HeLLO, it’s me,
Ribana.
Exploring the Human Mind
Through
Science, Storytelling and Community
I bring together neuroscience, personality, and lived experience to translate complexity into something more human and understandable.
WHAT I’VE JUST DONE
CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO WATCH PRESENTATION
One exciting milestone was presenting at BCUR 2026 in Glasgow this April.
Why One Size Can't Fit All
Creative Systems Thinking on Stress and Wellbeing in the Era of Gene Editing
Abstract
Human wellbeing emerges from dynamic interactions across the gut–immune–endocrine–brain axis, yet these systems are often examined in isolation. By moving beyond single triggers toward a cumulative, context-dependent model of regulation, science can gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying physiological dysregulation.
This project adopts an integrative systems-level approach, synthesising evidence from epigenetics, microbiome science, and neuroplasticity. To examine regulatory mechanisms experimentally, the presentation outlines a proposed CRISPR–dCas9 (CRISPRi/a) framework for tunable modulation of gene expression in human-relevant neuronal models (e.g., iPSC-derived neurons). Using exemplar stress- and neuroregulatory genes such as SLC6A4 (serotonin transporter) and NR3C1 (glucocorticoid receptor), the approach demonstrates how reversible transcriptional up- or down-regulation can be used to investigate stress-sensitive pathways without permanent genomic alteration. Anticipated outcomes include measurable shifts in downstream inflammatory and plasticity-related signalling, highlighting how small regulatory changes can scale into broader system effects.
To bridge the gap between complex molecular biology and public understanding, the presentation also employs a structured science-storytelling framework, conceptualising biological identity as a "garment." While the fabric (genetics) is inherited, the fit and durability (wellbeing) are shaped by how environmental stressors alter the weave over time.
The central aim is to underscore that dysregulation rarely arises from a single "thread," but from systemic shifts across interconnected biological networks. Framing health as a dynamic and personalised process, this work invites audiences to view human flourishing as a continuous personalised dialogue between biology and biography.
GET STARTED
connect you to the biology behind the story. Explore the science that sits beneath the metaphor .
From gene regulation and stress biology to iPSC-derived neurons and personalised wellbeing.
iPSC-Derived Neurons
Advantages and Applications for Studying Human Gene Regulation, Stress Biology, and Personalised Wellbeing
Ribana Cristescu
WHAT I VALUE THE MOST
Representation
I act with intention, integrity, and awareness.
Interdependence
I value meaningful connection and collaboration.
Belonging
I create spaces where people feel seen, heard, valued.
Accountability
I aim high and follow through on my commitments.
Networking
I support shared growth and opportunity.
Action
I am a visionary who turns ideas into reality.
I am a mature Cognitive & Clinical Neuroscience student, aspiring science communicator, and community builder.
From the inside out, we are systems within systems. We are not designed to thrive alone, but as part of interconnected systems where connection and integration allow us to grow and reach our potential.
I see human development as a journey from dependence to independence and ultimately to interdependence . The space where we function at our best.
Community isn't just a word; it’s where we grow.
I am currently honoured to serve the Westminster community in these key roles:
- School Community Representative of Social Sciences: Advocating for academic excellence and student rights.
- Student Representative of the Genetic Modification Committee: Ensuring student voices are heard in high-level university governance and ethical oversight.
- President of Edible Artistry: Leading a society that blends creativity with community impact.
I believe that when we support community growth, our own growth becomes a natural outcome.
#WEAREWESTMINSTER
First Wet Lab Experience in Brain Tissue Staining
From slides to staining to microscopy — a full hands-on experience working with brain tissue from start to finish.
Amazing to see how everything we learn in theory translates into real structures under the microscope.
Definitely one of those moments where science feels real.
Ask Me Anything
IDEAS I TURNED INTO ACTION
One of the most encouraging moments in my journey was receiving early support through Westminster’s student innovation community.
Digital Career Lab was awarded:
£500 WeNetwork Funding
£500 Ignite Funding
These opportunities reminded me that student ideas deserve visibility, support, and space to grow.
They also helped make the launch possible — because turning ideas into reality requires not only effort, but the resources to build and sustain them.
Building Creative Community: Edible Artistry Society
Alongside my academic journey, I founded the Edible Artistry Society at Westminster — a student-led space where creativity, connection, and wellbeing come together.
