Aleya graduated from the University of Sheffield in 2019 with a BSc in Biomedical Science and in 2020 with an MSc in Clinical Neurology. Within her university career she has undertaken notable projects such as her undergraduate dissertation observing the effect of Nav1.7 channel overexpression on the motility of non-metastatic cancer cell lines with experience in cell culturing, transgenesis, and immunofluorescence.
Additionally, her postgraduate thesis observing the early phenotypic changes in the BAC-C9ORF72 mouse model wherein a novel model for motor neuron disease and frontotemporal dementia (MND/FTD) is thoroughly scrutinized to elucidate any early phenotypes that can predict future disease progression. As part of her degrees, she has encountered a large variety of unique areas including complete human body dissection, Herceptin receptor testing with breast cancer samples, and forensic anatomy involving a forensic facial reconstruction using a model skull.
With a breadth of experience working and volunteering with the NHS for over 5 years, involvement within neurological clinics inspired an interest in the relationship between disorder severity and mental health. Additionally, experience within NHS laboratories performing infrared spectroscopy on blood samples, observing histopathological procedure and diagnosis, and being part of multidisciplinary meetings.
Aleya is passionate about science communication, previously writing and editing pieces for the University of Sheffield science news blog (PH7), and being part of the widening participation and recruitment team for the department of Biomedical Science and the Department of Neuroscience, working with pupils of all ages to introduce them to the relevance of scientific knowledge and to inspire future generations of all backgrounds to pursue higher education.
Currently, she is working with Lighthouse Labs to perform PCR tests for the COVID-19 testing effort from July, working tirelessly with colleagues to average 40,000 samples processed per day (and counting) to improve the protocol and increase output. She works mainly in RNA extraction, working with senior staff to solve the issue of the most time-consuming step in the testing process.
Outside of scientific activities and pursuits, Aleya loves to experiment creatively with drawing traditionally, digitally, and create via embroidery and needle felting.