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Imogen Swift
Name:
Imogen Swift
Job title:
PhD Student / Research Assistant
Place of work / study:
Area of Research:
Fluid biomarkers in frontotemporal dementia.
How is your work funded?
Alzheimer’s Association.
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a final year PhD student at UCL focusing on a specific genetic form of frontotemporal dementia. I work with blood and spinal fluid samples from affected patients and aim to develop markers for use in exciting upcoming trials and more generally in clinic for diagnosis and prognosis.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I have dual nationality for New Zealand and am a quarter German.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
Initially, I was fascinated by the workings of the brain and what we can discover about this complex organ. Now, I am largely motivated by interactions with our incredible patients, family members and their powerful stories. These experiences push me to try and make a meaningful impact in the field and improve prospects for people diagnosed with dementia.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Start as many conversations as you can. You never know what you might learn and you may find something you hadn’t considered before. Also scientists are usually super nice.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Richard Osman- the man who died twice. Yes, it’s an excellent read.
Dr Aida Suarez-Gonzalez
Alzheimer's Association
Adam Smith
Dr Anna Volkmer