Introduction

I have had the pleasure of interviewing my good friend Leigh-lou, who has recently embarked on her PhD journey in neuroscience. With a background in Translational neuroscience, she is now researching regenerative mechanisms in Spinal Cord Injury. In this interview, she shares her thoughts on the transition to PhD life and her journey into neuroscience. She discusses what excites her most about her research. She also offers valuable advice for those considering a similar path. Whether you’re a budding neuroscientist, her insights are relatable. If you’re just curious about what it’s like to pursue a PhD in neuroscience, her insights are inspiring! Unsure about wanting to do a PhD check out this blog post as well!

1) Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to neuroscience?

My interest in science started rather young, my aunt/godmother was a biochemist and my uncle was a biomedical engineer. My mother, who was also greatly interested in biology, used to get me all sorts of science magazines and books as a child. Concerning education, I was always interested in biology particularly mammalian and especially neuroscience. I knew the MSc, Translational Neuroscience at Imperial, I wanted to do before the undergrad degree. So naturally, I decided to go for a broader subject where I could learn more about human physiology and biological mechanisms – I chose Biomedical Science.

2) What initially sparked your interest in neuro?

I cannot pinpoint one epiphany situation that made me decide on neuroscience. Instead, it was more a result of reading a plethora of information in encyclopaedias and magazines. If I had to give it a go, I suspect it was from looking at the sheer complexity of the nervous system in all the media I consumed growing up. I have always been a curious person. I ask questions (at the behest of my loved ones and teachers) to get into the nitty-gritty of why something works the way it does. This extends to the nervous system. I want to understand it from a circuitry angle. I also want to understand it from the cellular and molecular level. Then, I aim to use this information to improve the lives of others. That is why translational neuroscience research has always been the goal for me.

3) Did you always know you wanted to do a PhD?

I always wanted to go into a career that would allow me to use what I have always thought was my best asset – my brain (funny that). I wanted a career that would challenge me cerebrally and engage my scientific curiosity whilst also helping others. Becoming a medical doctor or nurse was quickly ruled out, but I always loved medicine which only really left research as an option. Being a scientist always made sense to me. So, yes, I always knew I wanted to undertake a PhD.

4) Walk me through a typical day in the life of a PhD student

Well, I am certainly a creature of habit, ask anyone who knows me well. I like a structured day. This involves waking up at the same time every day. On weekends, I afford myself the luxury of a lie-in. The first thing I like to do is wake up an hour earlier than I must get up so I can lie in bed and ponder a little. This session usually ends in mindless scrolling on Instagram. I check my calendar for the week and then the day before doing my morning routine and getting dressed.

As a planner, my bag would already have been packed the night before so all I have to do is add my lunch. Then I would travel to uni. This involves quite some time on the tube. My trick is to listen to heavy metal!

After arriving, I go about my day plan which depends on what tasks I need to get done. Then I text the PhD group chat and ask if anyone fancies going for lunch – usually someone does so I have my relaxing lunch break before getting back into my tasks and ticking off the to-do list for my serotonin boost. Finally, I plan my next day before packing up and heading home. Once home I’ll cook and watch something before making a reel for my science meme Instagram page. I then text my partner and friends before turning in for the night.

5) Any PhD application tips?

To avoid spouting the generic PhD application tips that everyone says I will give one piece of advice. Be truthful, to yourself and others. Lying is one of the worst things you can do as you can find yourself in a situation where you are not living to your fullest. Yes, it is important to show yourself in your best light. However, it must be YOU on your best day and not an idealised fabrication of yourself.

A PhD is 3-4 years long so think about what honestly suits you as a person and you as a scientist. Find a laboratory and institution that will allow you to shine your light and guide/push you into becoming the best version of yourself.

6) What are your goals for after your PhD ?

I aim to go into a post-doc. This will allow me to continue on my research. Ultimately, I want to become a lecturer because I am passionate about teaching. I feel called to raise the level of scientific literacy in young people. I want to inspire them, particularly girls, to pursue their passion fearlessly; I will support them so they feel confident knowing that they belong and can excel in STEM.

7) How do you maintain a work life balance?

Setting clear boundaries is a must when trying to have a healthy work-life balance – try to define specific work hours and stick to them. This goes hand in hand with deciding when enough is enough. The quote “Don’t let perfect be the enemy of good,” is often thrown around but I do think it is a message people in academia need to hear.

Pressure to produce flawless, perfect work can hinder innovation and progress. Perfectionism (which is ultimately a fear of failure – a fear I know all too well) can result in procrastination whilst embracing the concept of good enough allows for action, learning and improvement rather than being stuck in an endless loop of pursuing something unobtainable. It is through trial and error that we achieve!

8) What is your favourite neuroscience topic to geek out about?

I am sure you know the answer to this Aku, but it certainly has to be the gut-nervous system axis. When talking about the nervous system you will find the common divisions being the Central Nervous System (CNS) and Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) but rarely will you hear about the Enteric Nervous System (ENS). I find it absolutely fascinating that the gut has its own nervous system and bacteria inside your gut can interact with this system and affect your health – both positively and negatively.

9) If you could collaborate with any scientist in the world who would it be and why?

You Aku of course! All jokes aside, I think my dream collaboration would have to be with Dr Claire Wyart. Not only is her work on motor control and sensory integration fascinating, but her work also has translational implications for neurological and movement disorders. Dr Claire Wyart also has a strong commitment towards supporting young scientists and is an avid advocate for women in STEM which I find truly inspiring.

10) What is a quirky fact about the brain that never fails to impress people?

That brain activity is more dynamic when you are asleep! Most people will associate sleeping with being a period of rest – including for the brain. However, this paradox is rather fascinating as sleep is a critical time for good cognitive function as the brain is busy consolidating memories and information processing as well as plenty of other things.

Conclusion

It’s been great hearing about’s Leigh-Lou’s  PhD journey so far! Her passion for neuroscience and her honest take on the ups and downs offer a real glimpse into what life as a PhD student is like. Hopefully, her insights inspire anyone thinking about taking on a PhD or going through the process themselves. Thanks to Leigh-lou for sharing her story—I’m excited to see where her research takes her!