How to Make a Neuron: Alumna Sparks Curiosity

We were delighted to welcome back alumna Marion Thompson (Roper’s 2020) to speak to students in Alleyn’s BioMed Society and share insights into her exciting journey into biomedical research.

Marion’s talk, How to Make a Neuron, explored part of her Research Masters project at UCL. Using fruit flies, her work focused on understanding how neurons are formed and identifying the targets of key transcription factors—a line of research that could pave the way for future treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and neural damage.

While many scientists are motivated by the potential medical applications of their work, Marion explained that for her, her passion comes from the desire to understand why things work – for example, the incredible journey of how a single cell develops into a fully formed human being.

Thank you, Marion, for inspiring the next generation of Alleyn’s biologists. We wish Marion the best of luck next year when she will begin her PhD and we can’t wait to see where research takes her next!