Hi reddit! My name is Karen Mifsud. I’m Senior Research Associate at the University of Bristol in the Neuro-Epigenetic Research Group. Our current research is investigating how the brain copes with stress. I am specifically interested in the molecular changes that occur in the brain to facilitate adaptive behavioural responses, as a mechanism for coping with stressful situations. This area of research is really important so we can identify impairments in these processes that may mediate the development of stress-related diseases such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression and Anxiety. For more information about our research please look here. Given that April is Stress Awareness month I thought it would be a perfect time to take part in an AMA session. I am happy to answer questions on my research, how animals are used in science, careers in science etc. so ‘Ask me Anything!’ I’ll be back to asnwer your questions at 10am ET/3pm GMT. AMA! This AMA has been organised by Understanding Animal Research and The Physiological Society. Edit 2: Thank you for all the questions and I’m sorry I did not get round to answering you all. Many of you have asked how you can cope better with stressful situations, well, after this hour long increase in my stress levels I will be attacking my easter egg stash to facilitate an appropriate recovery 