In my spare time, I enjoy hiking. For my honeymoon, I hiked to Everest Base Camp, which was an incredible adventure—and a memorable way to kick off my marriage!

Coming from an engineering background, I was drawn to multiple sclerosis (MS) research because of the technical challenges it presents and the exciting role that engineering and artificial intelligence (AI) tools can play in advancing the understanding and treatment of the disease. It’s inspiring to see how solving computational problems can directly impact patient care. I also enjoy collaborating closely with neurologists, clinicians, and researchers, knowing that our work can make a real difference in the MS community.

One of the most exciting recent developments in MS research is the growing understanding of Chronic Active Lesions (CAL), particularly their role in driving disease progression. Research is now revealing how these lesions expand silently over time, contributing to neurodegeneration and clinical worsening, even in the absence of relapses. This shift in focus from acute inflammatory events to chronic, smouldering inflammation marks a major step forward in MS research.

It is particularly exciting to see how lesion expansion, which has been a key focus of my work, is gaining interest among other researchers and becoming a priority in the MS research community. This broader attention opens new opportunities for collaboration and accelerates efforts to develop effective imaging biomarkers and therapeutic strategies targeting chronic inflammation. It's an inspiring time to be working on such a crucial aspect of MS, knowing that my research contributes directly to this rapidly evolving area.

My current research project focuses on developing advanced biomarkers to detect and monitor smouldering inflammation in MS. This type of chronic inflammation is often overlooked by conventional therapies, yet it plays a critical role in disease progression. Through this project, I aim to improve our ability to track CAL, which contributes to neurodegeneration and clinical disability.

I am using a combination of imaging techniques such as MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)-based paramagnetic rim lesion (PRL) detection and Positron Emission Tomography (PET) to visualise microglial activation at lesion borders. Additionally, the project integrates multifocal Visual Evoked Potentials (mfVEP) and Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) to assess the impact of chronic lesions on the visual system. The ultimate goal is to synthesise these individual biomarkers into a composite diagnostic tool that can monitor smouldering inflammation more accurately and guide personalised treatment strategies. By bridging gaps in understanding between chronic lesion dynamics and patient outcomes, my research will provide new insights into disease progression and help clinicians make more informed therapeutic decisions.

This research addresses an unmet need in MS treatment by targeting smouldering inflammation, which plays a significant role in disease progression but remains inadequately managed by current therapies. CALs are linked to brain atrophy and disability, making them a crucial focus for understanding disease progression.

By developing non-invasive biomarkers to monitor smouldering inflammation, my research will provide a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms driving MS progression. This work will also enhance clinical practice by equipping physicians with reliable tools to assess disease activity, beyond just acute relapses. Importantly, these biomarkers can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of new therapies, including remyelination treatments, and to personalise treatment plans for individual patients.

Ultimately, the research will contribute to improved patient outcomes, helping clinicians to intervene earlier and more effectively. This aligns closely with the broader goals of the MS research community, fostering a shift towards biologically based definitions of disease progression and providing a foundation for more effective, personalised treatment strategies.

I enjoy working with cutting-edge MRI techniques and using a variety of tools, such as AI, to analyse complex data. A big part of what I enjoy is collaborating with other research teams, both locally and internationally, particularly with partners in Europe. Sharing the pipelines I develop and seeing them applied in other labs is especially rewarding, as it fosters innovation and strengthens research networks beyond my own team.