Career History

• Demonstrating leadership in experimental design, planning, execution, and analysis.
  
  
• Leveraging extensive expertise in human disease, neurobiology, and ex vivo investigations to advance preclinical drug programs by discovering suitable pharmacodynamic markers, determining target validation/engagement, and testing hypotheses to further understand the mechanism of action of different pharmaceuticals.
  
  
• Collaborating with the wider R&D team to evaluate biochemical, molecular, and in vivo endpoints and providing strategic guidance to drive the progression of preclinical drug development.
  
  
• Drive innovation through the adoption of cutting-edge techniques to better utilize human tissues, transgenic models, or animals dosed with different pharmacologies.
  
  
• Provide project management for key research programs, including planning and overseeing experimental timelines, coordinating contracting, managing compound shipments, and ensuring timely delivery of final reports in collaboration with CROs.
  
  
• Write and review technical documents for drug nomination and IND applications.

• Designed, established, and managed a state-of-the-art research laboratory, enabling scientists to conduct advanced molecular neuroscience and histology experiments for human and mouse ex-vivo projects.
  
  
• Oversaw and maintained multiple core research facilities, ensuring optimal functionality and resource availability.
  
  
• Provided scientific guidance, training, and consultation to researchers at all levels, covering neurodegenerative animal models, human tissue research, histology, molecular biology, bioinformatics, and experimental design.
  
  
• Conducted ex vivo experiments using neurodegenerative mouse models, focusing on basic research and disease pathology.
  
  Led the technical, scientific, and governance management of the UCL UKDRI Histology Facility, ensuring high standards and operational excellence.
  
  
• Ensured laboratories across UCL UKDRI complied with the Human Tissue Act 2004, adhering to best practices approved by the Human Tissue Authority.
  
  

Responsibilities included:

• Senior Research Scientist.
  Current projects: (1) selective vulnerability in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, (2) early detection of Alzheimer’s Disease, (3) novel biomarker discovery in Alzheimer’s disease, (4) microproteomics of rare neuronal cell types/tumour samples, (5) genetic classification of gliomas, (6) High-resolution MRI scanning.
  
  

• Establishing, managing, and maintaining several core research facilities within NDCN. This includes providing training and troubleshooting.
  Facilities: Whole Slide Digital Imaging, Automated IHC/ISH and Laser Microdissection.
  
  

• Day to day advisory role for post-graduates (MSc, MRes, D.Phil) and post-doctoral scientists.
  
  

• Specialized training to students (undergraduates/postgraduates) and professionals (laboratory technicians, research assistants, post-doctoral researchers).
  
  

• Supervisory role on several FHS research projects; both for medical students and undergraduates. Experience managing students, determining project direction, placing deadlines, managing student concerns, and helping students reach their targets.

Other related roles:

• Served 3 years on NDCN’s Personnel Committee - responsible for all personnel and equality matters connected with the employment of the University’s employees; approving pay rises, tracking staff performance and reviewing employee retention cases.
  
  

• Athena SWAN Champion - ensuring departmental good practices towards the advancement of gender equality, representation, progression and success for all.
  
  

• Oxford Brain Bank Ethical Board Committee Member.
  
  

• NDCN Public Engagement Ambassador - Hosting events for the general public such as regular open days; Invited adults/patients, schoolchildren, and university students come to our department and I explain neuroscience as it relates to physiology and disease, including the importance of neuroscience research.
  
  

• Human Brain Dissection.
• Preforming protein assays to diagnose neurodegenerative diseases in donors.
• Performing DNA sequencing on tumours to help guide the treatment plan of patients.
• Interviewing, teaching and training new staff.

• Generic laboratory support.
• Assisting in human CNS Dissection.
• Maintaining stocks and preparing buffers/dyes.
• Daily communication with coroners and healthcare professionals.