
Sophie Sanford
Name:
Sophie Sanford
Job title:
PhD Student
Place of work / study:
UK Dementia Research Institute at University of Cambridge
Area of Research:
Immunology, Neuroimmunology, Antiviral Immunity, Alzheimer’s Disease, Tauopathy
How is your work funded?
Alzheimer’s Society PhD Studentship
Tell us a little about yourself:
I am a PhD Student in the group of Dr William McEwan at the University of Cambridge UK Dementia Research Institute. I studied Immunology and Infection at UCL before starting my PhD project on the role of the antiviral immune system in models of tau aggregation in Alzheimer’s Disease.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself:
When not in the lab you can find me playing the violin in a band…
Why did you choose to work in dementia?
Seeing my grandfather suffer with dementia, and his fast decline was a major reason why I chose to work in dementia research. I saw how it affected my grandmother as a carer. By being a dementia researcher, I hope I can make even a small contribution to slowing the progression of the disease.
What single piece of advice would you give to an early career researcher?
A good lab group and supervisor will help you get through anything!
What book are you reading right now? Would you recommend it?
I was given ‘Dune’ as a present – I am thoroughly enjoying it despite sci-fi not normally being my thing!