Cohort 2 student Brier Rigby Dames recently completed a research scholar position at Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and is now preparing to return to the UK for the final months of her PhD. She writes about this experience:
“This has been a truly enriching experience. I worked on a range of projects combining biomedical data analysis, translational research, and health innovation. These included analysing medical records from hospitals and veterinary clinics, modelling bloodwork trends, investigating the effects of medications and health conditions on biomarkers, and creating data visualisations to support manuscripts and posters. I also led the design of surveys and a diagnostic cognitive assessment tool, conducted interviews, and contributed to early market research and business planning for a prospective pet health app.
A particularly valuable aspect of this placement was learning directly from veterinary professionals and gaining hands-on insight into pathobiology, anatomy, and clinical symptoms in companion animals. This cross-species perspective has strengthened my understanding of disease processes and biomarker interpretation in transferable ways to human health research, particularly in the context of ageing and neurodegeneration.
I’m incredibly grateful to the fantastic teams I worked with across Alabama and Georgia. Thank you to my supervisor, Christine Charvet, for hosting me in her lab and the researchers I collaborated with, including Alexandra, Ryan and Eli, a vet and PhD student with whom I’ll continue to collaborate beyond the placement. I’m also thankful to the rest of the team for making me feel welcome throughout my time there.
I’ll soon return to the University of Bath to prepare my PhD for submission over the next few months, while continuing my research with the UK Dementia Research Institute at Cardiff University’s College of Medicine.”
Brier presenting her research at Boshell Research Day-an event that brings together experts from across the United States to present research on diabetes and obesity.
