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Ivana Kancheva
Name:
Ivana Kancheva
Job title:
PhD Candidate ‘Mechanisms of Dementia – pillar Blood-brain-barriers’ studying translational biomarkers for Cerebral Amyloid Angiopathy
Place of work / study:
Leiden University Medical Center, C. G. Gorter MRI Center, Department of Radiology
Area of Research:
Currently, I am a PhD Candidate at Leiden University Medical Center in The Netherlands where I investigate translational biomarkers for cerebral amyloid angiopathy building on my interests in neurological and cerebrovascular diseases.
How is your work funded:
My research is funded by the Dutch nationwide consortium ‘MODEM – Mechanisms of Dementia’, which is supported by ZonMw, as well as ‘Alzheimer Nederland’.
Tell us a little about yourself:
My journey into dementia research has been adventurous and filled with changes. I obtained my Bachelor’s degree in Psychology with First Class Honours at Glasgow University, inspired by my interest in both biology and philosophy and my desire to understand ‘troubled minds’, in some ways including my own. I realised I really liked biology and learning more about the pathophysiology of brain diseases, so afterwards, I completed a Research Master in Neuroscience and Cognition (Cognitive Neuroscience Track) at Utrecht University, where I graduated with a Cum Laude Distinction and became even more passionate about pursuing an academic path within the field of brain science. Currently, I am a PhD Candidate at Leiden University Medical Centre in The Netherlands where I investigate translational biomarkers for cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) using data from patients with genetic and sporadic CAA, as well as mice. Biomarkers of specific interest to me include impaired cerebral perfusion and vascular reactivity on high-field MRI, iron deposition in the brain, dysregulation in blood-brain-barrier and blood-to-cerebrospinal fluid-barrier function.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I love low-budget travelling and backpacking. I am lucky to have travelled to many interesting places with my like-minded friends. Our most recent adventure included crossing the entire Amazon river by boat 🙂
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
I like the beauty and inherent structure that exists within biology and think that the brain is one of the most fascinating organs, which makes conditions like dementia particularly intriguing. On a personal level, my family has been closely affected by stroke and dementia, and I have lost some of the people I love the most to these devastating conditions.
What single piece of advise would you give to an early career researcher?
It is very important to love what you do and to always remember that curiosity has to play a big role in the pursuit of research. There will be very difficult times though and in such times, we have to remember to take good care of ourselves.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
I am currently reading a short book written in Bulgarian about two men who endured suffering in the Bulgarian forced labour camps during communism.
Favourite film of all time?
Perhaps ‘Honeyland’ directed by Tamara Kotevska and Ljubomir Stefanov that tells the story of a real female wild-beekeeper called Hatidze Muratova.
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Hiking and mountaineering 🙂
What’s the best decision you ever made?
My life has changed profoundly because I went to study abroad in a different country than my own.
What’s your favourite vacation spot?
Georgia is very beautiful for those who like good mountains!
Do you collect anything?
Not really unless we count indoor plants!
