Trainee Advanced Therapy Scientist

• Mar 2022 - Present

Honorary Researcher

• Jan 2020 - Mar 2021

Conducted an optogenetic study to identify the anti-epileptic properties of a novel cellular candidate for restoring GABAergic inhibitory networks in the epileptic hippocampus, the neurogliaform (NGF) interneuron, in in vitro Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) models. Key techniques: optogenetics, patch clamp electrophysiology, python programming Conducted an optogenetic study to identify the anti-epileptic properties of a novel cellular candidate for restoring GABAergic inhibitory networks in the epileptic hippocampus, the neurogliaform (NGF) interneuron, in in vitro Temporal Lobe Epilepsy (TLE) models. Key techniques: optogenetics, patch clamp electrophysiology, python programming

Mathematics Tutor

• Jul 2017 - Jan 2020

Conducted individual and group mathematics classes for key-stage 3 pupils and those preparing for GCSEs and A-Levels (Edexcel, AQA and Cambridge qualifications). In this role I played an active role in the academic development of pupils to achieve a 100% pass rate with many securing A* and A grades (numerical grades 9, 8 and 7 at GCSE level) Conducted individual and group mathematics classes for key-stage 3 pupils and those preparing for GCSEs and A-Levels (Edexcel, AQA and Cambridge qualifications). In this role I played an active role in the academic development of pupils to achieve a 100% pass rate with many securing A* and A grades (numerical grades 9, 8 and 7 at GCSE level)

Research Intern

• Jul 2019 - Sep 2019

Assessed the role of perturbed TDP-43 autoregulation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Frontotemporal Dementia (ALS-FTD) pathogenesis Key techniques: Site-directed mutagenesis, neuronal cell culture, cell fractionation, western blotting Assessed the role of perturbed TDP-43 autoregulation in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis-Frontotemporal Dementia (ALS-FTD) pathogenesis Key techniques: Site-directed mutagenesis, neuronal cell culture, cell fractionation, western blotting

Undergraduate Researcher

• Jan 2019 - Aug 2019

Utilised a chemogenetic approach to successfully map the excitatory (glutamatergic) and inhibitory (GABAergic) neuronal projections from the brainstem oral mesopontine reticular formation (PnO) to key regions involved in mammalian sleep-wakefulness control including the Ventral Tegmental Area, Preoptic Area and Lateral Hypothalamus. The results of this in vitro project will be further used in the identification of novel targets for sedatives and anaesthetics, providing a deeper understanding of how these drugs may modulate network activity at the cellular and network levels.

Scientific Research Assistant

• Jun 2018 - Sep 2018

Studied a potential therapeutic approach to Dominant Optic Atrophy (DOA), a rare form of neuropathic blindness (in vitro and in vivo models). My work aimed to identify how the X protein of the Borna Disease Virus (BDV) can elicit neuroprotective mechanisms during DOA in the context of retinal ganglion cell and optic nerve degeneration as a result of mutations in the OPA1 gene encoding a key mitochondrial fusion protein. Areas of focus: perturbations in mitochondrial fusion/fission dynamics and their influence on neuronal homeostasis (optic nerve) during DOA, synaptic plasticity, axonal regeneration, neuroprotection, retinal degeneration and cortical integrity. Key tasks undertaken: genotyping, neuronal cell culture, cryosectioning, immunohistochemistry, western blotting, protein/cell quantification, statistical analysis.