Dr Esmee Dohle

PATHWAY TO AN ASFP POSITION

I discovered my passion for research at the University of Cambridge. I spent a year in basic science working with optogenetics and patch-clamp electrophysiology. Later, I joined the neuroimaging and stroke research group at Addenbrooke’s Hospital. We studied computed tomography (CT) perfusion markers of thrombolysis efficacy. My interest in neurotechnology grew from there, particularly in implantable brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) for patients with motor impairments. I’m excited about using technology to translate these advances into real-world impact for patients.

WHAT DOES THE WORK INVOLVE?

I have been using my academic day-release to pursue multiple research projects in neuroscience and neurotechnology. These projects have led to multiple publications and presentations at international conferences. They include:

• Decoding neurophysiological signals in implanted BCIs and deep brain stimulation devices (Oxford and UMC Utrecht, with Professor Huiling Tan and Mariska Vansteensel);
• Developing predictive models for survival in motor neurone disease (Oxford, at Dr Alex Thompson and Professor Martin Turner’s group);
• A nationwide cohort study of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) (Oxford, with Dr Alex Thompson);
• Systematic reviews about implantable BCI research and design (with collaborators at Oxford, the Francis Crick Institute and UMC Utrecht).

In addition, I co-founded a UK neurotechnology network and joined international initiatives, including the James Lind Alliance BCI Priority Setting Partnership and the Implantable BCI Collaborative Community.

I also contributed to mentoring schemes and taught clinical and academic skills to medical students.

By the end of the ASFP, I will have had one academic day a week during 12 months of my clinical rotations. The programme has been pivotal to my academic career. It has given me protected time to pursue competitive research projects and connect with international collaborators. Also, OUCAGS support and travel funding helped me present at global conferences.

WHY OXFORD?

Oxford offered the perfect environment to develop myself as an academic clinician. The access to world-class research groups, cross-disciplinary projects and the motivating OUCAGS community made it stand out. I was also drawn to the high-quality research training, especially through the OUCAGS-funded EQUATOR course and OUCAGS forums.

March 2025