Meet the PhD-student — Maaike van Tol
To start off, could you introduce yourself and tell us a bit about your academic background?
Hi there, I am Maaike. During my studies, I learned about the interface between chemistry, physics and biology, where the interactions of molecules govern how larger structures like cells or materials look and behave as we experience them in the real world. I especially focused on analytical methods, amongst which NMR, the basis of the MRI imaging technique, was my favorite.
Can you tell us about the project you'll be working on and what interests you most about it?
Within the Chime project, I’ll be developing and validating MRI methods for imaging the flow of blood in the brain. It’s exciting to be working with such a multifaceted technique as MRI and to be engaged with the medical field, where we are truly working towards a better understanding and better treatment of diseases prevalent in society.
What societal/medical issue does your research address?
The brain is the most important organ in the body, so when blood flow to the brain is impaired, symptoms will soon follow in accordance to the affected brain region. Stroke is arguably the most well recognized example of such an affliction, but impaired blood flow in the brain is also the cause of dementia in many patients. With my project, we aim to better understand this form of dementia, and develop methods for earlier detection of the disease.
What do you think is unique about being part of the Chime project?
The Chime project encompasses a very diverse set of people, with backgrounds in biology, physics, chemistry, engineering, psychology and beyond. In such a multidisciplinary setting, it is easy to exchange ideas and come to new insights.
What do you hope to achieve during your PhD, both personally and professionally?
Personally, I want to learn as much as I can about MRI as a measurement platform, be healthy, and balance a strong social life with effective contribution to the research field. Professionally, I want to join other researchers at the top of the field, understand the complexities of brain physiology in sickness and health, and deliver a meaningful research project which will advance current knowledge and methods in the field.
Have you had a chance to meet your colleagues yet? How has the welcome been so far?
I have! Before I’d officially started with my project, I was invited to the kick-off meeting of the consortium, where I met most of my colleagues-to-be. Since then, I’ve been happy to meet most of them again through various events at work and in casual settings.
