Ifeoluwa Oduguwa

St Cross for Africa (AfOx)

Joining us from: Nigeria

MSc in Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience (2024)

I am interested in translational neuroscience research aimed at gaining a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying neurological and psychiatric disorders, in order to develop safer and more effective treatments. I chose the MSc in Clinical and Therapeutic Neuroscience specifically for its translational focus, and I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about emerging treatments while gaining hands-on clinical research experience.

The course has allowed me to undertake two exciting research projects. In my first project, I investigated how a potential new drug for Alzheimer’s disease affects protein expression in brain cells. I gained experience with building comprehensive data analysis pipelines using the R programming language and presented an abstract based on my research at the Oxford Neuroscience Symposium.

Currently, I am working on a project aimed at understanding how viral infections contribute to a subtype of psychosis by analysing data on antibody responses to thousands of viral proteins in a patient cohort.

The community at St Cross has been warm and welcoming, and I have enjoyed speaking with people from different parts of the world who study the most unique and exciting subjects. 

Outside of my studies, I attend meetings of the Oxford C.S. Lewis Society to hear interesting talks centred on C.S. Lewis’ life and work. I also serve on the Electoral Committee of the Oxford University Africa Society, helping to conduct executive committee elections.

I am deeply grateful for the generous support of St Cross College and the Mastercard Foundation, which has made it possible for me to have this enriching academic experience. The scholarship has significantly eased the financial burden of settling down as a student, allowing me to focus fully on my studies and research.