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Dr Darragh OBrien
Name:
Dr Darragh O’Brien
Job Title:
Researcher in Neurodegenerative Disease
Place of work / study:
University of Oxford
Area of Research:
My research interests lie in how protein intrinsic disorder and post-translational modifications contribute to protein function and disease, with a focus on the tauopathies Alzheimer’s Disease and Progressive Supranuclear Palsy.
How is your work funded:
Alzheimer’s Research UK and industry partners
Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m a senior researcher in Translational Proteomics and Neurodegenerative Disease at the Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, where I utilise biological mass spectrometry to decipher mechanisms of human disease.
My scientific journey began with an Honours Degree in Biochemistry from University College Dublin, where my undergraduate thesis explored mechanisms of amyloid processing in AD, under the guidance of Professor Dominic Walsh. I subsequently undertook PhD studies in Neuroscience in the group of Professor Sir Simon Lovestone at the Institute of Psychiatry, King’s College London. This was followed by research positions at University College London and Institut Pasteur in Paris. I am also a Research Fellow of Green Templeton College, University of Oxford.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
Not sure
Why did you choose to work in dementia:
I was originally intrigued by the concept that protein misfolding could have such severe outcomes in the brain and wanted to explore more. Since I started off as an undergraduate student working on Alzheimer’s Disease, several close family members have been diagnosed with dementia, including my father in 2021. This has given me even more motivation in the lab to develop better treatments and help find a cure.
What single piece of of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Find a good mentor to help guide you during this crucial career stage!
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Evenings and Weekends by Oisín McKenna – a love letter to London life
Favourite film of all time?
Not sure
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
I love to run along the River Thames in Oxford, which is a great way to keep fit and de-stress.
What’s the best decision you ever made?
Not sure.
What’s the best vacation spot?
I was in South Korea a couple of years ago and would happily go back tomorrow!
Do you collect anything?
No
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