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
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
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
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.
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
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