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Dr Aisling McFall
Name:
Dr Aisling McFall
Job title:
Postdoctoral Research Associate
Place of work / study:
School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health, University of Glasgow
Area of Research:
My current project is aiming to assess the possibility of repurposing clinically approved drugs for ischaemic stroke treatment. I’m doing this using a comorbid animal model (hypertensive rat) and novel in vitro models of the blood brain barrier using human derived cells, in the hope that these two aspects combined will increase the translatability of the work to humans. Around 25% of stroke patients go on to develop dementia and there are currently no neuroprotective treatments available so preclinical stroke research is vitally important for both stroke and dementia patients. I’m hoping to use my background to pursue further research into vascular dementia.
How is your work funded?
Chief Scientist Office Scotland
Tell us a little about yourself:
I’m from Belfast but have lived in Glasgow since 2015 when I started my PhD programme. I live with my husband, toddler, and our two cats Frasier and Gina. I love baking, running and walking in the beautiful highlands of Scotland, but since my daughter came along she takes up a lot of my time.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
For a few months I was one of the holders for the world record of the world’s largest practical science lesson
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
I worked on stroke research during my PhD which led me to become interested in dementia research because about a quarter of people who have a stroke go on to develop dementia. I find the brain fascinating but I know how awful it can be when something goes wrong with how it functions. I’m a dementia researcher because I want us to find a way to stop this disease and keep brains healthier for longer.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Say yes more often and grab opportunities when they come your way.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
Panic by Jeff Abbott – yes
Dr Jodi Watt
