60 seconds with Maddy Dawson, Analyst

Q: Tell us about you

A: I have recently graduated from the University of Manchester where I studied Biomedical Sciences. Over the course of my degree I enjoyed a range of modules, developing a particular interest in neuroscience and immunology. Some of my favourite modules included neuroinflammation, as well as a module about circadian rhythms and sleep. For my industrial placement, I spent a year working in a lab at Boehringer Ingelheim in a rural town in Germany. This was a great way to gain insight into the pharmaceutical industry, as well as to get to know Germany and explore Europe at the weekends! Since graduating, I spent a few months working in an operating theatre of an orthopaedic hospital, which was an interesting view into the medical world. I look forward to combining my academic, industrial and clinical experience to inform my work here at Lightning Health.

In my spare time I like to keep fit and during lockdown, I developed a fleeting love for knitting and a more sustained love for running. I enjoy cooking and exploring new places to eat out. I’m also very excited for live music venues to open again!

Q: What is your role at Lightning Health?

A: As an Analyst at Lightning Health, I am responsible for supporting the execution of consultancy projects that help our clients to gain on-demand insights from payer and physician stakeholders. This includes conducting both primary and secondary research, carrying out data analysis and supporting with the development of recommendations to clients.  My experience carrying out qualitative and quantitative research, in an academic and an industry environment, has equipped me with the analytical skills required for this role.

Q: Tell us more about your interests in neuroscience?

A:Having grown up with a family member who lost their speech due to a stroke, I have always been fascinated by how the brain functions. Studying Biomedical Sciences enabled me to explore this interest further and during my year in industry, I carried out a neuroscience research project in the central nervous system diseases department at Boehringer Ingelheim. Using techniques such as fluorescent and live cell imaging, I recorded neuronal activity in primary neurones and in-tact brain slices that were expressing genetically encoded fluorescent sensors. A combination of this experience and my interest in immunology led me to carry out my final year undergraduate project at Manchester’s Brain Inflammation Group. My research was underpinned by a literature review discussing the contribution of inflammasome activation and cytokine secretion to neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease.

Article published 22 June 2021.