Q&A with 3MT GradResearchLive! Winner Pegah Safavi, Ph.D. Candidate

How did you hear about 3MT (GradResearchLive!) at UK?

I first heard about the 3MT competition at UK through an email announcement. The idea of summarizing my research in a concise and engaging way caught my attention, and I was intrigued by the challenge it presented.

 

Did someone encourage you to participate?

Yes, after being awarded Third Place in the 2023 Spring "1-Minute Poster Pitch Competition" at the University of Kentucky, I participated in the Fall 2024 Monday Bootcamp 1.0 - Flowmeter Tech. During the bootcamp, the mentors and judges encouraged us to present our ideas and provided insightful feedback. A heartfelt thank you to Warren Nash and Mariam Gorjian for their unwavering support and guidance. I also want to thank my advisor, Professor Guoqiang Yu, for his support. Additionally, I am grateful to my husband and family who have always encouraged me to follow my dreams.

 

Can you explain the core idea behind your technology in simple terms?

The core of my technology is a wearable, fiber-free sensor that continuously monitors blood flow in the brain. This is especially helpful for detecting changes in blood flow that could indicate neurological issues, like those seen in Alzheimer’s disease, at an early stage.

 

How does your technology support healthcare professionals in identifying early signs of Alzheimer’s?

By monitoring cerebral blood flow, our sensor provides insights into the brain’s vascular health, which can be an early indicator of Alzheimer’s. If blood flow patterns start to show signs of deterioration, healthcare professionals can potentially intervene earlier, giving patients a better chance at managing the disease’s progression.

 

How did your uncle’s experience with Alzheimer’s shape your research?  

My uncle’s journey with Alzheimer’s had a profound impact on me. Witnessing the gradual decline in his cognitive abilities made me realize how crucial early detection is. It inspired me to dedicate my research to creating tools that can help families detect Alzheimer’s sooner and make informed decisions about care.

 

In what ways do you think it could impact families and individuals dealing with Alzheimer’s? 

Early detection could mean the difference between years of independence and faster disease progression. For families, it provides a window to prepare and manage care effectively. My hope is that our technology can offer reassurance and improved quality of life for both patients and their loved ones.

 

How do you hope your work will influence the future of Alzheimer's research and treatment?

I hope my work will pave the way for more noninvasive and accessible methods for monitoring brain health. If we can make early detection more widespread, it opens up the possibility for interventions that could delay or even prevent the onset of Alzheimer’s.

 

Do you plan to continue working in Alzheimer’s research, or are you interested in exploring other areas?  

I’m very committed to Alzheimer’s research, but I’m also interested in broader neurological applications. I see potential for my technology to aid in other areas, like stroke or traumatic brain injury, so I’m excited to explore those avenues too.

 

What does this achievement mean to you personally and professionally?

Winning the 3MT is incredibly rewarding. Personally, it’s a validation of my efforts and the dedication I’ve put into my research. Professionally, it’s opened doors to share my work with a wider audience, and I hope it will lead to collaborations that bring this technology closer to practical use.

 

What was the most challenging part of summarizing your work in just three minutes?

The hardest part was distilling complex research into language anyone could understand while still capturing its significance. Finding the balance between simplicity and accuracy in such a short time frame was challenging but incredibly rewarding.

 

How did winning the 3MT impact your confidence, and what are your thoughts about moving forward in the competition circuit to represent UK?  

Winning has boosted my confidence significantly. It’s encouraging to see that people connect with my research, and I’m looking forward to representing UK in further competitions. I’m excited to keep sharing my work and learning from the incredible researchers around me.

 

What would you say to students who are on the fence or unsure about participating next year?

I would say go for it! Participating in 3MT is a unique opportunity to develop your presentation skills and think critically about how to communicate your research effectively. It's challenging, but also incredibly rewarding. You gain valuable experience, meet other passionate researchers, and potentially open doors to new opportunities. Plus, it's a lot of fun! So, don't hesitate—take the leap and showcase your hard work and dedication.

 

What advice or words of encouragement do you have for seniors considering graduate school?  

My advice is to stay curious and be open to challenges. Graduate school can be tough, but it’s also incredibly rewarding. Don’t be afraid to dive into complex problems—this is where true learning and growth happen. And remember, finding supportive mentors and peers can make all the difference.