Catherine Foster

Ever wanted to see a window into the brain? See how it works and how cells work together to make you think, move and feel? Well my work as a neuroscientist is doing just that! I’m looking into the brain to see if damaged or leaky blood vessels are causing brain diseases such as Dementia.

In high school, I was good at science and maths, but never thought it would lead to a career as a scientist, let alone a neuroscientist, who spends most of her time looking at how the brain works. Currently, my research focuses on looking at the brain’s blood vessels and tiny cells that wrap around blood vessels. Using high powered lasers, I can make a window into the brain and see changes in blood vessels in the brain over time and as we age. I compare these findings to the brains of people suffering from Dementia to see if anything similar or different is happening in their brains.

Outside of the lab, I love telling people about my research and listening to how it may relate to them or someone else they know. My research has let me give talk to schools, on the radio and to the public, whilst also allowing me to travel the world and tell other scientists about the work I do. I’m glad that I became a scientist, although some days when things aren’t working in the lab it’s hard, but other days when discovering something that no one else in the world has seen before, it’s worth it.

When I’m not spending all my time looking at brains in the lab, I’m usually hanging out with my family and my two dogs, painting or spending way too much time watching tv.

Follow Catherine on Twitter: @CathFoster_ 

Watch Catherine’s videos below!

Introducing Catherine Foster: (note: discussion of Alzheimers, images of animal brains) 

A day in the life of a Neuroscientist: (note: discussion of Alzheimers, images of animal brains)