We explore baking and decorating not simply as food-making, but as an art-therapy-inspired practice — using ingredients such as sugar, chocolate, and cereal to create safe modelling pastes, decorations, and expressive projects.
Sometimes we eat what we create.
Sometimes we simply create for the joy of it.
We also promote healthier and free-from approaches, supporting students and community members with allergies, medical conditions, or cultural and religious dietary needs.
As a charitable, student-led society, our aim is to bring creativity into spaces where it can truly make a difference — supporting children, adults, and communities who benefit from creative expression as a pathway to calm, confidence, and purpose.
Our workshops bring students from different courses and campuses into a relaxed environment where networking happens naturally — through shared laughter, creativity, and making something beautiful together.
Where creativity becomes community — and edible art becomes wellbeing.
Finding My Academic Direction
Back home, I searched everywhere for a way to deepen what I had discovered.
And then, to my surprise, I realised that my own university — my academic home — held something extraordinary:
Gene Editors of the Future, founded and led by Dr Kalpana Surendranath.
I signed up for updates, and when registration for Iteration 5 opened, I received an email from Dr Kalpana in my inbox.
That moment felt like a door opening.
What followed is .. history as they say ..
And if you’re curious to see what that journey became, you can explore it here:
“Imagination can take you everywhere.”
— Albert Einstein
My NeuroGenetic Studentjourney
How It All Started
In 2023, I made a decision that felt almost impossible at that time:
I chose to return to education after many years away — to begin again, not because it was easy, but because learning still mattered deeply to me.
I applied to several courses, and when the offers arrived, one path immediately felt right: Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience.
Why Westminster?
It’s difficult to explain purely logically.It was more than a choice — it was a feeling of belonging.
From the very beginning, something unexpected happened:
Every time I heard the words “We Are Westminster,” I felt a quiet sense of pride… and yes, even goosebumps.
I still do.
I’ve learned so much from the mentors and experiences life has placed in my path.
Not as a master, but as a messenger — carrying those lessons forward.
When knowledge is shared, its impact multiplies.
That is the spirit behind everything I do: paying forward what I’ve been fortunate to receive.
The Genetics Spark— Istanbul, Summer 2025
In 2025, I attended a summer genetics course in Istanbul.
And after nearly four decades of not opening a genetics book, I felt something wake up instantly.
It was more than interest.
It was recognition.
This is my thing.
Especially when linked to neuroscience, human differences, and the future of personalised healthcare.
That moment reminded me: it’s never too late to discover what truly excites your mind.
GETTING INVOLVED AT WESTMINSTER
Being part of the Insights Programme has helped me think more deeply about purpose, confidence, and how we shape our futures , not just academically, but personally and professionally.
Having the privilege of being named an IFI Champion also gives me the opportunity to share this journey through content creation, feedback, and reflection after each session.
As a School Rep, I’m grateful to be involved in different university activities and student-led initiatives.
University is built from moments — learning, laughter, teamwork, and shared purpose.
I’m also proud to have completed the Westminster Award (Platinum level), which supported my development through extracurricular engagement and reflection
An Invitation to Make Your Journey Visible
This profile page is not just about me.
It’s not here to show off.
It’s here to show what becomes possible when you give your journey a visible space.
Every student collects meaningful things along the way:
- a project you’re proud of,
- a skill you worked hard for,
- a moment of courage,
- an opportunity you said yes to.
But so often, these achievements get scattered — lost in forgotten folders, old emails, or memories that never get shared.
A digital profile helps you bring them together.
Not for perfection.
But for clarity.
So you can say: this is what matters to me, and this is what I’m building.
A journey doesn’t pause after a milestone.
I’m a student. Still learning. Still building. And I don’t plan to stop.
Because that’s the spirit of university life — always becoming.
And if you’re thinking, “I wouldn’t even know where to start…” — don’t worry.
I didn’t either.
But step by step, it becomes easier than you imagine.
If you’re an undergraduate student and want help building your digital profile, I’d love to support you.
Thank you for visiting this space.
I hope it reminded you that your journey deserves to be seen — and that it’s never too early (or too late) to begin building.
Until next time…
With the same empowering shiver down my spine, I say:
#WeAreWestminster 
Some of the content on this page contains some music by: Bensound
License code: PPPHNUBZMXCDD6BA
Artist: : Benjamin Tissot
