Graduate-Entry Medic Elena Andree Wins Prestigious Award for her Research on Alzheimer’s

Alongside her graduate-entry medical studies, Elena Andree (2024, Graduate Entry Medicine) is involved in research exploring imaging in neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Earlier this year, while attending the International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) conference in Cape Town, South Africa, Elena’s research was recognised with a prestigious award.

ISMRM is one of the world’s leading conferences in MRI research, bringing together clinicians, scientists, engineers, and industry leaders working at the forefront of medical imaging. This was Elena’s first ever academic conference, which she attended with support from Pembroke’s George Bredin Travel Fund.

As well as meeting experts in MRI and neuroradiology from around the world, which Elena describes as “an invaluable experience for someone early in their research career,” she had the opportunity to present her own work to other researchers in the field.

Her research about cerebral blood flow changes in Alzheimer’s disease earned her a prestigious Magna Cum Laude Merit Award, given to Trainee members whose abstracts score in the top 15%. 

“One of the most interesting aspects of the conference,” Elena reflects, “was learning about emerging developments in MRI technology, particularly the growing role of AI in advancing medical imaging and improving diagnostic capabilities. I also found the discussions around MRI in resource-poor settings especially inspiring, with many clinicians focusing on innovative ways to make advanced imaging more accessible globally.”
Outside of the conference, Elena had the opportunity to explore Cape Town’s hikes, trails and mountainous coastline. 

She shares: “Attending ISMRM was an incredible opportunity. This would not have been possible without the support from Pembroke and the George Bredin Fund – thank you for supporting my research and making this unique experience possible!”