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Meet the AEP team – Johann Wise

August 14, 2023
AEP team member

What is your role at the AEP?
I am an MRI Research Radiographer.

AEP participants undertake an MRI scan of their head as part of their testing for the AEP. An MRI scan uses a superconducting magnet and radiofrequency waves to take detailed cross-sectional images.

We conduct high resolution neuroanatomical, functional and diffusion imaging acquisitions as part of the AEP imaging protocol using cutting edge imaging equipment and techniques.

Why the AEP?
Being able to use my experience and expertise in MRI to acquire the highly specialised imaging datasets for the AEP, is very rewarding.

Knowing that I can play a small part in changing the lives of those with lived experience of seizures means a lot to me.

What do you hope to achieve?
To be able to provide a comfortable and superior MRI experience whilst acquiring high quality imaging for all participants, is of utmost importance to me.

Proudest moment/achievement
Completing my Master of Medical Imaging Science whilst working full-time through the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

All-time favourite meal?
My mother’s special Sri Lankan crab curry is quite the dish!

Current streaming recommendation?
Severance- I’ve found it to be a very intriguing series.

Current book you are reading?
The Brain That Changes Itself – Stories of Personal Triumph from the Frontiers of Brain Science, Norman Doidge, MD

What advice would you give your 12-year-old self?
Try your very best in everything you apply yourself to and be happy with the end result whatever it may be.

Who would you most like to meet, or have met?
As a sports enthusiast and a foodie - Michael Jordan or Gordan Ramsay, would be pretty cool.

Finish this sentence… I believe the most important thing in life is… family, friends and surrounding yourself with positive, like-minded people.

AEP Participant: Bruce Jeffrey

It was the day before his birthday, in February 2022, when Bruce experienced his first seizure during the night. “I was completely unaware of what was happening and only gained consciousness in the ambulance.”

AEP Participant: Gary Alway

Gary has been living with epilepsy for almost three decades. In his early 20s his epilepsy was fairly-well managed with medication, and his seizures were rare. But then everything changed. He began having multiple seizures and blackouts every day, culminating in a car crash nine years ago, caused by a seizure.

AEP Participant: Fiona Waugh

Fiona didn’t experience her first seizure until 34-years-of-age and after a further two tonic clonic seizures in as many days, she was diagnosed with epilepsy. “Since diagnosis I’ve remained drug-resistant with a high frequency of seizure activity. But I’ve always had a desire to try and get on top of it, which has led me to make some big treatment decisions over the years.”