Career history 2014-present: Research Fellow: Cellular Physiology. University of Southampton, UK. Academic qualifications 2010-2014: PhD in Neurophysiology. University of Dundee, UK. 2006-2010: BSc (Hons) Pharmacology and Physiology. University of Dundee, UK.

I am interested in factors which contribute to central metabolism in both health and disease. In particular, changes in neuronal glucose and lactate use occurring early on in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) progression. My previous research focussed on how perturbations in amyloid precursor protein processing may link metabolism and neurodengeneration. This was investigated through the use of radiolabelled and microplate-based metabolic flux assays. Of particular interest was the finding that enzymes controlling both oxidative phosphorylation and neurotransmitter production may be impaired during the early stages of AD. As part of my current project, I aim to move these initial observations into a more physiological setting. Utilising single cell amperometric oxygen flux detection and electrophysiological measurement of neuronal communication, I will attempt to model how altered bioenergetic flux impacts synaptic functioning. This will be done by utilising primary neuronal cultures from AD models. It is hoped that a better understanding of these early, causative events may highlight new targets for novel therapeutic interventions in AD.