Risavarshni Thevakumaran is a second-year Master's student working with David Rudko.
What inspired you to pursue your current degree?
When I finished my Bachelor’s in Biomedical Engineering, I knew that I wanted to go into medicine or graduate research. In the end, I choose to pursue a master’s degree focusing on neuroimaging because I thought it was a great way to apply and expand the skillset from my Bachelor’s and explore academia too. I have also carried a passion since high school to study neuroanatomy and neuropathology.
What about neuroscience and your research area excites you?
Neuroscience is a fascinating field since it encompasses various research areas, from neuroimmunology to neuroimaging, and involves collaboration among researchers with different skillsets and backgrounds. More specifically, what excites me about magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain is its versatility. There are several MRI methods available as of now and more are still being developed that can be leveraged to identify pathological features specific to neurological disorders.
What challenges do you find in your research and how do you try to overcome them?
As a first-generation female student of colour who comes from a low-income household, I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome and questioned my place in academia. I used to overwork to prove to myself that I do belong in neuroscience research community. After a great deal of self-reflection, I realized that I had to overcome a lot of obstacles to achieve this path and am well worthy of it. Building self-confidence as a researcher is a lifelong process and self-love is so important. And of course, my supervisor has always made me feel that I truly belong here!
Describe your research and the implications of your project.
I am currently developing an MRI pulse sequence sensitive to inhomogeneous magnetization transfer ratio (ihMTR) in human brain tissue. This is a quantitative MRI metric that is highly specific to myelin due to its unique sensitivity to phospholipid chains attached to myelin in human brain white matter. I am applying ihMTR to better assess the diffuse cortical myelination patterns and lesions in ex-vivo Multiple Sclerosis (MS) brain tissue. Findings from this study will be ultimately used to image and characterize cortical myelin damage in patients having Relapsing-Remitting MS (RRMS) and Secondary Progressive MS (SPMS).
What are three of your favourite activities outside the lab?
Digital portrait sculpting (sculpting human busts using a 3D digital sculpting tool such as ZBrush) and listening to podcasts are two of my favorite hobbies. A lot of my free time goes towards writing blogs and designing graphics to document human rights abuses in Sri Lanka, focusing especially on the state terrorism and systemic genocide experienced by the Eelam Tamil community in Sri Lanka.
What is one important thing you have learned during the pandemic?
Self-care is pivotal to our success and well-being. Taking time for self-reflection and pursuing hobbies have undoubtedly improved my mental health. I have also stayed connected with my family and friends during the pandemic, which has been an ordeal for all of us.
