Dementia Research Society: Academic Officer

Dear Members of the Dementia Research Society,

I am excited to apply for the role of Dementia Research Academic Officer. As a first-year Neuroscience student at UCL, I am deeply passionate about understanding and combating neurodegenerative diseases, particularly dementia. My academic background and personal experiences have driven my commitment to advancing research in this field.

My Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) focused on Alzheimer’s Disease, where I explored its genetic causes, current research trends, and challenges in finding a cure. This project honed my analytical and communication skills, which I will bring to this role. As a Boarding School Prefect and Academic Prefect, I organized events, resolved conflicts, and mentored younger students, fostering inclusive environments. Additionally, my work as a Healthcare Assistant at Duchy Hospital exposed me to the real-world impact of dementia, further fueling my dedication to this cause.

If elected, I will organize seminars, workshops, and discussions to raise awareness about dementia research, collaborate with experts, and provide resources for students interested in this field. I am committed to promoting interdisciplinary collaboration with other societies, and increasing outreach to non-STEM students, thereby increasing accessibility. 

Thank you for considering my application. I would be honored to serve as Dementia Research Academic Officer and contribute to this vital area of study.

Hey everyone! I’m Ruby, and I would love to be your next Academic Officer! Your voice matters, and I want to ensure this society reflects what you want. That’s why, before making any changes, I’ll be asking you what worked last year and what you’d love to see improved. But don’t worry, I also have some exciting ideas of my own! I want to implement a weekly journal club over coffee, where we can chat about latest dementia research, explore new discoveries, and discuss their real-world impact all while enjoying some cake! To keep us all connected, I’ll also set up an online hub where we can share resources, discuss ideas, and ask each other questions. Additionally, I know how frustrating it can be to find relevant internships and work experience, so I’ll put together a centralised list of opportunities to make it easier for everyone.

One of my most memorable experiences was visiting the Dementia Research Institute, where I got to ask the lab leader questions about my personal project. I want to give everyone that same chance! That’s why I’ll organise lab visits and career talks—both formal and informal—where we can ask the real questions: What skills do we need? What are different careers in the field like? And how can we start making an impact now?

During Freshers week, I’d also love to host introductory talks to help newcomers understand dementia better and strengthen our community

Vote for me because unlike your Evri driver, I’ll deliver!