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Mai Mohamed Mwafy
PhD student, School of Medicine, University of Bristol / Cardiff University
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Don’t limit your challenges, challenge your limits!
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I have master’s degree in Medical Microbiology & Immunology and worked as an assistant Lecturer in Tanta University in Egypt. I am currently in the last year of my Ph.D. studying neuroimmunology and its contribution to Alzheimer’s disease, as a part of ‘Dementia research group’ in Clinical neuroscience in Bristol University and collaborating with ‘Complement biology group’ institute of Infection and Immunity in Cardiff University. My project aims to investigate neuroinflammatory markers in post-mortem human brain tissue from healthy and Alzheimer’s patients by different laboratory techniques, I am learning a lot in this field and developed my laboratory skills.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
To me studying the immune system is very challenging and how it reacts to invading dangers. I was so interested in the Medical school in reading about psychiatry and the human brain and its complexity, I worked hardly to get a scholarship to study the human brain in depth. I was awarded one of Newton Mosharafa fund from British council in Egypt to make it happen.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
I wish younger me would know that her small dreams can be achieved, and nothing is impossible. We can do what we aim for, it is all about consistency. Whatever challenged me in my life or in my career made me stronger.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
Science is very interesting to me, I love the challenges of research, however, it can be very frustrating. However, when you achieve your goal or have a new idea or a new finding, it is like bright flashing points are switched on in your brain, that won’t go off again. It is great to ask and answer questions all the time.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
Work smarter, be passionate, understand, read, be positive, confident, develop your skills, and ask lots of questions. Nothing can stop you!
I am a single mum of two beautiful girls and did not think I am able to do all of this, but I could, I’m here making my dream come true.
INSPO / FUN FACT
I love many things as much as my love for science. I bet it is a dissociative personality disorder! One day I might have a career shift from science and do arts!