of your comfort zone and speak to anyone and everyone. At the minimum you’ll have made a new bond and at the most you’ll make lifelong friends and those to collaborate and exchange ideas with!
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
I’m actually re-reading the Lord of the Rings, so I would definitely recommend it! For people who are fans of the films or not, they are more than worth the time it takes to read them!
Favourite film of all time?
I watch a variety of genres, and not to be repetitive, but Lord of the Rings is always a comfort watch.
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Travelling, even if its a short weekend break! Just like to get out and go and see somewhere new. But also can’t beat a new film or series and a cup of tea on the sofa.
Can we find you on social media?
Follow @bfabeth
Find Beth on LinkedIn
UK DRI
