Personal statement

I obtained my BSc (Hons) in Pharmacology from the University of Glasgow (1992) and my PhD in Neuroscience from the University of Bristol (1996) before undertaking postdoctoral research at the University of Chicago and Imperial College London. I took up my position here at Strathclyde in 2002.

My research interest lies primarily in the field of neuroscience and focuses on the modulation of neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in both physiological and pathophysiological conditions. This currently takes several directions including the following: 

1. Identifying novel roles for protease-activated receptor 2 (PAR-2) in the central nervous system (CNS).
2. Examining how peripheral inflammation affect CNS function and animal behaviour (with Dr Hui-Rong Jiang)
3. Determining the role of Toll-like receptor 3 (TLR3) in the CNS development. 
4. Investigating the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-2 (MKP2) in the CNS.
5. Developing novel microfluidic devices for neuroscience research (with Dr Michele Zagnoni).

A variety of preparations are utilised in our research including mammalian expression systems, cultured neurones, organotypic slice cultures and acute brain slices. Techniques used include cell death assays, electrophysiology, immunocytochemistry, overexpression of fluorescently tagged proteins of interest, molecular biological techniques including site-directed mutagenesis and real time RT-PCR and in collaboration with  Professor Judy Pratt we utilise a variety of tests to understand rodent behaviour. 

I am involved in teaching both the MPharm and BMS cohorts in numerous classes ranging from 1st to 4th year.  In addition I am lead of the Neuroscience and Mental Health research group.

I am currently the Strathclyde local group representative for the British Neuroscience Association.  I am also a full member of the Society for Neuroscience and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.