PhD Funding for Spinal Cord Injury Research
Donation protected
Anything donated above my £12,000 target will go to the Spinal Research Charity
Who Am I?
In 2017 I graduated from Heriot-Watt University with an Honours degree in Biological Sciences. I then attended the University of Glasgow where I graduated with a Master’s degree in Medical Genetics and Genomics in 2018. I’m now studying for my PhD at the University of Aberdeen.
What do I do?
In 2019 I was awarded the Elphinstone PhD Scholarship from the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen to conduct novel research into spinal cord injury, central neuropathic pain. The Scholarship covers my academic fees but does not cover my living expenses. Hence my crowdfunding appeal, seeking sponsorship for a Stipend for the next one year of my research into one of the most important and debilitating complications of spinal cord injury – neuropathic pain!
What is my role?
I am a member of a research team lead by my supervisors, Dr Wenlong Huang and Professor Colin McCaig, exploring novel research that could result in effective treatment for spinal cord injury central neuropathic pain.
What is my research aiming to treat?
Central neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition that afflicts patients who have suffered a variety of traumatic injuries to the central nervous system, namely spinal cord injury. It is estimated to affect over half of all patients having suffered spinal cord injury and pain experienced by patients can include continuous or spontaneous bouts of sensations akin to burning, stabbing and/or electric shock.
What will the benefits be?
Central neuropathic pain can endure in patients for years after the initial injury, often becoming a chronic condition. Current treatments are considered ineffective and do not address the underlying issues. An effective means of addressing this condition and its causes would seriously improve the quality of life for spinal cord injury patients.
My research project began in October 2019, and since then I have been working full-time to establish the initial phases of my research. I am enjoying every moment of my work here, as the topic and intentions are both well-meaning and engaging. I have received a lot of help from my supervisors and colleagues, which has greatly contributed to my laboratory practices. The national lockdown has impacted my progress to-date, but my colleagues and I are back in the lab and resuming our important work.
How can you help?
Any donation, small or large, will help to support me during my research, and will be gratefully received. I will personally thank everyone who donates to my appeal.
Anything donated above my £12,000 target will go straight to the Spinal Research charity, which is the UK’s leading charity, funding research around the world to develop effective treatments for paralysis.
Thank you for your support.
A little more about me
These days, in my spare time, I enjoy martial arts and have a black belt in Karate and have taught Jiu-Jitsu to students at the universities of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt. Following the Covid-19 pandemic lock-down, I now teach online Jiu-Jitsu fitness classes twice a week. I also enjoy cycling, running, and reading.
Links for more information
Spinal Injury Research at the The University of Aberdeen
(ASIR) Aberdeen Spinal Injury Research [Facebook]
Spinal Research Charity
Publised Article: Aberdeen Press & Journal: Tremendous Potential For Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Thanks To Aberdeen University Research
Published Article: Evening Express: Breakthrough for Spinal Injuries As Aberdeen University Experts Find New Way To Repair Nerves
Who Am I?
In 2017 I graduated from Heriot-Watt University with an Honours degree in Biological Sciences. I then attended the University of Glasgow where I graduated with a Master’s degree in Medical Genetics and Genomics in 2018. I’m now studying for my PhD at the University of Aberdeen.
What do I do?
In 2019 I was awarded the Elphinstone PhD Scholarship from the School of Medical Sciences at the University of Aberdeen to conduct novel research into spinal cord injury, central neuropathic pain. The Scholarship covers my academic fees but does not cover my living expenses. Hence my crowdfunding appeal, seeking sponsorship for a Stipend for the next one year of my research into one of the most important and debilitating complications of spinal cord injury – neuropathic pain!
What is my role?
I am a member of a research team lead by my supervisors, Dr Wenlong Huang and Professor Colin McCaig, exploring novel research that could result in effective treatment for spinal cord injury central neuropathic pain.
What is my research aiming to treat?
Central neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition that afflicts patients who have suffered a variety of traumatic injuries to the central nervous system, namely spinal cord injury. It is estimated to affect over half of all patients having suffered spinal cord injury and pain experienced by patients can include continuous or spontaneous bouts of sensations akin to burning, stabbing and/or electric shock.
What will the benefits be?
Central neuropathic pain can endure in patients for years after the initial injury, often becoming a chronic condition. Current treatments are considered ineffective and do not address the underlying issues. An effective means of addressing this condition and its causes would seriously improve the quality of life for spinal cord injury patients.
My research project began in October 2019, and since then I have been working full-time to establish the initial phases of my research. I am enjoying every moment of my work here, as the topic and intentions are both well-meaning and engaging. I have received a lot of help from my supervisors and colleagues, which has greatly contributed to my laboratory practices. The national lockdown has impacted my progress to-date, but my colleagues and I are back in the lab and resuming our important work.
How can you help?
Any donation, small or large, will help to support me during my research, and will be gratefully received. I will personally thank everyone who donates to my appeal.
Anything donated above my £12,000 target will go straight to the Spinal Research charity, which is the UK’s leading charity, funding research around the world to develop effective treatments for paralysis.
Thank you for your support.
A little more about me
These days, in my spare time, I enjoy martial arts and have a black belt in Karate and have taught Jiu-Jitsu to students at the universities of Edinburgh and Heriot-Watt. Following the Covid-19 pandemic lock-down, I now teach online Jiu-Jitsu fitness classes twice a week. I also enjoy cycling, running, and reading.
Links for more information
Spinal Injury Research at the The University of Aberdeen
(ASIR) Aberdeen Spinal Injury Research [Facebook]
Spinal Research Charity
Publised Article: Aberdeen Press & Journal: Tremendous Potential For Spinal Cord Injury Treatment Thanks To Aberdeen University Research
Published Article: Evening Express: Breakthrough for Spinal Injuries As Aberdeen University Experts Find New Way To Repair Nerves
Organizer
William MacIntosh-Smith
Organizer
