Dr Violaine Sée; Principal investigator
PhD in molecular and cellular pharmacology, University Louis Pasteur, Strasbourg, France
I have a background in cell signalling and neuro-oncology with experience cell biology and live fluorescence imaging in 2D and 3D cellular models. In 2005, I was awarded a competitive fellowship from the British Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) to establish my research group. Subsequently, I secured over £10M of additional funding to pursue my research. I am currently senior lecturer in the department of Biochemistry at the University of Liverpool. Since April 2011, I have been co-director of the Liverpool Centre for Cell Imaging (CCI)
Read the Technology Directorate spotlight on Violaine See, published in March 2019
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Dr Anne Herrmann; NC3Rs David Sainsbury Independent Fellow
I obtained my BSc and MSc in Molecular Bioengineering and then a PhD from the Dresden University of Technology, Germany. My PhD focused on the impact of hypoxia on neuronal stem cells. Since 2011, I have been working at the University of Liverpool in Dr Violaine Sée’s group to study hypoxia signalling in the paediatric cancer neuroblastoma.
Project: My research focuses on the impact of hypoxia on neuroblastoma behaviour and the molecular mechanisms behind its aggressiveness and unpredictable clinical behaviour. For this purpose, I have implemented the use of chick embryos as a research model, including chorioallantoic membrane implantation, intravenous and targeted injection, dissection and histological analysis. Furthermore, I have developed protocols for advanced live egg imaging with fluorescence and magnetic resonance imaging in and ex ovo.
Anne's work is currently funded by NC3Rs
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Rebecca Kelly (2016–2020), PhD student
Studentship funded by MRC DiMeN; co-supervisor: Dr I Barsukov and Dr R Levy
Project: Live imaging of 3D multicellular tumour models to elucidate the dynamics of the cell adhesion complex during cell migration and invasion
Background: MBiolSci Biochemistry, University of Liverpool
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Kit Sampat (2016–2019), PhD student
Studentship funded by the Royal College of Surgeon and North West Cancer Research
Project: Evaluation of novel combination drug protocols for neuroblastoma using advanced imaging in a chick embryo model; co-supervisor Prof P Losty
I am currently training to be a paediatric surgeon at Alder Hey Childrens Hospital. I was awarded an NIHR Academic Clinical Fellowship which has enabled me to undertake research alongside my training. I am currently screening new drug protocols against neuroblastoma in the novel chick embryo model using advanced microscopy in the Centre for Cell imaging. I aim to develop the chick embryo model further as a tool for real time monitoring of tumour development and drug effect. In the future I hope incorporate my research experiences into my clinical career.
Claire Kelly (2017–2021), PhD student
Studentship funded by the North West Cancer Research Centre; co-supervisor Prof H Poptani
Project: Investigating the role of hypoxia in brain tumour cell invasion using advanced in vitro and in vivo imaging
Background: I have a 1st class (Hons) degree in Biomedical Science from LJMU. I have a Master’s degree in Cancer Biology from Liverpool University NWCR centre where I worked on mTOR complex 1. I have worked for RedX Oncology as an associate scientist where within the pharmacology department, screening and developing small molecule inhibitors.
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Adam Albanese (2019–), PhD student
Studentship funded by the MRC DiMen, co-suprvisors Prof Sonia Rocha and Dr Phil Elks (University of Sheffield)
Project: Functional role of Hypoxia Inducible Factor Postranslational Modification
Sally Oswald (2019- ), PhD student
Studentship funded by Alder Hey Children Hospital; co-supervisor Dr Anne Herrmann, Dr Barry Pizer, Prof Paul Losty
Project: Validation of novel biomarkers for the improved risk stratification and therapy for paediatric cancer neuroblastoma
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Martyna Wydrzynska (2019–2020), MRes student
Project: 3D imaging of brain tumour cell cycle and cell migration
Past members:
- Leonard Daly (PhD student 2015-2019), next destination PDRA Prof Eyers lab (Univerisyt of Liverpool)
- Sophie Cowman (PhD student 2014-2018), next destination PDRA - University of Utah
- Yousef Almutawa (MPhil 2015-2016, interecalating with Medical studies)
- Amelie Schober (PhD student 2013-2017)
- Rosalie Richards (PhD student 2012-2016), next destination Medical Writer at iMed Comms
- Sarah Taylor (PhD student 2011-
2015), viva 30th November 2015 - Carol Fan (PhD student 2010-
2013), next destination PDRA in Nottingham - Michael Rice (MPhil 2012-
2013; Intercalated Bsc of Science degree in surgery) - Catherine Heyward (PDRA 2010-
2012), next destination senior post- doc/junior group leader in Oslo (Norway) - Haleh Shahidipour (technician 2010-
2012), next PhD student in the Institute of Translational Medicine, Liverpool - James Bagnall (PhD student 2007 -
2011), next destination PDRA in Manchester - Stefan Bennett (PhD student 2011 -
ended because of illness) - Daniel Meley (PDRA 2006 -
2010), post- doc in Montreal (2010- 2011), and then in Tours (France) - Jan Harries (technician 2005-
2007), now senior technician, University of Liverpool