Sadhani Karunarathna

Imagine looking inside the brain to solve its mysteries—that’s what I do as a brain detective! I take pictures of the brain to find clues about problems like memory and movement issues, just like a detective solves mysteries.

Ever since I was a kid, I’ve been curious about the human body, especially the brain and how it controls everything. My journey started in Sri Lanka, where I studied Radiography (Medical Imaging) for my first university degree. I learned all about the amazing ways we can look inside the human body. It felt like combining science and art, and I loved it!

Next, I went to Japan to study some more. My research focused on neuroimaging, which involves taking detailed pictures of the brain to understand how it functions.

During my studies, I’ve had the opportunity to travel the world and do what I love. I’ve always had a passion for both art and science and I see medical imaging as a form of art too. It’s fascinating how science and creativity come together in this field.

Now, I’m pursuing my PhD at the Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania in Australia. My research focuses on how the brain changes with age and how these changes affect walking and cognitive function, particularly in relation to early detection of dementia—a disease that affects the brain. It’s an incredibly exciting field, and I look forward to uncovering more about how our brains work!

It’s been a challenging journey, but science has made it all possible. Remember, if you have dreams, follow them—science can lead to incredible discoveries!