Sanika Kulkarni
MPhil Clinical Neurosciences (Cantab), MSc (First with Distinction), BA (First)
DPhil Student
- Member of the Race Equality Working Group
About
Supervisors: Dr Andrea Reinecke, Prof Catherine Harmer, Prof Sarah Bauermeister
My DPhil focuses on the effects of the renin-angiotensin system on depression, anhedonia and reward processing.
As part of my DPhil, I am undertaking experimental medicine projects and analyses of large-cohort datasets. The experimental medicine projects focus on exploring the effects of an angiotensin II receptor blocker drug on cognition and reward processing. This drug is an antihypertensive medication, used to lower blood pressure, but it is thought to have an effect on learning and memory which are important for treatments like cognitive behavioural therapy. My research interests are to look at depression and anhedonia and enhancing the effectiveness of psychological treatments. The large cohort data analyses are focused on looking at effects of renin-angiotensin system-modulating drugs on longterm depression and anhedonia.
Bio
Prior to starting my DPhil, I completed MPhil in Clinical Neurosciences from the University of Cambridge, where I studied apathy assessments and quality of life in patients with Huntington’s disease. Before that, I completed MSc in Clinical Neurosciences from Kings College London and BA in Neuroscience and Behaviour from Wesleyan University, USA, during which I acquired lab experience with animal studies, and patient-based human psychology studies. I have done multiple internships in USA and India where I gained hands-on research experience. Besides, I am also interested in art history, languages, music, meditation, and travel.