Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Sam de Kater and I am currently a PhD candidate in Synaptic Physiology/Molecular Neurophysiology at the Donders Institute and Radboudumc. I studied Biomedical Sciences and Neuroscience and Cognition in Utrecht and have now been working on my research into sex differences in brain development and how these influence autism for a year. I’m involved in mentoring first- and second-year Biology students and am also active in the ‘Neurons & Synapses’ course. I’m also involved with the BrainHelpDesk (https://brainhelpdesk.ru.nl/), where I work with other researchers to answer questions about the brain!
Why did you choose to work in this field?
Interestingly enough, I already knew before I chose my bachelor’s degree that I wanted to go into neuroscience. So my bachelor’s degree was mainly a means to that end. I already knew that I was more interested in the biology of the brain than in psychology, so that’s how I ended up studying Biomedical Sciences. I find it fascinating to explore conditions and phenomena that are ‘vague’ to many people and then be able to explain them biologically. How is it that someone with autism becomes overwhelmed so quickly, for example? I’m conducting research into how neurons communicate with one another in order to help answer questions like that.
What are you currently doing your own research on?
I am conducting research into the differences in brain development between men and women in order to contribute to the multidisciplinary puzzle of why men seem to be diagnosed with autism more frequently than women. In addition to the fact that the diagnostic process for autism differs for women (which other groups in my consortium are working on), there are also many biological indications that may explain why women are diagnosed with autism less frequently. One of the most prominent theories in the field is that testosterone increases susceptibility to developing autism, in both men and women! I am investigating the molecular signalling pathways that underlie this.
What advice do you have for students making their study choice?
This choice doesn’t determine the rest of your life! It’s good to think it through carefully, but if you choose to specialise in something now, that doesn’t mean you won’t be able to focus on a different field later on. For example, I know lots of people who started out in psychology and have now moved more towards biology, or vice versa!
What do you enjoy most about working with students?
I really enjoy being able to support students in their learning journey, both personally and professionally. Your time at university is a period when you experience a lot and develop as a person; it’s wonderful to see people grow!