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Joseph Russell
Name:
Joseph Russell
Job Title:
NIHR Research Assistant
Place of work / study:
Northumbria University
Area of Research:
Clinical Neurology and Neuropsychology
How is your work funded:
I am funded by the NIHR through Dr Watermeyer’s fellowship focused on Dementia diagnosis in global majority communities.
Tell us a little about yourself:
Coming out of my BSc in Clinical Psychology, I’m fascinated by how much we still don’t know about the brain. It feels like we’ve only just completed the borders of the puzzle – the outline is there, but the real picture is still missing – and I want to help fill in those gaps and contribute to a more complete understanding, particularly around how dementia develops and how we might one day prevent it. Biological and developmental factors currently hold my attention, but as an early-career researcher, I’m an open book and flexible about where future opportunities might lead. Still, the goal remains the same: to help prevent the development of dementia and deepen our understanding of the brain along the way.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I’m finishing up year 4 as a Waterfront Director at a US summer camp in the Berkshires!
Why did you choose to work in dementia:
From being elected the ‘mental health liaison’ for my rugby team at 11, to being raised in a career-oriented family working in mental health, academia, and child development, it’s fair to say the biopsychosocial model had something to do with me pursuing a psychology degree. In a second-year lecture, Dr. Watermeyer shared how underlying brain changes begin many years before the cognitive symptoms of dementia become visible. That fact really shocked me; it was both fascinating and unsettling, and led me down a rabbit hole of my own research and reading. From that moment, I realised how I could contribute to the field through university projects focused on early detection and intervention.
Since then, I’ve been committed to deepening my understanding of neurodegeneration through research internships and by working closely with vulnerable communities, including individuals with Down Syndrome and veterans, in both community and research settings. This journey has now brought me to SITraN, where I’ll be studying for an MSc in Clinical Neurology and preparing to apply for a PhD in 2026.
What single piece of of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
As one myself, I’d say opportunities are out there; but you often have to dig for them. Whether it’s building networks, finding collaborators, or securing funding, the first step can feel hidden. But once you take it, a domino effect often follows. For me, it started when I replied to the footer of an email that said, “Email me if you’re interested in the brain.” I haven’t looked back since. So stay curious, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to put yourself forward.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
The Song of Achilles – Madeline Miller
Favourite film of all time?
Shutter Island
Favourite ways to unplug and unwind?
Open water swimming, running, reading, or going on long walks with friends…and my bonkers Irish Red Setter who keeps things lively!
Amelia Robson
