University of Hertfordshire

Research Background

My research interests are focused on studying the neural control of gastrointestinal function. Specifically I wish to understand how processes such as ageing and inflammation affect the organization and function of gastrointestinal sensory neural pathways, and how this impacts upon human health. I use a variety of experimental protocols including electrophysiology, molecular biology, and immunohistochemistry to identify the pathways and characterise the molecules involved in regulating gastrointestinal sensory signalling processes. I have also collaborated with industry to develop biomarkers of gastrointestinal adverse drug reactions for use in safety pharmacology screening procedures.

Membership information:

• British Pharmacological Society.

• Physiological Society.

Conference Presentations:

Invited lecture presentations:

• British Pharmacological Society Meeting Dec 2014

• Little Brain Big Brain Meeting, Jeju Island, S. Korea, 2007.

• Little Brain Big Brain Meeting, Kenosha USA, 2009.

• American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston, 2013

• 1st Federation of Gastroenterology and Motility, Guangzhou, China, 2014

Distinguished Abstract Plenary Session lecture presentations:

American Gastrointestinal Association, Digestive Disease Week (DDW), Chicago, 2009.

Research Forum lecture presentations:

• Infection and Immunity Research Day, University of Sheffield, 2012.

• ISAN Meeting, Brazil  Sept 2011.

• International Symposium on Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Lucerne, SW, 2008 and Jeju Island, S. Korea, 2007.

•  DDW Meeting, Chicago, 2005; Los Angeles, 2006, San Diego, 2012.

• Comparative Invertebrate Physiology and Biochemistry Conference, Calgary, 1999.

• Society for Parasitology Conference, Edinburgh, 1995.

Selected Posters presentations/abstracts:

• International Symposium on Neurogastroenterology and Motility, Chicago, 2009.

• DDW Meeting, Los Angeles, 2006, Washington, 2007 and San Diego, 2008, 2011.

• The C. elegans European Meeting, Naples, 2002.

• Society for Neuroscience Conference, USA 2001, 1997, 1995.

Funding gained:

• BBSRC (co-applicant on research grant with David Grundy) “Sensory dysfunction in the ageing gut” (2009-2012); ~£400,000.

• Nuffield Foundation, Research Bursary (2005); £1400.

• Physiological Society Vacation Studentships (2005, 2007-2011): £7200.

Distinctions :

• Pharmacological Society, Bain Award, 2013.

• Physiological Society Travel Awards, 2005; 2007; 2009; 2011, 2013

• ISNM 2008 Meeting Abstract Prize winner.

• AstraZeneca Science Day 2008, Best Poster Prize.

• DDW Meeting 2006, Poster of Distinction Award.

• F1000 Biology, recommended paper 2003; “Analysis of G-protein coupled receptors in Caenorhabditis elegans by gene inactivation using RNA mediated genetic interference.”