Ms Natasha Duggan

I am interested in neurodevelopmental disorders and psychopharmacology. I have a 1st class undergraduate degree in Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience. In my final year dissertation I conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis into Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS) as a non-invasive stimulation treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). My current MPhil project investigates a rare neurodevelopmental disorder called Rett Syndrome (RTT). Using murine neuronal cultures grown on Multielectrode Arrays (MEAs), I am recording and analysing spontaneous neuronal activity of RTT models. I am interested in the dysfunction of parvalbumin interneurons and how RTT models containing the X-linked genetic mutation are disrupted. I am using pharmacological manipulations to explore the role of a specific class of inhibitory interneurons, and determine a regime ideal for network correction. I propose the use of nanobodies specifically targeting GABAa receptors to test my hypothesis and restore a functional network. I hope to transition my research back into Cognitive Neuroscience and explore the use of neuroimaging techniques (fMRI, PET, TMS etc.) to improve diagnosis and treatments for neurological and psychiatric disorders. I am currently applying for Research Assistant positions with projects within this theme.