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Indrakshi Dey discusses the link between her research and societal benefits with Silicon Republic

Posted: 22-11-2024

Tags:

  • Press
  • Research
  • Walton News

Original article can be found here

Increasingly, scientists are coming to understand the impact of modern environments on human health. For Dr Indrakshi Dey, studying the links between factors such as pollution and artificial light, and the contraction of non-communicable diseases is “urgent” in today’s society.

Her research “addresses the growing and often overlooked link between environmental stressors and non-communicable diseases, such as ocular and dermatological conditions”, she explains.

Dr Indrakshi Dey, Head of Division, Walton Institute

“By linking the outcomes of my research to tangible societal benefits – such as improving healthcare outcomes through non-invasive diagnostics or understanding the effects of pollution on human health – I make the work more relatable to the general public.”

Dey is head of the division for programmable autonomous systems in the Walton Institute in Waterford at South East Technological University (SETU).

She completed a MSc in wireless communications at the University of Southampton in the UK and a PhD in electrical, electronics and communications engineering at the University of Calgary in Canada.

She has worked at a number of institutions including Trinity College Dublin and Maynooth University, and was a Marie Skłodowska-Curie Fellow at the Connect Research Centre for Future Networks and Communications.

‘My passion lies in pushing the boundaries of science and technology while fostering collaboration and mentorship within the academic community’

Tell us about your current research.

Currently, I am beginning a project called ENACT funded by Horizon Europe, which investigates the impact of air and light pollution on pre-clinical markers of non-communicative ocular and dermatological diseases.

This research emerged from growing concerns about environmental stressors such as artificial blue light and UV radiation, and how they contribute to conditions such as retinal degeneration, skin cancer and other non-communicable diseases.

The 42-month project will focus on how prolonged exposure to these pollutants accelerates oxidative stress and inflammation in both ocular and skin cells.

The project will incorporate AI-driven approaches to predict and monitor the progression of these conditions non-invasively. We are using cutting-edge techniques such as Bayesian modelling and Transfer Learning through Space-Time Graph Neural Networks (ST-GNN) to analyse the causal pathways between environmental factors and disease progression.

The research aims to offer early detection methods that can be more accessible and predictive, providing insights not only to healthcare professionals but also to public health planners and insurance providers.

In your opinion, why is your research important?

The potential impact of this research is significant. By developing non-invasive, AI-powered prediction and monitoring tools, we can shift from reactive to proactive healthcare. Early detection means patients can receive timely interventions, potentially preventing the progression of debilitating conditions.

Additionally, the environmental data collected can inform public health policies and urban planning, helping mitigate the root causes of pollution-related health issues.

This research could lead to more effective strategies for reducing the incidence of these diseases, ultimately improving the quality of life for many people while reducing healthcare costs globally.

To read more about Indrakshi Dey’s career, what inspires her and challenges she faces read the full article on Silicon Republic.