Alena Kern-Marro

PhD thesis: TBC

Research interests:

1. Neurodegeneration
2. Brain plasticity and learning
3. Neurotechnology
4. Medical imaging

My PhD research includes two rotation projects exploring different aspects of neuroscience and medical research.

In my first rotation, I will investigate how naturally occurring SARM1 genetic variants influence NADase enzyme activity and contribute to neurodegeneration. Through site-directed mutagenesis and a range of functional assays, I will evaluate whether these variants result in loss or gain of function. By characterising the specific effects of each variant, this research aims to clarify their roles in disease susceptibility and progression, potentially informing biomarker discovery and therapeutic development.

My second rotation will focus on developing a wearable biofeedback system to enhance motor learning through real-time physiological monitoring. Using surface electromyography (sEMG), the system will capture muscle activity during movement tasks, which will be processed using machine learning algorithms to generate adaptive feedback for users. The goal is to develop a user-friendly, portable platform that enhances motor control to support rehabilitation.

Who or what inspired you to pursue your research interests?

My interest in neuroscience and medical research stems from a desire to understand the brain in order to develop effective, evidence-based solutions for neurological conditions. I’m especially drawn to work that bridges fundamental science and translational applications, whether investigating the biological underpinnings of neurodegeneration or contributing to technologies that support recovery and function. I’m motivated by the potential to contribute both to our understanding of neural function and to the development of tools that improve patient outcomes.