Trishalee Gungoosingh
Meet Trishalee Gungoosingh, a Research Assistant in the Simões Group. Trishalee studied Pharmacology at UCL before gaining her Master's degree in Integrative Neuroscience at the University of Edinburgh. She joined the Simões lab in 2022 where she researches the role of macrophages in the regenerating zebrafish heart.
Can you give a brief overview of your career trajectory so far?
I moved from Mauritius to the UK to pursue my undergraduate studies in Pharmacology at UCL. I then did my Master’s in Integrative Neuroscience at the University of Edinburgh. My research project there was to investigate how glioblastoma-derived extracellular vesicles affect microglia in zebrafish larvae in Dr Dirk Sieger’s lab. This experience underscored how important the crosstalk between immune cells and their surrounding microenvironment is, which encouraged me to pursue this field of research. I then joined the Simões group as a Research Assistant in October 2022, where I am now working on the role of macrophages in the regenerating zebrafish heart.
What is your research focus?
Our lab is interested in the role of macrophages in heart regeneration in zebrafish. What truly makes zebrafish a powerful model is the significant genetic conservation it shares with humans, while simultaneously having stark differences, including its ability to regenerate various tissues. In my project, alongside with other members of the group, I am investigating the heterogeneity within macrophages and other immune cell populations in heart regeneration and how this is shaped by their cellular niches. This can shed light on how these immune cell populations mediate the balance between fibrosis and regeneration. To do this, we are using single-cell RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics. By understanding how immune cells contribute to cardiac regeneration, it can inspire therapeutic strategies to enable the recovery of contractile function in heart-attack survivors.
What has been your highlight this past year at the IDRM?
The IDRM retreat last September was good fun. It was nice to be away and get to socialize with everyone in a different setting. The karaoke was definitely the highlight!
How have you contributed to IDRM life?
I have enjoyed participating in the events organized in the building, such as the book club and the Halloween movie night. It is always nice to do something different and meet more people in the building. I also usually enjoy going to the seminars and attending the lunch with the speaker.
What do you look forward to most this year?
I will be moving to London this September to start a PhD in Neuro-Immune Interaction at King’s College London and, while I am sad to be leaving the IDRM, I am very excited for this new chapter!
What do you do outside of the lab/Institute?
I have been dancing salsa and bachata for some time now, which I really enjoy. Other than that, you will find me spending time with friends/family, binge-watching sitcoms or reading.