Print This Post
Dr Marcella Montagnese
Name:
Dr Marcella Montagnese
Job title:
Research Fellow in Neuroinformatics
Place of work / study:
University of Cambridge and Christ’s College Cambridge
Area of Research:
I develop computational and AI methods for neuroimaging to map how the brain changes with age, with the goal of detecting the structural changes that signal cognitive decline and dementia earlier.
How is your work funded:
My research is funded by the Alzheimer’s Society and by a Wellcome Early Career Award.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a Research Fellow in Biological and Medical Sciences at Christ’s College, University of Cambridge, a Senior Research Fellow in Neuroinformatics at the Department of Psychology, and an affiliate of the Department of Clinical Neurosciences. My primary research involves analysing neuroimaging and clinical data from cohorts around the globe, as well as from NHS trusts across the UK, with a particular focus on brain ageing and neurodegeneration. I use artificial intelligence (AI) and normative models (BrainCharts; Bethlehem et al., Nature, 2022) to develop individualised tools for patient stratification and prognostication. I also apply cutting-edge AI techniques to complex healthcare challenges, such as implementing federated learning within the NHS.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
When I’m not looking at brains on a screen, I’m an avid photographer and cinephile – and I never miss a chance to say hello to a dog.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
Dementia is one of the defining health challenges of our time, and yet so much of what we know comes from group averages that don’t translate to the person in the clinic. I wanted to work on closing that gap – building tools that turn population-scale data into something useful for a single patient.
What single piece of advise would you give to an early career researcher?
Surround yourself with mentors and collaborators who support you as a person, not just as a researcher. That’s what actually sustains a career. And hold onto both your scepticism and your curiosity: never stop being genuinely curious about why things work the way they do.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
I’m re-reading When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi – and yes, I’d recommend it to anyone. It’s a neurosurgeon’s memoir written as he faced his own terminal diagnosis, and it’s quietly devastating in the best way. Worth every reread.
Favourite film of all time?
This is a tough one. At the moment, probably “2001: A Space Odyssey”.
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Photography walks with no particular destination, a good film, and matcha somewhere quiet. Bonus points if there’s a dog to befriend along the way.
What’s the best decision you ever made?
Not sure
What’s your favourite vacation spot?
Anywhere
Do you collect anything?
No
Nature Careers Blog
