My research aims to understand why people develop cognitive decline following cerebrovascular disease, including stroke and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). I focus on the vulnerability of brain white matter and the role of glial and vascular cells, particularly astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes, in driving inflammation, tissue damage and long-term functional impairment. A key aspect of my work is to determine how localised brain injury leads to network-wide changes, including progressive white matter damage and secondary neurodegeneration in connected brain regions.

Using a multimodal and translational approach, I combine single-nucleus RNA sequencing of human brain tissue with advanced experimental models. In mice, I integrate MRI-based imaging with spatial transcriptomics to link regional molecular changes to neuroimaging readouts, alongside behavioural assessment of cognition. This enables us to better understand the molecular basis of imaging changes and disease progression. My research aims to identify new therapeutic targets within glial and vascular systems to protect brain function and reduce the risk of long-term cognitive decline.