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I obtained my BMedSci degree (BSc Hons) in 2005 at the University of Birmingham where I specialised in neuroscience, moving on to do a PhD at Aston University (Birmingham) in the laboratory of Dr. H.R. Parri. My PhD research focused upon bi-directional signalling between astrocytes and thalamocortical neurons in the ventrobasal complex of the somatosensory thalamus. By combining single/dual patch clamp and calcium imaging techniques in vitro, I investigatedthe role of astrocyte mediated slow inward currents (SICs) recorded from these neurons, and how these currents could be affected by synaptic glutamate released from sensory and corticothalamic afferents.
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After completing my PhD research, I joined the Crunelli lab in 2008. I am currently investigating the role of glutamatergic SICs as well as astrocyte mediated gabaergic slow outward currents (SOCs) in absence epilepsy models. Using patch clamp recordings from thalamocortical neurons and astrocytes, I am characterising the differences in prevalence and properties of astrocytic signalling in the somatosensory thalamus. As part of a collaboration with Dr. Parri I am also investigating the physiological roles of SICs and trying to identify which factors may influence their long term control. I am also interested in the role of glial signalling in health and disease in other brain areas such as the cortex and hippocampus.
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