Professional Experience
My main interests are in the Biomedical Sciences and I have experience in diagnostic and molecular microbiology as well as clinical biochemistry using a range of tissue types and samples. I have extensive knowledge in investigating the role of changes in gut bacterial communities (microbiome) in faecal samples from both rodent models and humans with obesity and Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). This has included examing effects of Roux en Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery on changes to the gut microbiome and metabolic homeostasis prior to and following weight loss in patients with obesity and T2DM. The biochemical parameters in these patients were also measured to determine the relationships with bacterial community structure. These biochemical parameters include glucose, lipid profiles, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), bile acids (BAs), metabolic hormones and pro-inflammatory cytokine. I have also used molecular techniques and next generation sequencing to look at microbiota in humans and rodents. I have also continued research with fish to assess genes expression associated with behaviour and changes of behavior due to exposure to an environmental oestrogen. I am interested in developing and pursuing my career in academia and research within the Biosciences.
