Read more about the journey of our Alum, Aditya Balkrishna Umarjikar - who is now a Doctoral Researcher at University Hospital Essen, Germany.
I am a Doctoral Researcher at The Universitatsklinikum Essen affiliated with the University of Duisburg-Essen, investigating how the cerebellum contributes to reinforcement learning. My research involves utilizing ultra-high field 7T fMRI at the Erwin L. Hahn Institute to study neural mechanisms and applying reinforcement learning modelling to understand cognitive processes. I collaborate with cross-functional teams, including neuroscientists, and clinicians, to bridge the gap between theory and application. Through this work, I aim to advance our understanding of how the cerebellum specifically contributes to learning, decision-making, and how its impacted in neurological disorders.
As a Doctoral Researcher, my day is a blend of experimental design, data analysis, and collaboration. I work on designing paradigms to investigate how the cerebellum contributes to reinforcement learning, ensuring they align with both theoretical frameworks and practical constraints. Conducting experiments, including fMRI sessions with 7T imaging, is a key part of my routine, followed by extensive data analysis.
In addition to hands-on research, I stay up to date with the latest developments through literature reviews, which help refine my hypotheses and methodologies. Regular meetings with cross-disciplinary teams, including neuroscientists and clinician, provide valuable insights and keep our research aligned with broader scientific goals. Every day is dynamic, combining technical challenges with intellectual exploration, making the research journey both stimulating and rewarding.
After graduating from the University of Birmingham, I was eager to gain more hands-on research experience before pursuing a doctoral position. I had the opportunity to work for nearly two years as a Research Associate with the esteemed Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras), which played a crucial role in shaping me as a researcher. During this time, I honed my skills in computational modelling and neuroscience research, collaborated with leading experts, and deepened my understanding of reinforcement learning—an experience that significantly strengthened my academic profile.
When I decided to transition to a doctoral role, I researched institutions and labs that aligned with my interests in cerebellar neuroscience and reinforcement learning. The application process involved tailoring my research proposals, highlighting my work at IIT Madras, and demonstrating how my experience made me a strong candidate.
Navigating visa requirements was an important consideration, and I ensured that my prospective institution could support my work authorization. Networking played a vital role—I connected with researchers in my field, attended conferences, and reached out to potential supervisors to explore available opportunities.
Ultimately, my time at IIT Madras, combined with my academic background from Birmingham, provided a solid foundation that helped me secure my current doctoral position. The journey required persistence, adaptability, and strategic planning, but each step was invaluable in shaping my career path.
The University of Birmingham provided me with a strong foundation in neuroscience, cognitive science, and computational modelling, which are central to my current research. My MSc thesis under Dr. Stephen Mayhew was particularly impactful, as I worked with fMRI data, mastering various analysis toolboxes like CONN, SPM, FSL, and AFNI. This experience enhanced my ability to critically evaluate methods, refine data pipelines, and develop rigorous research approaches—skills that are invaluable in my current work with 7T fMRI and reinforcement learning modelling.
Additionally, working at the Skilled Action & Memory Lab (Kornysheva Lab) provided hands-on experience with EEG and MEG data analysis, further strengthening my technical expertise. The emphasis on critical thinking, independent research, and interdisciplinary collaboration at Birmingham helped me develop a problem-solving mindset, preparing me for my current doctoral position.
The combination of coursework, research experience, and mentorship at Birmingham laid a strong foundation for my career, equipping me with both the technical and analytical skills needed for advanced neuroscience research.
The University of Birmingham’s support services were extremely helpful in guiding me through my career journey. The Careers Network played a crucial role in helping me navigate key challenges such as drafting an effective CV, refining job applications, and networking with the right people in my field.
One of the Career Advisors helped me tailor my CV appropriately for research positions, identify relevant opportunities, and build meaningful professional connections. This support was instrumental in shaping my approach to career planning and ultimately helped me secure positions at IIT Madras and my current doctoral role.
The personalized guidance and career resources at Birmingham made a significant difference, ensuring I was well-prepared for the transition from university to research.
No Shortcuts – Avoid seeking quick fixes; instead, embrace the process of deep learning and skill-building.
Endure the Hardships – Hard choices, easy life. Easy choices, hard life. Challenges are inevitable, but pushing through them builds resilience and long-term success.
Spend Time in Isolation for New Ideas – Creativity and deep thinking often come in solitude. Take time to reflect, think critically, and develop original ideas.
AI is a Tool, Not a Crutch – A BIG NO to AI until you have fully grasped the concepts from the ground up. Learn the fundamentals first, and only then use AI to assist your thinking.
Think Long-Term – Always focus on long-term rewards rather than short-term gratification. However, progress starts with small steps, so celebrate each milestone along the way.
Research is a Marathon, Not a Sprint – Breakthroughs take time. Patience and perseverance are key to meaningful discoveries.
Intentions Don’t Matter, Actions Do – Integrity in your work and life is non-negotiable. Being ethical is challenging, but it’s the foundation of true success. Always uphold ethical standards, no matter the situation.
Gratitude and Loyalty Matter – Stick with the people who have supported you and always be grateful. The returns are immeasurable, both personally and professionally.
The best things about my course at the University of Birmingham were its intensity and strong research focus, which pushed me to develop a deep and rigorous understanding of neuroscience and computational modelling. The curriculum was well-structured to prepare students for cutting-edge research and technological innovations, ensuring we stayed ahead in a rapidly evolving field. I particularly appreciated the emphasis on methodologies and hands-on experience, especially working with EEG, and fMRI (under Dr. Stephen Mayhew), which provided invaluable practical exposure. The faculty were incredibly supportive and understanding, creating an environment that fostered both intellectual and personal growth. The interdisciplinary approach encouraged collaboration across neuroscience, psychology, and computational sciences, broadening my perspective. Most importantly, the course trained me to think critically, question existing knowledge, and refine ideas, skills that continue to shape my research career today.
My biggest achievement during my course was undoubtedly my thesis, but what made it truly significant was the series of small achievements that led up to it. From mastering EEG and MEG data analysis at the Skilled Action & Memory Lab (Kornysheva Lab) to gaining hands-on experience with fMRI under Dr. Stephen Mayhew, each step contributed to my growth as a researcher. Learning to work with various fMRI analysis toolboxes (CONN, SPM, FSL, AFNI), critically evaluating methodologies, and independently troubleshooting challenges built the foundation for my thesis. The ability to apply rigorous critical thinking, develop research ideas, and execute them with precision was a culmination of these incremental milestones.
UoB Alum, Aditya, talks about his time at the University of Birmingham and his experiences since graduating.
