Kirsty Hynes narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.

In this second instalment, Ajantha shifts focus from preparing for PhD applications to one of the most critical decisions in the process: choosing the right lab and supervisor. He walks through how to search effectively, what to look for when assessing potential environments, and how to approach academics with well-structured, thoughtful emails. The blog balances practical advice with honest reflection on supervision styles, lab culture, and long-term career impact, offering a clear framework for making a well-informed choice.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-no-care-homes-left-out-in-dementia-research/

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Kirsty Hynes is a Clinical Studies Officer with ENRICH, part of the Neuroprogressive and Dementia Network, supporting care homes to take part in research. She trained as a mental health nurse at Robert Gordon University and spent nine years working in a secure unit before moving into research. Her work focuses on neurodegeneration and improving access to meaningful research opportunities for care home residents and staff. Kirsty is passionate about making research inclusive and practical, and enjoys running and home projects in her spare time.

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Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice dementiaresearcher@ucl.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

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Dr Ajantha Abey narrates his blog written for Dementia Researcher.

In this second instalment, Ajantha shifts focus from preparing for PhD applications to one of the most critical decisions in the process: choosing the right lab and supervisor. He walks through how to search effectively, what to look for when assessing potential environments, and how to approach academics with well-structured, thoughtful emails. The blog balances practical advice with honest reflection on supervision styles, lab culture, and long-term career impact, offering a clear framework for making a well-informed choice.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-phd-application-advice-assessing-approaching-a-new-lab/

Dr Ajantha Abey is a Postdoctoral Researcher in the Kavli Institute at University of Oxford. He is interested in the cellular mechanisms of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other diseases of the ageing brain. Previously, having previoulsy explored neuropathology in dogs with dementia and potential stem cell replacement therapies. He now uses induced pluripotent stem cell derived neurons to try and model selective neuronal vulnerability: the phenomenon where some cells die but others remain resilient to neurodegenerative diseases.

Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice dementiaresearcher@ucl.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you in association with Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Follow us on social media:

• https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
• https://www.facebook.com/Dementia.Researcher/
• https://www.twitter.com/demrescommunity
• https://www.linkedin.com/company/dementia-researcher
• https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social

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Beccy Owen, narrates her blog written for Dementia Researcher.

In her first blog, Beccy introduces herself and reflects on the path that led her into dementia research. It is a journey shaped by uncertainty, changing direction, and moments of self doubt, alongside real achievements and growing confidence. From lockdown study and finding a love for neuroscience, to setbacks in PhD applications and finally securing her place at Warwick, Beccy shares an open account of how careers rarely follow a straight line. She also touches on the realities of lab work, learning electrophysiology, and the importance of maintaining balance outside research.

Find the original text, and narration here on our website.

https://www.dementiaresearcher.nihr.ac.uk/blog-the-long-way-round-to-a-phd/

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Beccy Owen is a PhD Researcher at the University of Warwick, exploring how tau pathology disrupts neuronal ion channels and brain network activity in Alzheimer’s disease. As part of the Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Programme, her work uses electrophysiology to better understand the molecular drivers of neurodegeneration. Originally from the Welsh countryside, Beccy’s passion for dementia research was shaped during her postgraduate studies and through personal experience with a family member living with the condition. She will be sharing her journey, insights, and lessons learned throughout her PhD here on the blog.

Find Becky on LinkedIn

Enjoy listening and reading our blogs? We're always on the look out for new contributors, drop us a line and share your own research and careers advice dementiaresearcher@ucl.ac.uk

This podcast is brought to you in association with the NIHR, Alzheimer's Association, Alzheimer's Research UK, Alzheimer's Society and Race Against Dementia, who we thank for their ongoing support.

Follow us on social media:

• https://www.instagram.com/dementia_researcher/
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• https://bsky.app/profile/dementiaresearcher.bsky.social

Download and Register with our Community App:

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