I am a senior postdoctoral research associate with ten years’ experience of elucidating disease mechanism and developing novel drug, protein, viral and stem cell therapies.
· MBiochem Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, Oxford University
· PhD Stem Cell Gene Therapy, University of Manchester
· 10 years of successful translational research, developing therapies for rare disease and age-related disorders, with 2 now in clinical trial
· Extensive experience of leadership, driving personal and collaborative research projects resulting in publication and funding
In 2006 I obtained a degree in molecular and cellular biochemistry (MBiochem) at the University of Oxford, I then moved to the University of Manchester and gained research experience working on chimeric receptor T-cell immuno-therapy at the Paterson Institute before starting my PhD in haematopoietic stem cell gene therapy in 2008. In January 2012 I completed my PhD and continued working as a post doctoral research associate in the same group until the end of 2012.
From 2013 until 2015 I worked as a post doctoral research associate in the group of Professor Tony Day, in the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix research at the University of Manchester. I determined the effect of age, environment and genetics on the Bruch’s membrane and identified pathways involved in age-related macular degeneration (AMD) pathogenesis, utilising transcriptomics and cell models.
From 2016 to 2018 I worked as a senior post doctoral research associate in the group of Professor Yvonne Alexander and Dr Fiona Wilkinson at Manchester Metropolitan University. I utilised endothelial colony forming cells (stem/progenitor cells) to understand the epigenetic influence of diabetes and ulcers on metabolic and angiogenic functions and evaluated the effect of stress and disease (systemic lupus erythematosus) on the number, function and miRNA content of endothelial microvesicles.
From 2018 I am a senior post doctoral research associate in the laboratories of Dr Stephen White at Manchester Metropolitan University and Professor Martin Humphries in the Wellcome Trust Centre for Cell-Matrix research at the University of Manchester. The aim of my current research is to define the mechanisms of normal and pathological force sensing by endothelial cell adhesion complexes. Using this information, we will determine the consequences of targeted interventions on endothelial detachment as a potential therapeutic strategy for atherosclerosis.