Devashree Vakil | Meet Our Researcher Series

Devashree Vakil is a PhD student at CHeBA, with a special interest in stem cell research and its potential therapeutic and regenerative effects on neurodegenerative diseases. With a Master of Science, her research focuses on mesenchymal stem cell exosomes, tiny but powerful biological messengers, as a therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease. Devashree is a proud recipient of the Josh Woolfson Memorial Scholarship and hopes her research will help transform Alzheimer’s from a life-altering diagnosis into a treatable condition.

How did you first get into research?

That’s an interesting story. I was fascinated by doctors from a very young age - I grew up very close to my great-grandmother, who lived until she was 99 years old. Once she had a fall and broke her hip and had to be hospitalised. I was still quite young at the time, but I remember being captivated by the doctors and how knowledgeable they were. As I grew older, I began to notice something else - while doctors could treat symptoms, they couldn’t always explain exactly what was happening inside the body or why a full recovery wasn’t possible for certain patients. When I asked those questions, someone told me that it would take a scientist to truly understand the precise mechanisms behind what was happening inside the human body. That idea stuck with me. 

Did you experience a ‘defining moment’ which led you to this field?

Do you have any personal interests or activities which are protective behaviours against cognitive decline?

I’m a commercial musician in my spare time. I sing and I’m currently learning to play the keyboard. I already know how to play the Indian harmonium (hand-pumped reed wind instrument with a keyboard one side), where one hand pumps to produce sound while the other plays the keys. Now I’m learning to play the keyboard in the Western style, using both hands. I’ve also read that engaging with music can be therapeutic and may help protect against cognitive decline, which makes this pursuit both enjoyable and meaningful.

What are you currently researching?

I am currently engaged in translational research aimed at developing therapies for Alzheimer’s disease, which currently has no cure. Using a mouse model with the goal of future translation to humans, my work investigates whether stem cell derived factors – specifically nano-sized bioactive particles with known therapeutic potential, called extracellular vesicles (EVs) – can improve outcomes. I administer these factors to mice and then assess cognitive and behavioural changes to determine whether they can counteract the cognitive decline associated with Alzheimer’s.

Why is your research important?

I really want to make a difference to people’s lives. I want to do something that doctors can’t always do, and that’s why research is so important to me. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to give it up – at least not for as long as my body lets me.

What do you love about working for CHeBA?

One of the things I love about CHeBA is the constant support available at every step – reminding me a bit of Harry Potter, where there’s always someone to turn to at Hogwarts especially when the path gets complicated. My journey hasn’t always been straightforward; I had to change supervisors early on. Thankfully Dr Anne Poljak and Professor Perminder Sachdev stepped in as my co-primary supervisors, with Dr Saeed Shanehsazzadeh as my secondary supervisor. I’m incredibly grateful for their guidance, and everyone on our team has been so kind, welcoming and supportive throughout.

What is the ultimate hope you have for your research?

My ultimate hope is that this work will one day make a real difference to human life. I hope that stem cell EVs gain the recognition they deserve for their therapeutic potential by contributing to truly regenerative treatments in the future. Stem cell–based approaches should meaningfully improve quality of life for people living with Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s disease.

Devashree Vakil is a PhD student at CHeBA with a special interest in stem cell research and its potential therapeutic and regenerative effects on neurodegenerative diseases. She completed her Master of Science at Penn State University, USA, and is currently pursuing a PhD at the University of New South Wales Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, focusing on mesenchymal stem cell exosomes as a therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer’s disease.