Lesley Wu, MSc Dementia: Causes,Treatments and Research (Neuroscience)

"I really enjoyed having the opportunity to join senior clinicians on ward rounds, meet patients with very interesting cases and observe how experienced neurologists interact with them."

Lesley Wu, from Canada, is studying a MSc Dementia: Causes, Treatments and Research (Neuroscience) at UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology.

1. What is your educational background?

BSc Psychology at McGill University, Canada.

2. What are your motivations for pursuing a graduate-level qualification?

I am interested in dementia studies and wanted to further my knowledge in this field.

3. Why did you apply to UCL for graduate study?

A lot of breakthrough research on dementia has been done at UCL.

4. What is the best thing about your course?

The content is excellent and the staff are very supportive.

5. What do you find interesting about your field of study and what inspires you?

Dementia is a progressively disabling condition, which is becoming increasingly prevalent in an era of aging population. Interacting with people living with dementia and their carers, as well as learning from the top researchers in the field, is really inspiring and motivates me to hopefully one day contribute to the development of disease modifying treatments.

6. What are your career plans once you’ve completed your current programme of study at UCL?

I would like to undertake a PhD in neurodegenerative disorders studies.

7. Do you think studying at UCL Faculty of Brain Sciences is a good investment?

Absolutely.

8. What is it like studying in London and how do you think it has benefited your studies?

London is a hub for everything, and certainly for science. I think by studying in London, you may have more opportunities to attend different talks given by internationally renowned scientists.

9. Has there been an element of your degree programme that has impressed you or been particularly valuable?

I really enjoyed having the opportunity to join senior clinicians on ward rounds, meet patients with very interesting cases and observe how experienced neurologists interact with them.

10. If you received funding either through a scholarship, award, studentship or bursary, how has it helped you achieve your aspirations and what impact has it had on your studies?

As an international student, it is difficult to find funding. The Leonard Wolfson Academic Scholarship has been a huge help financially.