Overview

My career in research and specific interest in neuroscience began at The University of Dundee while investigating the role environments play in relapse during morphine addiction under the supervision of Dr Steven Martin. During my study I was also fortunate enough to be awarded a research placement at the University of Strathclyde looking into the role of MKP-2 in cellular apoptosis with Professor Robin Plevin.

After completion of my degree at Dundee I wanted enhance my research skills in Neuroscience. I began an MSc by research in Integrative Neuroscience at the University of Edinburgh with Dr Szu-Han Wang, for which I was awarded The University of Edinburgh UK/EU Master's Scholarship. My research was to identify the behavioural events that can contribute to contextual fear generalisation, an animal model used to mirror a symptom found in PTSD, and their receptor mechanisms.

Since then I have relocated to Exeter University to undertake my PhD under the supervision of Dr Michael Craig.

Qualifications

2015 BSc (First Class Hons) Biomedical Sciences, University of Dundee

2016 MSc Integrative Neuroscience, University of Edinburgh

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Research

Research interests

My central interest is to understand the role different brain cells play in generating certain activity patterns and their contribution to health and disease. Specifically, my project is looking to decipher the role interneurons play in the disruption of slow wave oscillations that can be seen in Alzheimer’s disease. It is important to understand the cellular and circuit mechanisms that contribute to the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s as this can lead to potential therapeutics and preventative measures.

I work in the lab of Dr Michael Craig, with additional supervisors Professor Andrew Randall and Professor Vincenzo Crunelli (Cardiff University). My PhD is funded by the GW4 MRC DTP studentship.

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Teaching

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