Profile

I am a scientist originally from sunny Yorkshire in the North-East of England. I studied in Hull until the age of 18 and moved to Birmingham and then Oxford to pursue my dreams in becoming a world-renown scientist. Whilst at university I learnt a lot of valuable skills but most importantly I have met friends for life!

I am a professional Netflix series binge watcher and can quote every episode of Friends!I play a lot of sport (sometimes too much!), I train at the gym once a week, train badminton three times a week and play matches twice a week… with the odd tournament on top at a weekend!

Below I have listed my University courses, what modules I took and what my dissertations have been on. I am currently a student at the University of Oxford.

University of Oxford – MSc Sleep Medicine (2017- 2019)- Predicted: Distinction
– 1st year (Distinction)- Physiological Basis of Sleep, Methodological Approaches to Sleep Medicine, Circadian Rhythm Disruption and Sleep, Insomnia, Scientific Method and Research Design, Lab Experience (incl. tests such as PSG, EEG, pulse oximetry, MSLT, a range of questionnaires, vulnerable patient care and sleep and general history recording).
– 2nd year- Sleep Disordered Breathing and Sleep-related Movement disorders, Hypersomnias and Parasomnias, Sleep in Specialist Populations, Sleep and Society, Handling Data and Research Dissemination.
– Dissertation: “The efficacy and effectiveness of primary circadian therapies as a treatment for poor sleep quality in Parkinson’s Disease”. My dissertation is being done under the supervision of Dr Nicola Barclay and Dr Russell Foster at the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute at the University of Oxford. The dissertation is split in two halves; the first being a systematic review of 8 papers found with meta analysis and the second being a research proposal based on the findings.

University of Birmingham – First classification BSc with Hons in Human Biology (2014-2017)
– 1st year- Genetics, Human Biochemistry, Evolution and Animal Biology, Cell Biology, Microbiology and laboratory skills.
– 2nd year– Genetics II, Cell Development, Medical Biology, Human Evolution, Human Anatomy and Physiology
– 3rd year- Genetics III, Human Reproductive Biology, Human health and disease, Human Evolution
Final year dissertation: “Circadian rhythms in neurodegenerative disease.” My dissertation was under the supervision of Dr Roland Brandstaetter, a circadian researcher. My research looked at the initiation of circadian rhythm disruption in Dementia (D), Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) patients relative to clinical diagnosis in comparison to controls. I collected primary data from the public and collated using GraphPad Prism and non-bias testing. My primary data consisted of medical histories, diagnostic tests for PD and AD, RBUB circadian phenotyping questionnaires and sleep disorder questionnaires (Insomnia, Hypersomnia, parasomnia, obstructive sleep apnoea, restless leg syndrome and nocturia). Further statistical testing analysis using IT statistical software allowed me to report my findings using academic journal writing. Looking into the future, I have clear ideas of how this study could further develop throughout PhD study.

0615 Wake up- Snooze alarm a couple of times!!

0645 Check social media, get showered, dressed, have breakfast, make-up and hair whilst listening to the news.

0730 Drive to work

0800 Start my day- Delivering in schools eg a session on Pathways in STEM and a HE student finance and HE student life activity.

1200-1300 Break for lunch with my work colleague- a bowl of soup and bread roll is always a winner!

1300- Back to work! More schools delivery and prepping.

1600- Log out, time to study!

1600-1900 Listen to lectures, seminars and work on my dissertation. (Not forgetting my dinner!)

1900-2100 Time for sport! Badminton match or trip to the gym!

2100 Shower and rewind before bed- bath and a good book. (Sometimes a bit more work if I am on a deadline!)

2300 Light out! Goodnight.