One thing I’ve always loved is learning and exploring. In my free time, I enjoy stargazing with my telescope, reading philosophical books, and painting. I also have a passion for adventure, from skydiving to trekking in the Himalayas, which keeps my curiosity and love for new experiences alive.

I was introduced to multiple sclerosis (MS) research during my Honours year at The University of Sydney in Associate Professor Laura Piccio’s lab. Through her patient visits, I was exposed to the clinical side of MS and became increasingly fascinated by the complexities of the condition. My first project focused on the role of soluble/secreted TREM2, a receptor expressed by microglia and macrophages, which plays a crucial role in maintaining balance in the central nervous system. During my Honours, I explored soluble TREM2’s association with extracellular vesicles (EVs), which are biological nanoparticles released by all cells. As I delved deeper into the project, my curiosity grew, along with the questions. I wanted to stay in research and contribute to a better understanding of MS pathogenesis.

Overall, my journey into MS research has been driven by constant curiosity and a desire to understand the complexities of the brain, which continue to inspire my research today.

In recent years, the development of disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) for MS has been, without a doubt, one of the most significant advancements, playing a pivotal role in altering the course of disease progression. However, in my own area of research, I find the growing interest in EVs in MS particularly exciting. EVs, as nanoparticles secreted by all cell types, are central to cell-to-cell communication. By profiling EVs in MS, we may uncover novel therapeutic targets and gain new insights into disease progression, opening the door to innovative treatment strategies.

My research focuses on the role of EVs in MS. EVs carry bioactive cargoes, such as proteins, lipids, microRNAs, and metabolites, and they can cross the blood-brain barrier. I am currently working on proteomic and lipidomic profiling of EVs from the plasma of MS patients to identify potential biomarkers and active agents relevant to the disease. The next phase of my research aims to delve into cell-specific EVs, investigating their crosstalk and contribution to MS pathogenesis.

Our research offers a new perspective on addressing unanswered questions in MS. Detectable in biofluids, EVs can provide a window into cellular changes in MS, offering potential as biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis, and disease monitoring, all through non-invasive means.

I enjoy trying new experiments and problem-solving in the lab. There’s nothing quite like the excitement of positive results, yet negative results are equally valuable in pushing the research forward. One of the challenges I face working in the specialised field of nanoparticles in MS, is keeping pace with the debates surrounding EV profiling and the constant flow of new data. While it’s exciting to be part of such a rapidly evolving field, I believe that further advancements in EV analysis techniques could accelerate our understanding of MS. I am incredibly grateful for the support from MS Australia, which helps me overcome these challenges and continue my work.