Neha Satish Kumar

Tell us about your research project?

Microglia constitute a substantial glial cell population and function as the resident immune cells of the central nervous system! Only in the past 20 years have we begun to comprehend the importance of glia, discovering that they are far more than mere 'glue' for neurons.

In my project, I'm interested in understanding microglial proliferation dynamics across the lifespan in various regions of the brain. How exactly do microglial population characteristics differ from region to region? My end goal is to create a mathematical model that can accurately explain these differences observed over time. Additionally, I'm keen to explore microglia's role in disease, particularly Multiple Sclerosis (MS), utilising various disease models that replicate the pathology of the disease.

What are you most proud of since starting your PhD?

My resilience is something I'm quite proud of! It’s one of the core skills you build during a PhD: you fail repeatedly, and you keep going anyway. The willingness to confront failure and push forward is ultimately what determines success.

What do you enjoy doing outside of your research?

I love art! I paint, I particularly like acrylics. I love crafty hobbies too, I've been into leathercrafting, sewing, and pottery. I've recently taken up hiking as well. There's some absolutely stunning lookouts here in Victoria.

What advice would you give to incoming PhD students in the Centre?

Some lessons you only learn by living through them. You will make mistakes, there’s no avoiding that, no matter how careful you are. Vigilance matters, but mistakes will happen, and how you respond to them is what drives your growth.

Learn to have a good social life, and cultivate a healthy work/life balance. You get no extra credit for suffering.

Efficiency takes precedence. Learn to work in a way that protects your time, energy and sanity. Being disciplined and consistent will get you very far in your PhD.

Learn to chill! Time is going to pass anyway,  so you might as well slow down and do things competently rather than stress yourself out. Sleep deprivation and stress takes a real toll, and we want to keep those brain cells healthy!

Who is your supervisor/s?

I'm supervised by Dr. David Gonsalvez, Dr. Alistair Govier-Cole, Dr. Yasith Mathangasinghe, and Dr. Samuel. M. Mills.