Sophie Prosolek
“Hello I'm Sophie. I'm a PhD student at the University of East Anglia, studying for my PhD at the Quadram Institute.
I research how several different bioactive compounds in broccoli can potentially promote metabolic health in human cells. I use cell culture methods (that's cells grown in petri-dish) to test how broccoli-derived, sulfur-containing compounds affect the way that human cells derive their energy from fats and sugars; basically, I'm exploring what happens to human metabolism after the consumption of broccoli, in a simplified model reduced to one cell type and their response to individual, naturally occurring plant chemicals under standard conditions. I love my research because what I do has potential implications for anti-cancer and anti-diabetic dietary therapeutics, either for "nutriceutical" development or as a whole-food approach to health.
I'm lucky because my research is an extension of a lifelong passion for healthy food, though my relationship with food hasn't always been great. I was diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder in 2016 at a time when, upon reflection, I was suffering with manic-driven orthorexia (among other things). It hasn't been easy dealing with hypomania or depression during my PhD - not least due to the natural highs and lows of the job. It's been extremely hard to communicate how I feel and what I need with my colleagues, not least because I'm also suspected to have Asperger Syndrome (not diagnosed, I have enough labels!). A lot of people call me brave for speaking about my experience as a neurodivergent human being; but honestly I'm not brave I'm just me. This is my lot in life and I'm making the best of it, taking opportunities were I can and trying to live my neurodivergent life to the full.“
Instagram: @theinfraredrum
Twitter: @infraredrum
