Pathway Journey
Rotation 1: How TRIM25 targets diverse negative strand RNA viruses to inhibit their replication (Professor Stuart Neil and Dr Chad Swanson)
Rotation 2: Development of clinically translatable drug screening platforms using in vivo models of chronic respiratory infections (Dr Richard Amison and Dr Manasi Nandi)
Rotation 3: Elucidating the roles of cellular sensors of reactive signalling species in the immune response and cancer (Dr Kourosh Ebrahimi and Dr Shahram Kordasti)
PhD Project: Development of more clinically translatable murine models of chronic respiratory infection
My PhD combines work from the Amison Lab (Rotation 2) and the Kourosh Lab (Rotation 3) and focuses on developing clinically translatable mouse models of multidrug-resistant pulmonary infections. The project integrates human-derived immune biomarkers with in-vivo infection models to improve the predictive power of pre-clinical antibiotic testing beyond traditional microbiological endpoints. In parallel, I am developing ferritin nanocage-based drug-delivery systems to enhance lung targeting, drug stability, and therapeutic efficacy of novel antimicrobial compounds. By combining biomarker-guided model development with advanced nanocarrier technology, my research aims to improve pre-clinical drug evaluation and accelerate translation of new therapies for multi drug resistant lung infections.
Biography
I completed my undergraduate degree in BSc Biomedical Science with an Extramural Year at King’s College London, graduating in 2022. During my degree, I developed a strong interest in viruses, which led me to undertake my extramural year in the Department of Infectious Diseases. There, my research focused on measuring monoclonal antibody responses following breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection. Building on this experience, I completed a MSc in Molecular Biology and Pathology of Viruses at Imperial College London in 2023, where my project focused on understanding how SARS-CoV-2 evades the human innate immune system. This programme confirmed my desire to pursue a research-focused career.
I chose the MRC DTP for its high-quality research environment, structured lab rotations, and comprehensive training opportunities. The ability to explore diverse research areas before defining a PhD project was particularly appealing, as it enabled me to engage with research fields I had not previously encountered. This flexibility ultimately allowed me to develop a project that bridges infectious diseases with nanotechnology and clinical translation. What I value most about the DTP is the supportive cohort, extensive skills training, and exposure to a broad range of scientific disciplines.
Alongside my research, I am actively involved in student representation and public engagement. I currently serve as the student representative for the 1+3 pathway and have participated as a student guest speaker at the Pathways to PhD event, where I shared my journey into doctoral research and advised prospective students on applying for PhD programmes.
Publications
Broad and potent neutralizing antibodies are elicited in vaccinated individuals following Delta/BA.1 breakthrough infection (2023) (https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.01206-23)
Broad Neutralization of SARS-CoV-2 Variants, Including Omicron, following Breakthrough Infection with Delta in COVID-19-Vaccinated Individuals (2022) (https://doi.org/10.1128/mbio.03798-21)
Awards
King’s Experience Research Award (2021)