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PhD student developing cutting-edge biosensors for heart failure prevention
A UCL PhD student from India is working on breakthrough biosensing technology to improve early diagnosis of cardiac amyloidosis.
18 October 2024
Seerat Sekhon is currently pursuing a PhD at UCL's Electronic and Electrical Engineering department, working at the intersection of biosensing and healthcare innovation. Collaborating with the Amyloidosis Centre at the Royal Free Hospital, Seerat's project focuses on creating a point-of-care microsystem aimed at the early detection of cardiac amyloidosis, with a long-term goal of translating this technology into wearable sensors. Originally from India, Seerat completed a Bachelor's in Chemistry at St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi, and later pursued an Erasmus Joint Master’s Degree in Biomaterial Sciences across Europe.
What course are you studying?
I’m a PhD student interested in biosensing advances for heart failure prevention. I’m based at UCL’s Bioelectronics research group and work in collaboration with Amyloidosis Centre at Royal Free Hospital. My project aims to develop a point-of-care microsystem that can facilitate early diagnosis for cardiac amyloidosis patients, with a larger objective to be translated into a wearable sensor. The project is further funded by the UK's Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC).
Where were you based before moving to London?
I’m from India and did a bachelor’s in chemistry from St. Stephen’s College, University of Delhi, which was supported by a meritorious scholarship (INSPIRE) from the Government of India’s Department of Science & Technology. Intending to transition towards applied sciences, I graduated with an Erasmus Masters Joint programme degree (EJMD) in Biomaterial Sciences (BIOPHAM), funded by the European Union. The degree spanned across four universities: University of Pisa & Scoula Normale in Pisa, Universitat Polytechnic de Catalunya in Barcelona, University of Silesia in Katowice and ETH Zurich; offering respective specialisations in material science, engineering physics, biosensing & biophysics.
Why did you choose your course?
Having pursued my master’s thesis at ETH developing aptamer-based biosensors, I could see myself advancing state-of-the art technologies in early and affordable diagnosis. A research direction regarding developing a device that could continuously monitor circulating biomarkers in biofluids popped up as an EPSRC-funded PhD project under Prof Demosthenous’ supervision. Considering the multidimensionality of the project, I knew I would love to take that direction up for my PhD. I therefore applied, was interviewed for the same and was fortunate enough to get that position.
What do you most enjoy about studying in the Electronic and Electrical Engineering department?
Three things: the beyond-helpful administrative staff, office tea and the view from the department’s Marconi Room. Not to forget the gorgeous flat white coffee you can get from one & only Cullen Room!
How do you find living in London?
I would say, empowering. London is grand, it has avenues for every kind of persona and you can locate spaces where you belong. London has challenged me in ways beyond my conception, be it forging a relationship with myself, or Blank Street’s blueberry matcha nearby in the heart of the city. For me, London is navigating towards Roberts building, having a chai latte at Momo’s Cafe or running across Reagent’s park, towards Primrose Hill. It’s about the pottery sessions at the Institute of Making, Columbia Road Flower Market on Sundays and gardening in Russel Square on Saturdays. I recall cycling to Richmond along the Thames Path as one of the most liberating experiences. Camping in Epping Forest is next on my list :)
What is UCL like as an international student?
UCL is one of the most dynamic and diverse academic settings I’ve found myself surrounded by. It accepts you the way you are and provides avenues to discover who you want to be. It’s a perfect academic space where I have experienced the intersection of my becoming & belonging. What I love about UCL is a culture of sharing, be it your fears or achievements, a culture of help & support, a culture of understanding and acceptance – no matter where you are from.
What do you think about career opportunities, networking and any other support you have received so far?
I’m six months into my PhD and I’ve realised the very nature of this journey will be long, uncertain and challenging. I was inducted into UCL’s research environment via UCL Doctoral School and they organise multiple events for doctoral students Festival of Early Career Researchers and Doctoral Showcase to name a few. As a PhD student based at EEE, such exchanges introduced me to UCL researchers beyond the Faculty of Engineering and have helped me to forge meaningful collaborations that have informed my biosensor development via patient insights. Further, there are courses designed specifically for PhDs to develop their skills under a research development framework designed by the doctoral school. I have further attended a range of entrepreneurship training programs run by the UCL Innovation & Enterprise unit, which has empowered me to envision the translation of my scientific insights to clinical settings.
Where would you like to be in 5 years?
I hope I continue to live by my ‘If not you then who?’ philosophy and be more engaged in translating diagnostic innovations to patients in low- & middle-income countries. I further see myself being more engaged in scientific research translation, accessibility and education. I hope that by the next five years, I can complete a marathon, camp by a volcano, and learn how to do handstands!
What advice would you give to others thinking of applying to the Electronic and Electrical Engineering department?
To live is to take a chance. I firmly believe that things which are meant for you will not pass by: be it people or opportunities. My one piece of advice would be to believe in the process, don’t be afraid to reach out to people or to ask for advice on your applications. It will only happen as you manifest it. Having said that, specifications for grades, research output etc have been explained on EEE’s official website for each specific degree. Reach out to the support email address if you’ve any queries regarding the eligibility criteria or the process. For prospective PhD candidates, there are EPSRC and UKRI-funded projects advertised annually in December each year. Alternatively, you can mail a Research Faculty and discuss your specific research ideas, and maybe write a prospective grant application together.
If you could pick one electronic or electrical item that has had the most impact in the world, what would you choose and why?
BIOELECTRONICS - the merger of electronics with biological systems, where a bioelectronic device transduces signals from the biological system to electrical signals - is very promising and can revolutionise disease management and diagnosis in the coming decades. Advances in bioelectronics have resulted in vital biomedical devices, such as blood glucose sensors, cardiac pacemakers, and deep-brain stimulators and I am so excited for what this field has in store for the future of healthcare.