Dr Josie Fullerton is a Postdoctoral Research Associate at the School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health at the University of Glasgow. She completed her undergraduate degree in Neuroscience and Master of Research in Biomedical Science at the University of Glasgow. In 2017, Josie completed her DTP BBSRC PhD in the neural mechanisms of nicotine addiction at the University of Strathclyde. She has since worked postdoctoral roles researching traumatic brain injury, stroke and hypertensive heart disease. Her current role is investigating the therapeutic ability of extracellular vesicles in hypertensive heart disease in Professor Nicklin’s laboratory group funded by the British Heart Foundation.

For the School, Josie sits on the Athena Swan Self-assessment Team and Career Development subcommittee. At the College level, Josie is the early career researcher representative on the Research Planning and Strategy Committee (RPSC) and led the Network for Early career Researcher Development (NERD) from 2020-2024. Josie is driven to create and promote opportunities to help others develop within research, especially those opportunities which aid the empowerment of women in science.

In 2022, Josie joined the Young Academy of Scotland where they aim to create innovative projects which tackle the Grand Challenges of Scotland: environment, equity, and exchange. As nominated co-chair of the YAS Facilitating group, Josie helps arrange plenary meetings to encourage discussion across a multisector group of 130 young professionals spanning sectors such as the arts, business and industry, government, the public sector, research and academia, and the third sector to work together on projects that benefit Scotland and the world.

Furthermore, outside of her main role, Josie works closely with charities such as the British Heart Foundation and Alzheimer’s Research UK. Josie is keen to actively engage with funders who support her research, but also take part in outreach activities to inform the public. To date, Josie has presented her work at the Edinburgh Science Festival, Glasgow Science Centre, Pint of Science, school outreach programs and even the British Horse Society!

Research Theme: Vascular Diseases and Comorbidities

As a postdoctoral research associate, Josie’s research interests primarily include cerebrovascular neuropathologies, ischaemic stroke, hypertension, traumatic brain injury and the role of extracellular vesicles in cerebrovascular disease. Josie's research skills cover a range of methods, including extracellular vesicle isolation and characterization, to in vivo models of disease and behaviour. Although her primary interest is neurovascular, Josie is keen to collaborate with colleagues from within and out with the University of Glasgow, to further advance the scientific understanding of disease to develop clinical translation.

Research groups

• Cellular signalling & Mechanisms
• Biomarkers
• Cardiac Remodelling
• Ischaemic Heart Disease
• Cognitive Impairment & Dementia
• Hypertension
• Stroke
• Vascular Structure & Function

List by: Type | Date

Grants and Awards listed are those received whilst working with the University of Glasgow.

• The THISTLE study: idenTifying tHe mIcrorna SignaTure of cerebrovascuLar disEase
  NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde Endowment Funds
  2020 - 2021
   
• Blood-brain barrier disruption in pediatric traumatic brain injury
  Glasgow Children`s Hospital Charity
  2018 - 2018
   

Engaging in teaching and learning has been central to Josie’s academic journey even though Josie is currently in a research-only track position. Since 2019, Josie has been actively involved in lecturing on the level 4 Neuroscience and BSc Clinical MedSci courses, engaging and contributing to the academic development of the students at the University of Glasgow. In addition to Josie's official teaching and supervision, Josie provides training sessions for UGT and PGT students and colleagues in laboratory techniques, from basic pipetting to complex surgical procedures, providing support and guidance when required. This active engagement in supervision contributes to fostering a positive research culture within the school, aligning with the University's commitment to research excellence. Josie extends her teaching and training beyond her School, by providing training sessions for students from other Schools (School of Infection and Immunity and the School of Biodiversity, One Health & Veterinary Medicine) in laboratory techniques related to extracellular vesicles.

Prizes, awards & distinctions

• 2022: Recognised Associate Supervisor (UKCGE)

Professional & learned societies

• 2022 - 2027: Facilitating Group Co-Lead, Young Academy of Scotland of the Royal Society of Edinburgh