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Dr Tamlyn Watermeyer
Name:
Dr Tam Watermeyer
Job title:
NIHR / Alzheimer’s Society Dem Comm Fellow
Place of work / study:
Northumbria University and University of Edinburgh
Area of Research:
Neuropsychology
How is your work funded?
I am or have been funded by the Medical Research Council, NIHR, Alzheimer’s Society, Alzheimer’s Association, Motor Neurone Disease Association, Office for Veterans’ Affairs, Alzheimer’s Research UK
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am fascinated by all things cognitive and brain health. Especially in the context of neurodegeneration and other chronic health conditions. I am especially interested in the interplay of psycho-biological and social factors in the development of diseases that leads to cognitive impairment. I’m really interested in how we assess these factors in diverse populations and aim to democratise dementia research opportunities and care for people from marginalised or under-represented groups. Ultimately, I am interested in figuring out how we stop dementia in its tracks.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
I make really good babotie.
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
As a kid, I was always interested in neuroscience and health. Psychology wasn’t something that was taught at my school in South Africa, but I always loved solving problems and was bit of a biology geek. In my second year at St Andrews University in Scotland, which has a really strong Behavioural Neuroscience & Neuropsychology focus, I attended a lecture by that covered dementia and a lightning bolt went off. At the time, I was doing a business degree with Psychology as a minor subject but I just “knew”. I changed my entire degree program the next day. Around the same time, I was volunteering at an independent living home for adults with Learning disabilities and worked over my summers at a respite centre for Multiple Sclerosis, which provided a good insight into the neuropsychological sequelae of chronic health conditions and helped me find my focus. Ultimately, I am still that nerdy kid that likes to solve problems so I get to play in my sandbox with the most pressing societal health issue that is dementia. My work allows me to satisfy my scientific curiosity while being a part of a movement for brain health advocacy to solve this problem. From a career choice, you can’t ask for more.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
Follow your curiosity. Figure out what you bring to the table, especially those tables not made for you. And find your “tribe” – I actively seek out people who share the same values and motivations in their work as me and this has provided me with amazing mentors and collaborators. Also, work on that imposter syndrome – passion is enough.
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
The Covenant of Water – Abraham Verghese
Favourite ways to relax and unwind?
Doing anything in nature.
Favourite film of all time?
No Country for Old Men
Amelia Robson
