Graduate Feature: Hina Shaheen

Introduction

We asked our current Graduate students to tell us a bit about themselves and what kind of things they are researching.  Below is an overview of Hina Shaheen's work. It is expected that the coupled multiscale models developed in her thesis will provide insight into disease origin and progression and a better understanding of the key mechanisms underlying the dynamics of the pathological brain.

Name: Hina Shaheen

Program: Ph.D. in Mathematical and Statistical Modelling

Educational Background: MSc in Applicable Mathematics, University of Greenwich, London, England

Current Project/Thesis/Field of Study: Multiscale Modelling of Brain Networks and the Analysis of Dynamical processes in Neurodegerative Disorders

Tell me about yourself and how you became passionate about your field of study?

I possess an MSc degree in Applicable mathematics from the University of Greenwich London, England and a BS (Honours) degree in mathematics from Comsats university Pakistan. After completing a Masters’ degree supplemented by one year of international experience, I have developed a refined set of personal, academic and professional goals. I got distinction in my master’s thesis and passed courses with merit. When I graduated from Comsats, I earned the Gold Medal for class topper who best combines academic achievement with the overall contribution to school life.

I have always been fascinated by my mathematical studies and, having a flair for the subject, there was never any doubt that I would choose mathematics as a degree. I relish the challenge of problem-solving that mathematics provides. There are several goals that I hope to achieve upon completing my Ph.D.

Provide a brief overview of your research.

The objective of my thesis is the development of novel multiscale brain network models in studying the properties of important biological that span several spatial and temporal scales, potentially yielding new insight into the key aspects of brain networks in health and disease. Among other factors, our special attention is given to brain electrical activity as an important characteristic of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD), cortical spreading depression (CSD), and Parkinson’s disease (PD).

To date, within the structural model framework, we have analyzed the CSD propagation in the brain considering the reaction-diffusion type and a complex neuronal model comprising of ionic currents and ionic pumps. We have proposed a novel model for Alzheimer's A𝛽 accumulation based on calcium-dependent exosome release from astrocytes. In the context of PD, we have considered the optimization of the deep brain stimulation procedures which have been proven to be an established neuromodulation method to deal with PD symptoms. Moreover, we are investigating a co-simulation method of a spiking network model for subcortical areas in and around the basal ganglia and link it with mean-field network models for each cortical region in the context of brain networks. Finally, we will investigate the aforementioned models under systems-based approaches in modelling of NDDs and, when applicable, provide uncertainty quantification.

It is expected that the coupled multiscale models developed in my thesis will provide novel insight into disease origin and progression and a better understanding of the key mechanisms underlying the dynamics of the pathological brain.

Publications: https://scholar.google.ca/citations?hl=en&user=suyojzgAAAAJ

What one piece of advice would you give to other students interested in pursuing graduate studies?

Mathematics is a pivotal subject on which so many other depends. To get the most out of your graduate degree, you will be asked to perform personal research in addition to established study themes, to develop your views and ideas on something very important to you. For successful study and research, strong work ethics, discipline, attention, efficiency, and professionalism are all required. "PG studies entails a lot of hard work and devotion. Having a life outside of school is equally crucial. The greatest students strike a balance in their life, working hard but still enjoying their time at university."