Research focus
My research focusses on identifying how peri-gestational obesity predisposes metabolic and cardiovascular disease in offspring. My studies use a murine model of maternal obesity to explore the underlying mechanisms responsible for adverse metabolic and cardiovascular outcomes and investigate interventions which could be used translationally to improve outcomes. I am currently investigating maternal metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunction as potential drivers of preeclampsia in the mother through placental dysfunction, and the consequences for offspring health.
Background and experience
I worked towards my PhD at the Biochemistry department in Cambridge, studying the G-protein and glucose signalling of Trypsanosomes, the parasitic worms that cause sleeping sickness. My first postdoctoral position was with Prof Nick Hales. I assessed developmental programming of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease in a model of maternal undernutrition. In more recent years, I have worked with Prof Sue Ozanne, using a mouse model of maternal overnutrition and gestational glucose intolerance to characterise cardiometabolic effects on both mother and offspring.
Working at the IMS-MRL
My current project explores the molecular mechanisms of sex-specific differences in adipose tissue and programmed changes on exposure to maternal obesity. What I enjoy most in my role is the intellectual freedom accorded by my PI and the scientific exchanges with colleagues in the MRL.
