Overview

Katie obtained her undergraduate degree in BSc Biomedical Sciences (Physiology) at Cardiff University. During her degree, she completed a Professional Training Year (PTY) placement within the Islet Biology Exeter (IBEx) team under supervision of Prof. Noel G. Morgan and Dr Mark Russell. Her PTY focused on using in vitro cell culture models to explore both the effect of anti-inflammatory cytokines on pancreatic β-cell viability and what signalling transduction mechanisms could be responsible.

Upon returning to Cardiff University, Katie completed her dissertation surrounding AMPA/KA receptor involvement in osteoarthritis using novel 3D in vitro models and in 2019, she graduated with a 1st Class BSc (Hons) degree.

Katie’s general interest is on how the pancreatic islet metabolically adapts or changes during type 1 and 2 diabetes progression.

Qualifications

• 2019: BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Physiology) with Professional Training Year (1st Class Honours)

Career

Katie’s previous experience included working within the IBEx team during her Professional Training Year (PTY) in the University of Exeter Medical School to investigate how some cytokines may promote cytoprotective effects within the pancreatic beta cell. Also, during her final year dissertation project at Cardiff University, Katie focused on how ionotropic receptor antagonism could modulate intracellular signalling pathways within a 3D, in vitro mechanical load model of osteoarthritis.  

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Research

Research interests

Katie is interested in how the pancreatic alpha cell responds and may adapt to hypoglycaemia through changes to intrinsic alpha cell signaling pathways.  This project is funded by Diabetes UK and supervised by Dr Craig Beall, Dr Kate Ellacott and Prof Noel G. Morgan.

Grants/Funding:

• Diabetes UK PhD Studentship 2019

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Publications

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