Science thrives on curiosity, perseverance, and the drive to uncover the unknown. For Dr. Leeanne McGurk, a Principal Investigator at the University of Dundee’s School of Life Sciences, this journey began as a lab technician and evolved into a groundbreaking career in neurodegenerative disease research. Her work, funded by the Target ALS New Academic Investigator Grant, focuses on understanding how the enzyme Tankyrase interacts with the well-known ALS-linked protein, TDP-43—an investigation that may illuminate new therapeutic strategies for ALS and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). But beyond the laboratory, Dr. McGurk is also a champion for women in science, navigating the challenges of academia while fostering mentorship and representation.
A Novel Approach to ALS Research
Dr. McGurk’s research revolves around a fundamental question: How does Tankyrase regulate TDP-43, and could this interaction be a key to mitigating ALS pathology? “TDP-43 is an essential protein, which means we can’t simply upregulate or downregulate it without disrupting its normal functions. Instead, we need to identify other proteins that fine-tune how TDP-43 operates,” she explains. Her team’s findings suggest that inhibiting Tankyrase can protect against TDP-43 toxicity, paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions.
While Tankyrase is already a target in cancer research, its role in neurodegenerative diseases is just beginning to unfold. “One of the most attractive aspects of this research is that there are already compounds being developed to inhibit Tankyrase in the cancer field,” Dr. McGurk notes. “If we can refine our understanding of its interaction with TDP-43, we may be able to develop targeted inhibitors that prevent neurodegenerative damage without disrupting other vital cellular functions.”
However, this work is not without challenges. “Working with these proteins in vitro, ensuring they remain stable and interact as expected, requires constant troubleshooting. Every new interaction assay demands optimization,” she explains. But the resources and collaborations provided by Target ALS, including access to core facilities and a network of experts, have propelled her research forward. “Being part of the Target ALS community has helped me expand my network, form new collaborations, and think more broadly about the translational potential of our work.”
From Technician to Principal Investigator: A Journey Shaped by Female Mentors
Dr. McGurk’s path to becoming a lab leader was paved by strong female mentorship. “Throughout my career, my mentors—Professor Mary Bounds, Dr. Mary O’Connell, and Dr. Nancy Bonini—were all women in leadership positions. Seeing them at the helm of their labs and institutions made it clear to me that this was not only possible, but normal.”
Despite this, she acknowledges the broader challenges women face in academia. “Imposter syndrome is real, and I’ve struggled with it. Speaking up in a room full of peers can feel daunting. I also think women often take on more pastoral care responsibilities in academic settings, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it’s an added layer to our workload.”
One of the biggest hurdles she faced was securing funding. “When I started at Dundee, my contract required me to secure my own salary and research funding. That was my first major challenge—finding a fellowship that would fund me for five years.” Through determination and strategic grant applications, she not only secured her own position but also expanded her lab with additional funding from Target ALS.
The Balancing Act: Navigating Career and Life Choices
Like many women in science, Dr. McGurk has had to make personal sacrifices in the name of career advancement. “I delayed having a family because I knew that moving between countries for a PhD, postdoc and the my first faculty position would make it difficult. I only met my partner three years ago, after I had established my own lab.” She highlights a common, often unspoken struggle that as a woman, it can be harder to prioritize a professional trajectory if you want to build a family from a younger age at the same time.
Women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) often encounter challenges that influence their decisions regarding family planning. While specific statistics on family planning delays among women in STEM are limited, related data and research provide valuable insights. For example, a study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences found that 43% of women and 23% of men left full-time STEM employment after having their first child, indicating that parenthood significantly affects retention in STEM careers, especially for women. In the United Kingdom, where Dr. McGurk is based, women make up about 30% of the STEM workforce, with lower percentages in specific fields such as computer sciences (23%) and engineering and technology (21%). This underrepresentation can contribute to increased pressure on women to establish their careers before considering starting a family.
Advice for the Next Generation of Women in Science
For young women aspiring to lead their own labs, Dr. McGurk emphasizes mentorship and peer support. “Finding mentors you trust is key—scientific mentors, professional mentors, and those who can advise on work-life balance. And don’t underestimate the power of peer groups. Having a network of people at your career stage, where you can talk openly without senior oversight, is invaluable.”
She also advocates for formal mentorship programs, particularly those focused on women in STEM. “Target ALS and other funding bodies could develop mentorship initiatives specifically for women in science. Representation matters, and seeing more women in leadership roles helps normalize these career paths for the next generation.”
Looking Ahead
With promising avenues in ALS research and an ever-growing network of collaborators, Dr. McGurk remains excited about the future. Her work exemplifies the power of persistence, scientific curiosity, and the importance of fostering a more inclusive research environment.
By breaking barriers in both research and representation, she not only advances our understanding of neurodegenerative diseases but also paves the way for more women to take the lead in shaping the future of science.
