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Bianca Castelli

    • About Me:

      Hi, this is Bianca! I’m originally from Milan, Italy, but I have been in Ireland for four years now! I am doing my research in the University of Galway and I specialise in diseases that affect the brain, specifically multiple sclerosis. I have too many hobbies but my favories are definitely cooking and aerial classes.

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      My academic background is all over the place. I did my undergrad in Italy in Pharmaceutical Biotechnology. Then, I moved to Galway for my postgrad in Regenerative Medicine, and now I am doctorate student in Biomedical Sciences. I think it’s safe to say that I know a little bit of everything!

    • My pronouns are:

      she/her

    • My Work:

      My work focuses on trying to find new ways to make the management of a disease called multiple sclerosis (MS) easier for practictioners and people living with the condition. In particular, I am interested in looking for different molecules that we call biomerkers in samples that we collect from people with MS.

    • My Typical Day:

      I try (and sometimes fail) to wake up feeling rested and have my breakfast, which, for the past years, has been the same penut butter and honey oatmeal. I think I am a creature of habit. Then I get to the lab around 9am and go about my day. Some days are busier than others; sometime I have a long experiment that takes the whole day, some other time I need to sit down in front of my laptop and use my time to analise my results. What I really enjoy is that I get to plan my days and manage my work around my other commitments!

    • What I'd do with the prize money:

      On top of my PhD and my lab work, I am also the vice president of a group that is involved in providing early career researchers the training and skills required in research. Our goal is also to disseminate groundbreaking research, and to give the opportunity to young researchers to share their work, while also building a comunity. If I am awarded the prize money, I would use it to sponsor this mission and my team!

    Curriculum Vitae

    • Education:

      Scientific High School Marie Curie, Tradate, VA (Italy)

      University of Milan – Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Milan, MI (Italy)

      University of Galway – Regenerative Medicine, Galway, Co. Galway (Ireland)

      University of Galway – PhD in Biomedical Sciences, Galway, Co. Galway (Ireland)

    • My Interview

      • How would you describe yourself in 3 words?

        science facts knower

        What was your favourite subject at school?

        Biology

        What did you want to be after you left school?

        Acrobat

        Were you ever in trouble at school?

        Almost always

        If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?

        I would probably be a dog groomer

        Who is your favourite singer or band?

        I listen to everything (and I mean it!)

        What's your favourite food?

        Kimchi fried rice

        What is the most fun thing you've done?

        I went paragliding once!

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