About
I am a Research Assistant and 4th PhD student within the Department of Clinical Infection, Microbiology & Immunology at the University of Liverpool. My research focuses on modelling the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to investigate how viruses, such as Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1), contribute to BBB disruption
.
As part of my PhD, I have developed two in vitro BBB models: one using microfluidic chip technology, and another using multi-electrode array (MEA) impedance plates. These platforms allow for the assessment of barrier integrity and cellular responses in real-time, providing insight into the effects of HSV-1 on the BBB.
In my role as a Research Assistant, I am working on further developing a BBB model that combines microfluidic chip and MEA system technologies. This integrated approach will be used to further investigate the impact of HSV-1 on the BBB. Additionally, I will be using a separate microfluidic chip model to study the effects of atrial fibrillation on BBB function, a condition known to increase the risk of dementia.