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Dr Sasha Philbert
Name:
Dr Sasha Philbert
Job Title:
Alzheimer’s Society Research Fellow
Place of work / study:
The University of Manchester
Area of Research:
Biomarkers in dementia
How is your work funded:
Through an Alzheimer’s Society Postdoctoral Fellowship
Tell us a little about yourself:
During my MSc in Neuroscience at King’s College London, I got hooked on biomarker research. I worked on a small project that involved studying blood-brain barrier plasma biomarkers in early-stage Alzheimer’s disease under Dr Nicholas Ashton and Dr Abdul Hye. This experience led me to pursue a PhD and a postdoc at the University of Manchester, where I explored molecular biomarkers in different age-related dementias using mass spectrometry-based techniques. Now, my current research focuses on using novel imaging and molecular markers to improve the diagnosis of individuals living with vascular dementia. When I’m not working, you can find me playing aggressively average padel, a new sport that combines squash and tennis.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I can ride a unicycle.
Why did you choose to work in dementia:
My passion for neuroscience led me to research dementia, but my main motivation for staying is because of my grandmother’s diagnosis of vascular dementia.
What single piece of of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Say YES more often early in your research career! This will open you up to more ideas and projects, and it’ll help you establish your research niche.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir. I just found out that it’s being adapted into a movie, so I’m reading it again for the 5th time. If you’re into sci-fi, I can’t recommend this book enough.
Favourite film of all time?
Coach Carter. The best sports movie of all time!
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Hiking, reading, and padel (or any sport that involves a racket).
Alzheimer's Society
