Greater Glasgow Area
I am a cell biologist currently researching new treatments for improving wound closure and healing in normal and diabetic skin. I am more widely interested in dermatology, gap junctions and ovarian physiology. Specialties: 3D tissue culture, molecular and cellular techniques, microinjection, confocal microscopy
My current research focuses on gap junction proteins (connexins) and wound healing, examining the roles of connexins, pannexins, fibrosis and apoptosis in diabetic wound healing. I maintain translational connections with Zealand Pharma, and am CI of the GCU Skin Research Tissue Bank. I am also moving into the area of skin fibrosis in diabetes where interactions between connexins and the ECM are thought to play a role. I teach cell and molecular biology at undergraduate and postgraduate levels and supervise a PhD, MD student and Research Technician, as well as MSc and BSc Hons lab projects. I am an active member of the Scottish Skin Biology Club, which brings dermatologists and scientists together, the BSID, ESDR, ETRS, BSCB and Biochemical Society. I co-organised the UK Gap Junction Conference 2014 and am on the Executive Committee of the International Gap Junction Conference 2017 to be held in Glasgow, Scotland.
Researching the functions of gap junctions in the skin, especially in relation to diabetes; and the development of connexin peptidometics for treating chronic wounds. Teaching included undergraduate and postgraduate in one-to-one and groups, and MSc, MD, and PhD supervision. CI of the GCU Skin Tissue Bank.
Examining the genetic mechanisms of ovarian cancer development, looking at a potential novel tumour suppressor gene.
PhD title: Growth, Atresia and Intercellular Communication in the Mouse and Human Ovarian Follicle