Country of origin: Originally from the Philippines, but locally from Manchester, England
Course title: PhD in Medical & Healthcare Studies via Swansea University Research Excellence Scholarships. Project: Investigating the role of plasmalogen lipid in the brain of zebrafish by interdisciplinary lipidomics.
What Faculty are you based in?
Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Life Science
How did you come to study at Swansea University?
Swansea University stood out to me because of its strong focus on interdisciplinary medical research and its outstanding reputation in lipidomics and neuroscience.
My passion for advancing medical science, particularly in understanding complex diseases like Alzheimer’s and demyelinating disorders, aligns perfectly with Swansea’s cutting-edge research opportunities. The chance to work on interdisciplinary projects, such as my PhD on plasmalogen lipids in the zebrafish brain, has been invaluable in merging my interests in neuroscience and analytical science.
Beyond academics, Swansea’s vibrant sports culture and inclusive community played a big role in my decision. As a passionate table tennis player, the opportunity to represent the University and contribute to its thriving table tennis club has been incredibly rewarding. Swansea has provided the perfect balance of academic rigor and athletic excellence, enabling me to pursue my dual passions and grow as both a researcher and an athlete.
What is your research topic?
My research investigates how plasmalogen lipids contribute to brain health, focusing on their role in myelin assembly, maintenance, and degeneration. Plasmalogens are essential lipids for synaptic and myelin function, and their depletion is implicated in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and demyelinating conditions like multiple sclerosis.
Using zebrafish as a model organism, I aim to study changes in plasmalogen levels and composition throughout development and in disease models. This includes lipidomic profiling and confocal microscopy to relate lipid alterations to myelin and synaptic integrity. By combining molecular neuroscience with analytical science, I hope to uncover potential therapeutic strategies, such as plasmalogen supplementation, to address demyelination and neurodegeneration.
What led to your interest in this area?
My passion for this field began during my undergraduate studies, where I conducted a systematic review on Alzheimer’s disease risk genes, revealing the role of microglial activation and alternative pathways in disease progression. This inspired me to explore innovative approaches to neurodegeneration research.
In my Master’s dissertation, I developed a genetic library for modelling human diseases in African turquoise killifish. This experience solidified my interest in using model organisms to study human conditions and introduced me to lipidomics as a powerful tool to uncover disease mechanisms. These projects laid the foundation for my PhD research on plasmalogen lipids in zebrafish, merging my interests in analytical science and neuroscience to tackle critical challenges in demyelination and neurodegeneration.
What do you hope to achieve with your research?
My research focuses on uncovering the crucial role of plasmalogen lipids in myelin development and maintenance using zebrafish as a model organism. Plasmalogens are essential for healthy brain function, and their loss has been linked to demyelinating diseases. By studying how plasmalogens influence brain development and their potential therapeutic benefits, I aim to identify innovative strategies to combat neurodegenerative diseases.
Through an interdisciplinary approach combining fundamental lipidomics with translational applications, my work aspires to pave the way for cost-effective interventions that slow or halt disease progression. Beyond contributing to scientific discovery, I hope my research inspires others to think creatively and collaboratively in addressing the challenges posed by neurodegenerative disorders.
What are the best things about conducting your research at Swansea University?
Swansea University offers an exceptional research environment, complete with state-of-the-art facilities like the zebrafish unit and mass spectrometry labs. My supervisor, Dr. Roberto Angelini, has been pivotal in shaping my research journey, providing invaluable expertise in lipidomics and neurobiology while fostering independent thinking and creativity.
The university's collaborative and supportive atmosphere has further enriched my experience. Regular opportunities to present my findings at conferences and engage with the broader scientific community have been instrumental in refining my ideas and expanding my horizons. This synergy of outstanding mentorship, advanced resources, and academic collaboration has been crucial to my development as a researcher, empowering me to pursue innovative approaches in my work.
What are your future plans?
I aspire to continue my research on lipids and neurodegeneration, focusing on translating scientific discoveries into therapeutic applications for conditions such as Alzheimer’s and multiple sclerosis. Building on my PhD work, I aim to advance zebrafish-based models to identify novel lipid-related interventions and pave the way for innovative treatments.
Beyond research, I plan to stay actively engaged in competitive table tennis, a sport that has instilled in me resilience, discipline, and a drive for excellence. My ultimate goal is to excel both as a scientist and an athlete, contributing to advancements in neurodegenerative disease research while inspiring others to pursue their passions with equal dedication.