Young research of the month
Our Young Researcher of the Month is Hilary Anderson. Hilary is currently a PhD student in the Cell Engineering Group. She has recently been played a huge part in setting up the social media for the group and the group's website.
About my PhD project
Tissue engineering (TE) is fascinating. The combined application of engineering and biology in unique and creative ways, aiming to alleviate disease, is remarkable. As an undergraduate I was fascinated by this process of designing and collaborating in the hope to provide better medical care in the future.
This field was introduced to me at a G-Gnomes society meeting by Professor Matthew Dalby, who later became my supervisor. It was his suggestion that I apply to the Doctoral Training Centre in Cell and Proteomic Technologies (DTC) that would enable me to be involved in TE as a career. I have a background in molecular biology, but being part of the DTC has introduced me to cross discipline work and a new world of engineering and chemistry that I had yet to discover. The DTC cohort also provided me with a network of supportive friends without whom life as a postgraduate may not have been quite so much fun!
Born and raised in Glasgow, Glasgow University was on my doorstep and 7 years later I am still here! This might not have been my intention but we are lucky to have such a great institution in this city that has provided me with so many opportunities.
I am currently doing a PhD in the Centre for Cell Engineering (CCE). My project utilises chemistry to biofunctionalise glass coverslips to drive mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) behaviour. MSCs are found in the bone marrow and can differentiate into a defined tissue lineage when stimulated. This includes bone, cartilage, fat and arguably neural like cells. However, culture of these cells is difficult as they have lost the cues from the body that tells them what to do. My project aims to provide a culture platform that will direct MSC behaviour in a user defined manner. To do this, I tether biologically important peptide motifs (such as arginine-glycine-aspartic acid known as RGD adhesive peptide) to a glass coverslips using solid phase peptide synthesis (SPPS) then analyse cell behaviour. This technology is unique as it aims to deliver two things: stem cell self renewal and differentiation. This differs to previous technologies which only deliver one function. Further, to provide both cues, the technology is stimuli responsive. It is under the control of a cell secreted enzyme and therefore responds to cell physiology rather than user control.
What I like to do in my spare time
I usually have a couple of side projects on the go in addition to my PhD for example I have currently submitted a review for publication. Another such project is the creation of CCE social media. Social media is part of daily life and is embraced by many industries and businesses, but it seems to be lacking in academia. After attending the Tissue and Cell Engineering Society conference at the University of Southampton it was obvious to me that an online presence was missing and could have enhanced engagement. From then on I have assembled a team where we manage, create and engage in several media feeds including a website (www.cceuog.co.uk). Through Twitter and Facebook, we are able to share articles and information, YouTube to share our lab protocols and Instagram for photos of our work. We also manage a blog! I really enjoy writing and blogging is a great way to practise your skills. We write about current topics in science, issues such as gender bias as well as advice for early stage researchers. I have always been creative and participating in media allows me to express this but include it in a scientific way!
I like to be active and play squash and do yoga. This month I am fundraising for the British Heart Foundation by taking part in their campaign Dechox, giving up chocolate for a whole month. This seems more of a challenge than introducing Twitter to academics!
Follow us on Twitter: @CCEUoG
Fundraising page