Alfi Raudatil Jannah
PhD in Molecular and Cellular Medicine course
Timetable of an ordinary day
Interview
I have an interest to neurodegenerative diseases and fortunately, my husband was accepted to be a PhD student in Niigata University. He told me that BRI of the Niigata University was one of the best research institutes in Japan in respect of neuroscience. I also have heard about the excellent research environment at BRI from my husband’s senior colleague who were a PhD student at BRI. This motivated me more to be part of BRI.
Tell us about the research you are currently working on.
My laboratory focuses on neurodegenerative diseases. We work on clinical and molecular genetic researches. My current research interest is around tauopathies. Tauopathies are clinically, morphologically, and biochemically heterogeneous. They are characterized by the aggregation of tau into paired helical filaments (PHFs) and neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). Using biosensor cells, my research focuses at the tau seeding capacity of certain tauopathies; comparing from one tauopathies to another and from one brain region to another using proteomic approach.
I believe that brain is the center of our body. It is a never-ending journey to understand the ways of its working. Thus, discovering something new about the brain is such a challenge for me and I am excited to do it.
What are the strengths of doing research at BRI in your opinion?
I did not have many research experiences and was anxious before starting my PhD life but all professors and the lab members are very supportive. They train me attentively and are very patient. They are also very open to any discussion. These help my research life in BRI.
Do you have any plans or challenges you’d like to pursue in the future?
In research life, things are not always going smooth. But, the research environment in BRI makes me get through it. I want to adopt the supportive research environment of the BRI to my home country, Indonesia.
I live with my husband and my son. It is always fun to play with my son after going home. I am glad that a lot of places can be visited near my apartment. Sometimes we spend the weekend at the park, river side, beach, or even the Niigata Aquarium.
What would you like to say to the people who are thinking about graduate programs at BRI?
This is the time for you to be part of BRI. Don’t be hesitated to apply at BRI. It is absolutely a precious opportunity that you must grasp. You will get a valuable research experience with an inspiring and productive atmosphere. Here, we can involve in not only the basic research but also in the clinical research.
