DHANYA RAMADURAI
Mentor
Hi, my name is Dhanya and I currently work as a Scientific Editor. I’m South Indian and was raised in Dubai, so multiculturalism is something I really value. I graduated with a BSc in Psychology in 2019 and an MSc in Neuroscience in 2021. I have also worked previously in educational and research sectors. I’ve always loved science and enjoy learning new things about the scientific world, and I am passionate about scientific communications and teaching. Outside of work and academics, I am training in two Indian classical dance forms, I love baking and cooking, and I’m also teaching myself to crochet in my free time.
MARYAM MATTER
Mentor & Writer
Hi, I’m Maryam, a research assistant on the eBRAIN study at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London. We are researching brain development and mental health among young people in London. I joined KCL as a part-time MSc Neuroscience student in 2018, which I completed in 2020. Prior to this, I completed a Pharmacology BSc (Hons) at the University of Hertfordshire in 2017 and have developed a love for everything neuroscience and mental health-related. Outside of academia and work, I love playing video games, mostly on the PC but I also have a Nintendo Switch. I love creative writing and have contributed a number of blogs as a member of the IoPPN. I look forward to supporting (and learning from) incredible girls and women who share my love for neuroscience!
NAOMI LIMBACHIYA
Mentor & Founder
I completed a BSc in Psychology, an MSc in Neuroscience and a PGDip in Genomic Medicine and I am currently working at the UCL Institute of Neurology.
I am particularly interested in the genetic mechanisms that underlie motor disorders, and how these might inform and guide preventative medicine strategies, along with innovating methods to reduce heath inequalities.
I have always asked myself how exactly I may use education to fulfil my responsibility of helping others, a tenet I have adopted from my family, particularly my grandmother, parents and uncle. This motivated me to found BAME WIS and to initiate this remote platform. I have met many incredible, intelligent and inspiring women through this scheme and I look forward to meeting many more through the launch of this platform.
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NIPUNI RUPPEGODA GAMAGE
CV and Personal Statement Advisor
Hi, my name is Nipuni, and I am currently a PhD student at the University of Bristol, researching about treatments for bladder dysfunction in spinal cord injuries. Although, doing full-time research can be hectic, I love the rush and learning of it all, and want to share what I have learnt over the years from my mistakes and experiences. So if you have a burning question or want some advice, I am happy to help!
SIMRAT KAUR
Mentor
Hi I’m Simrat! I completed my Master’s in Neuroscience in 2021 and have since been working as a Research Assistant in the Old Age Psychiatry Department at KCL. I hope to eventually pursue a clinical PhD working with patients affected by neurodegenerative conditions. In my spare time I love to workout and go explore new restaurants with my friends.
ZARA NUSSER
Mentor & Writer
Hi , I’m Zara, a Neuroscience student at King’s College London. My academic interests lie within neurodegenerative and stem cell research, and I am currently conducting a dissertation on the direct reprogramming of glial cells into neurones in the postnatal mouse cortex, as a potential treatment for neurodevelopmental disorders.
During my degree, I have also been a research fellow, researching synaptic dysfunction in both amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and Alzheimer’s disease at the Miller laboratory, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute. Through these experiences, I found that one of my happy places is the lab!
I also work part-time for a global social enterprise called Debate Mate, where I get to create and run virtual leadership and communication programmes in the Middle East to equip young women with the necessary 21st century tools to get a head-start in life, so I have some experience and a passion for helping young women achieve their goals.
Outside of the corporate office and labs, you can find me at French class, the boxing club or stuck in a really good book.
I benefited immensely as a mentee from the BAME WIS programme last year, and I am excited to finally give back and support young women on their own thrilling STEM journeys, as well as contribute articles and share my passion for Neuroscience!
DIYA BHANDARI
Mentor
Hi, I’m Diya and I’m currently an MSc student at Kings College London studying Applied Statistical Modelling and Health Informatics. I completed my BSc in Neuroscience in 2022, where I undertook a research project looking at the relationship between Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis Disease (ALS) and a protein mutation found in the glial cells of the rat motor cortex. My academic interests lie in finding causes of neurological and psychiatric disorders and I am currently involved in a research project examining the relationship between air pollutants and adolescent psychiatric disorders. I have always had a passion for learning new scientific concepts and I now have the opportunity to add clinical findings to the scientific community, which I find very rewarding.
Outside of academics I love to work out and try new hobbies or restaurants with my friends/family. Over the time span of my degrees, I have learnt useful tips to manage the workload of STEM subjects- which can seem very daunting at first! I would love to share the knowledge I wish I knew at the start of my academic journey, as well as offer support to like-minded young women in their STEM journeys!