March 2023-PhD in Neuroscience, University College London, UK
Sept 2019-MSc in Neuroscience, University College London, UK
July 2018-BSc in Biology, University of Patras, Greece
Career summary
I am currently a Research Fellow, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, Genetic Therapy Accelerator Centre, UC. My role entails research on brain involvement on Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), specifically I am involved in AAV gene therapy project for DMD related brain dystrophin deficiency. I hold Associate Fellowship for teaching and currently co-leading the mentoring and Early Career Researchers focus groups at Institute of Child Health, University College London.
The past two years I was Research Fellow, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, Dubowitz Neuromuscular Centre UCL and involved in studies on brain involvement in dystrophinopathies and preclinical work package leader within the BIND consortium. Additionally, I am investigating variability in the efficacy of antisense oligonucleotide treatments in DMD patients. Lastly, I was involved in a project on congenital muscular dystrophy, investigating the protein interactions of MEF2A protein on human fibroblasts, highlighting my interest in the neuromuscular field.
From October 2021 until March 2023, I was a Research Assistant at Gene Therapy and Preterm Labour Groups IfWH, UCL and Clinical Trial Assistant, CNWL Sexual Health, NHS. Between February 2021- March 2023 I was a Field Representative and Marketing Associate for Proteintech and between September 2021-December 2021 Prospect Research Assistant at NHS Moorfields Eye Charity. Other roles in my career entailed Supervisor at UCL Covid-19 Testing Facility, Chief Researcher at My World Health and trainee in the laboratory of Biochemistry at General University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece.
What is the personal or professional achievement you’re most proud of?
I’m most proud of the journey I’ve made transitioning from my PhD research in neonatal hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy to the Duchenne muscular dystrophy field. Despite coming from a different background, I quickly established myself in this new area and was soon appointed work package leader for preclinical work of a major collaborative European project (BIND) investigating the role of dystrophin in the brain. A particular highlight was attending my first WMS congress last year, and presenting this work, where I was honoured to receive the Best Presentation Prize, which felt like both recognition and encouragement from a community I greatly value. This year, as a Co-I we secured a grant to continue translational research on brain deficiency in Duchenne muscular dystrophy and as an early career researcher it was a great personal and professional achievement.
Why did you first join the WMS?
I first joined the World Muscle Society in 2024 to become part of a global community dedicated to advancing neuromuscular research, specifically Duchenne muscular dystrophy and translational research for patients. As an early-career researcher, I was drawn to the WMS because of its strong reputation for scientific excellence, collaboration, and inclusivity. The Society’s annual congress, which I first attended in 2024, gave me the chance to be part of high-quality scientific discussions, with an emphasis on mentoring and supporting early career researchers was a great environment to learn, and contribute scientifically to the field. Joining the WMS allowed me not only to stay informed about the latest developments in neuromuscular disorders but also to connect with colleagues who share a common mission to improve the lives of patients and disseminate high-quality research.
What is your goal in joining the Executive Board?
My goal in joining the Executive Board of the WMS as an Early-Career Researcher is to actively contribute to fostering a supportive, inclusive, and globally connected community for early to mid-career researchers and clinicians in neuromuscular science. My aim is to help create opportunities for professional development, collaboration, and mentorship, particularly for those from underrepresented groups. In particular, my goal is to bring together early to mid-career researchers and clinicians worldwide to exchange scientific ideas and career development discussions, by organising in-person and online events. By working closely with peers and senior members of the WMS, I hope to amplify the voice of early to mid-career members, develop initiatives that address their needs, and support the Society’s broader mission of advancing neuromuscular research and care worldwide.
