You may have met Elliot Brooker during your neuropsychology assessment as part of testing for the AEP. Elliot is a Research Assistant at the AEP and a valued member of the Neuropsychology team - responsible for conducting neuropsychology assessments for participants and control group volunteers via our telehealth program.
Why did you choose to work at the AEP?
Working for the AEP has been a great way to learn more about, and contribute to, epilepsy research - an area that I became interested in through my current training to be a clinical neuropsychologist. I feel scientific research is one of the most powerful tools to help improve people’s quality of life, and society in general.
What do you hope to achieve at the AEP?
Through conducting neuropsychology assessments with participants, I have heard first-hand how epilepsy can affect an individual’s thinking skills, like their attention and concentration. I hope that by contributing to the AEP in this small way, we can understand more about why and how epilepsy affects cognition. With this knowledge, hopefully in the future we can better manage these difficulties for people experiencing seizures!
Proudest moment or achievement?
My proudest moment would be getting into the clinical neuropsychology PhD program that I am currently completing. It felt like all the late nights and hard hours studying paid off.
All-time favourite meal?
Curry Laksa from Laksa King is my go-to. So good and so cheap.
Current streaming recommendation?
I have been listening to the ‘Toni and Ryan’ podcast a lot lately. A short weekly podcast with two hilarious Australian comedians.
Current book you are reading?
I usually hate reading and haven’t read since high school! Though recently a friend got me on to a book called ‘The Silent Patient’ by Alex Michaelides, and I have not been able to put it down since.
What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
I know most people probably say this, but I think I would say something like, “try not worry what others think about you, just focus on being a kid because it won’t last forever”.
Who would you most like to meet? And why?
It would have to be David Attenborough, just to thank him for all his conservation work and advocacy (and to hear his voice in person!).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/David_Attenborough
Finish the following sentences:
My ideal weekend involves… coffee in the morning with a friend, an outdoors adventure during the day, then dinner and a movie with my partner.
I believe the most important thing in life is… to surround yourself with people you truly feel comfortable with, and who align with your values.
AEP Participant: Bruce Jeffrey
AEP Participant: Gary Alway
