Biography
KEY attributes
Passionate to deliver innovative research-based teaching.
Dedicated to developing strong employability skills in students through integrative methods.
Research experience in molecular and bioinformatic techniques with a focus on non-coding RNA and motor neuron disease.
Effective communication skills with publications and conference proceedings.
Able to work collaboratively across groups and establish strong relationships.
Hard-working and independent to develop and deliver work on time.
about me
I undertook my undergraduate studies at the University of Otago in New Zealand, followed by my PhD investigating the role of microRNA in the regulation of gene expression involved in long-term potentiation, the leading molecular correlate underlying memory. Following this, I sought a job here at the University of Sussex with Majid Hafezparast. As part of the Hafezparast Lab, I was interested in non-coding RNA and their potential use as biomarkers for motor neuron disease or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (MND/ALS). We have identified potential candidates that could be used to help improve diagnosis of MND and are working to identify those to predict prognosis and measure disease progression. We worked towards understanding the function of these non-coding RNA through investigating their source and their targets to understand how they may contribute to the pathology of the disease. This work was funded by the Motor Neurone Disease Association and the My Name'5 Doddie Foundation.
I have now taken on a teaching-focused lecturership in the Department of Biochemistry and Biomedicine where I aim to use my research experience and knowledge to give the skills and knowledge to the next generation of scientists so that they are able to pursue their chosen career. I am an advocate for the use of active learning and ensuring that we are embedding employability skills and knowledge into our teaching to deliver the best outcomes for all students.
Education
2021 - 2023: Postgraduate Certificate in Higher Education: University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom.
2012 - 2015: Doctor of Philosophy: University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
2008 - 2011: Bachelor of Science with Honours, First Class in Neuroscience: University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
GRANTS
2023: Investigating ATAT1-dynein interactions in motor neurons (School of Life Sciences Reviral Pump Priming)
2022 - 2024: Identification of non-coding RNA biomarkers for disease prognosis and progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Motor Neurone Disease Association)
2021: Expression of ncRNA in serum and muscle of a TDP-43 mouse model of ALS (School of Life Sciences Ewart Bequest)
2019: Identification of non-coding RNA-based biomarkers in cerebrospinal fluid (University of Sussex RDF10)
2018 - 2024: Sussex RNA Network - RNA Salon (RNA Society)
awards and scholarships
2014: Helen Rosa Thacker Scholarship for Neurological Research
2012: Maurice and Phyllis Paykel Trust QMB ncRNA Student Speaker Award (First)
2015 - 2015: University of Otago Doctoral Scholarship
2011 - 2012: Department of Anatomy Summer Research Scholarship
2010 - 2011: OSMS Summer Scholarship
2007: Freemasons Lodge Fendalton Good Citizenship Award
Professional Memberships
2023 - Current: Fellow of the Higher Education Academy
2018 - Current: Member of the RNA Society
2017 - 2023: Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy