Meet the researcher: unravelling the mysteries of brain development
5 August 2026
Understanding how the brain develops is one of the biggest challenges in neuroscience.
At the Hodge Centre for Translational Neuroscience, PhD researcher Olivia Squire is investigating the origins of neurodevelopmental disorders, helping to build a clearer picture of how conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and schizophrenia emerge during early brain development.
Olivia's research aims to uncover the biological pathways that different neurodevelopmental disorders have in common, with the long-term goal of informing more effective treatments and support.
Understanding the developing brain
Neurodevelopmental disorders can affect people in very different ways but many of these conditions may share common roots in how the brain develops before birth.
Olivia said: "All neurodevelopmental disorders – including autism, ADHD and schizophrenia – begin with how the brain develops before birth. Although these conditions can look very different in everyday life, they actually share a lot of overlap in how early brain development goes off-track.
"My work tries to understand what’s happening in the developing brain, why it happens, and how these early changes might lead to the challenges people experience later in life.
By studying models of these disorders, I hope to understand what happens in the developing brain, why these changes occur and how they may contribute to challenges experienced later in life.
Building knowledge for better treatments
Diagnoses of neurodevelopmental disorders have increased significantly in recent years, yet treatment options remain limited for many individuals.
Olivia believes that a deeper understanding of how these conditions arise could eventually open the door to more targeted interventions.
"Hopefully, by understanding how these conditions begin during brain development in the first place, we can eventually create better more targeted treatments. This could give people with these conditions more options, and access to better treatments if they so wanted.
Life at the Hodge Centre
For Olivia, no two days are the same at the Hodge Centre for Translational Neuroscience.
"There isn't really a typical day - some days I'm glued to my laptop analysing data, others I'm in meetings with researchers or industry partners. But most days I'm in the lab troubleshooting experiments to try and understand how the developing brain works."
This variety is one of the aspects she enjoys most about research, providing opportunities to combine practical laboratory work with data analysis, collaboration and problem-solving.
Staying motivated through challenges
Experiments do not always go to plan, and scientific progress can often be slow. However, a genuine passion for discovery helps keep Olivia motivated.
"At the heart of it, I genuinely enjoy what I do. Even on the rougher days, being interested in the science makes it easier to pick yourself back up."
She also credits the supportive community around her for helping her navigate the inevitable challenges of research. "Having friends around who can laugh with you and weather the same chaos plays a huge part."
Looking ahead
Over the next few years, Olivia hopes to complete her PhD, publish her findings and continue exploring new research opportunities around the world.
" I hope to finish my PhD, publish my work, and travel as much as possible. One of the best parts of this job is getting to visit new places for conferences and collaborations. I’d love to work abroad one day to experience research, and life, in a completely different environment.
“I hope my work will one day contribute to a broader understanding of neurodevelopmental disorders and help shape future approaches to care and treatment.
"I'd like my research to help build a clearer picture of how neurodevelopmental disorders arise in the developing brain - even adding a small piece to the puzzle would be a win. A better understanding of these conditions can help shape more tailored, research-informed and, ultimately, more effective support for those who seek it."
Advice for aspiring scientists
Reflecting on her own journey into research, Liv has a simple but important message for anyone considering a career in science: "Things will go wrong – all the time. And that's completely normal. Learning to be comfortable with that is one of the hardest lessons when starting out."
Thanks to Olivia for sharing her experiences at the Hodge Centre for Translational Neuroscience.
