Print This Post
Dr Michael Stringer
Name:
Dr Michael Stringer
Job Title:
MVLS Futures Fellow
Place of work / study:
The University of Edinburgh & University of Glasgow
Area of Research:
My research works to understand uses state-of-the-art magnetic resonance imaging methods to assess how vascular damage via impaired brain waste clearance and other problems causes dementias and strokes
How is your work funded:
College of Medicine, Veterinary and Life Sciences (UoG); Stroke Association / Dementia Research Institute (UoE)
Tell us a little about yourself:
Currently I am making a phased transition to a new tenure-track fellowship at the University of Glasgow while finalising work on my Stroke Association-funded fellowship at the University of Edinburgh. During my time in Edinburgh, I have worked across several international and local studies, using advanced quantitative MRI methods to better understand how vascular dysfunction contributes to brain damage in people with small vessel disease, which causes many strokes (c.20%) and dementias (c.40%). In my MVLS Futures fellowship at Glasgow, I am very excited to be able to extend my work – developing novel imaging methods and leveraging the existing expertise in stroke, cardiovascular and imaging to understand the role of brain waste clearance in causing vascular damage, impacting on brain health.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
During my PhD, I almost appeared on University Challenge
Why did you choose to work in dementia:
Having seen the devastating harm dementias causes – to those affected, their friends and family – I think it is incredibly important to apply interdisciplinary approaches to better understand the causes of dementia and hopefully develop novel therapeutic approaches.
What single piece of of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Develop your professional and support networks early, and keep going – it is what will help sustain you when run in to challenges
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Currently I am reading Lord of the World by Robert Hugh Benson, one of the first 20th Century dystopian novels. It is an interesting read, quite challenging in places – would definitely recommend it.
Favourite film of all time?
The Way
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Music and reading
What’s the best decision you ever made?
Time will tell
What’s the best vacation spot?
Somewhere new with good company and museums / historic sites
Do you collect anything?
Not overly intentionally, though I do try to get a wee souvenir from places I visit. For example, my house keys are on a key ring from my first international conference.
Dr Jodi Watt
