Kathryn Step | Africa
My name is Kathryn, and I am a GP2-funded PhD student at Stellenbosch University, South Africa. My research focuses on association studies aimed at identifying susceptibility variants for Parkinson’s disease (PD) within underrepresented African populations. I am particularly interested in utilizing these findings to develop risk prediction models that can aid in early detection and intervention of PD.
Being part of the GP2 Trainee Network has provided me with incredible opportunities for collaboration, access to resources, and the chance to learn from a global community of researchers. I am passionate about advancing PD genetics research, especially within African cohorts, to ensure greater representation in global studies.
As an African Trainee Representative, I aim to connect trainees in the region with the resources and support they need to thrive. Please feel free to reach out with any questions – I’d be happy to assist or collaborate with you!
Yasser Mecheri | Africa
My name is Yasser Mecheri. I work as a neurology lecturer at Constantine 3 University, Algeria, and I hold a Master’s degree in Genetics. I am a GP2-funded PhD student aiming to study the genetic architecture of Parkinson’s disease in the North African population, with a focus on monogenic forms and potential risk factors.
Joining the GP2 Trainee Network has been one of the most impactful experiences in my career. It has allowed me to connect with other researchers who share similar interests and to receive outstanding mentorship and guidance. I have really benefited from the resources, learning activities, and research opportunities offered through the network.
As an African Trainee Representative, my goal is to help other trainees integrate into the network activities and take full advantage of the learning and collaboration opportunities available. Please don’t hesitate to join our wonderful and growing community – I would be thrilled to hear from you and assist in any way I can.
Lucas Faria | Latin America
My name is Lucas Faria, and I am a GP2-funded PhD student in Bioinformatics at the Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Brazil. I hold a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and a master’s degree in Bioinformatics, also from UFMG. My research focuses on understanding the dynamics of admixture in admixed populations and investigating its impact on complex phenotypes such as Parkinson’s disease (PD).
I learned about GP2 through Dr. Thiago Peixoto, a postdoctoral fellow bioinformatician in the Mata Lab, led by Dr. Ignacio F. Mata. This connection introduced me to the valuable resources and collaborative environment GP2 offers to researchers working on PD genetics. If you are based in Latin America and would like to learn more about GP2 or discuss bioinformatics topics, please feel free to reach out to me.
Elías Fernández Toledo | Latin America
My name is Elías, and I am a movement disorders neurologist at the University of Concepción, Chile. I am beginning a GP2-funded PhD in Applied Science to Adult Health at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil.
Throughout my training, I developed a keen interest in genetic diseases, though access to genetic studies in Chile has been limited. I joined GP2 through Dr. Paula Saffie, the former Latin American Trainee Representative. GP2 has provided valuable learning opportunities and enabled me to integrate genetic research into the PD population I serve. Currently, I am the principal investigator for the LARGE-PD (Latino Genetic PD) study, and my PhD research focuses on genetics and ancestry within a highly indigenous and underrepresented population.
As a Trainee Representative in Latin America, I invite anyone interested in GP2 training opportunities to connect with Lucas and me. We are here to support trainees in the region and facilitate access to GP2’s resources and collaborative network.
Tay Yi Wen | Asia
I am Yi Wen, a PhD student in Malaysia, located within the Southeast Asia region (SEA). There is limited research on PD genetics in SEA, resulting in underrepresentation of Asian populations in PD genetics studies. Our group, led by Prof. Lim Shen-Yang at the University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, has been actively collaborating with GP2 since 2021.
Through this collaboration, I learned about the GP2 Trainee Network, where clinicians, researchers, and graduate students worldwide collaborate to advance our understanding of PD genetics. GP2 provides extensive training resources, with valuable lectures and learning materials on bioinformatics that benefit all trainees. Through this network, I aim to connect and unite Asian trainees working on PD genetics to enhance Asian representation in this field.
We are happy to welcome trainees from this region, so please do not hesitate to contact us via email or the GP2 Slack channel!
Vesna M. van Midden | Central Europe
Hi, my name is Vesna, and I am a neurology resident from Ljubljana, Slovenia, and a neuroscience PhD Student at the University of Ljubljana. While my PhD research focused on using transcranial magnetic stimulation, motion sensors, and fMRI to assess a novel intervention for advanced Parkinson’s disease, neurogenetics has always been a keen interest of mine, leading me to join GP2 in 2023.
Since joining, I’ve benefited from the program’s incredible resources, mentorship, and collaborative network, which have greatly enhanced my understanding of PD genetics. Currently, I am leading a GP2-funded project under the mentorship of Dr. Niccolò Mencacci, and supported by a collaborative network spanning multiple countries.
As a Trainee Representative for Central Europe, I am passionate about fostering collaboration to advance PD genetics research in the region. GP2 has been transformative for both my professional and personal growth, and I am eager to help others benefit from this network. If you are based in Europe and have questions or want to get involved, feel free to reach out – I’d be happy to assist!
Alexandra Zirra | East Europe
My name is Alexandra Zirra. I am from Romania and I am currently based in London, training as a doctor, on my way to becoming a neurologist. My interest in research led me to work on PD in the highly diverse East London population with Professor Alastair Noyce at Queen Mary University of London.
This is how I discovered GP2 and the GP2 Trainee Network, and all the great opportunities they offer for training and collaboration. As the Eastern Europe Trainee Representative, I would love to share these opportunities with other trainees. Do get in touch if you are a trainee in Eastern Europe!
Victor Flores-Ocampo | Australasia
My name is Victor, and I am a GP2-funded PhD student at QIMR Berghofer in Brisbane, Australia, enrolled at the University of Queensland. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Genomic Sciences from UNAM in Mexico. My research focuses on identifying genetic variants associated with familial Parkinson’s disease in individuals from underrepresented backgrounds.
I first joined GP2 as a trainee during the final year of my bachelor’s degree, working with the Mexican Network for Parkinson’s Disease Research. Being part of the GP2 Trainee Network has been crucial for my career, as it allowed me to secure funding for my PhD and connect with incredible researchers and students with whom I now collaborate. Through my day-to-day work and the training resources provided by the network, I have learned a lot and have even had the opportunity to contribute to teaching.
I’m always happy to welcome new trainees interested in getting involved in Parkinson’s disease research in Australia or New Zealand. Feel free to reach out if you’re interested!
