Research and Teaching
Research interests
Here you will learn about my research background and interests.
I come from a Microbiology and Immunology background. During my PhD (Brendan Kenny Lab, Newcastle University). I investigated the mechanisms that pathogenic E. coli causes diarrhoea. This led me to become interested in the host cytoskeleton, where I began work looking at the role of adhesions and actin during cell migration (Higgs Lab, Dartmouth). My work here provided some exciting insights into the mechanisms behind these phenomenon in healthy as well as cancerous cells. From this, I become increasingly interested in the role of the cytoskeletal networks during cancer metastasis, leading me to work with the Zech Lab (UoL).
My research publications can be found here.
I am not including them directly here, as their is more to me than publications.
I have a few years' old "First Person" article here also.
Cell migration and invasion
Cell adhesion
Tumour microenvironment
Cytoskeleton
If you are not from a science background, the above might not mean much to you. My research interests are around the skeleton of the cell (the Cytoskeleton). Like the skeleton of our bodies, the Cytoskeleton acts to give our cells structure and shape, and allows our cells to move. The Cytoskeleton is an extremely important of the cell (like the skeleton of the body); it is connected to the cell's environment through adhesive-structures. This allows the cell to respond to changes in the environment (for example, if oxygen is reduced). The cell can respond to these changes by altering its function, which can be mediated by the cytoskeleton.
In terms of cancer, it is known the Cytoskeleton plays a critical role in the progression of the disease. I am interested in the role of the cytoskeleton and the interaction with the environment, as cancer develops.
A cartoon model of how cells can detect their environment (extracellular matrix, also called ECM). The Adhesion structures span the cells membrane. The adhesion structures are directly linked to the cytoskeleton, which in turn is connected to the nucleus. The cytoskeleton can change the behaviour and function of the cell.
Teaching experiences
I have recently taken on a permanent role as lecturer at University of Liverpool in the MCCM department. Here, I work on the Biomedical Sciences Degree and Cancer Biology and Therapy MSc.
If you are an UG or PG interested in working with me for your research projects, please feel free to reach out!
My teaching philosophies are discussed in this video below.