Dr Hannah Botfield

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Infection, Inflammation and Immunology, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research interest is in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) dynamics in health and disease. My work focusses on understanding the pathology behind CSF dysfunction in disorders such as hydrocephalus and haemorrhagic stroke, with an emphasis on the role of inflammation, matrix biology and ageing. I also conducts research into ocular disorders such as glaucoma which shares similar dysregulated fluid dynamics. The overall goal is to develop novel therapeutic strategies to improve patient outcome.

Current projects include:

Understanding pathological mechanisms following haemorrhagic stroke
Investigating age-related changes in the brain following haemorrhagic stroke
Assessing anti-fibrotic agents to prevent the development of hydrocephalus
Topical drug delivery for ocular disorders

Research Groups

Neuroscience and Ophthalmology

Neuro-Ocular Inflammation and Matrix Research Group

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Supportive, collaborative, innovative.

Provision of Training

I will provide training initially in collaboration with experienced post docs and PhD students before allowing you to develop your independence later on.

Progression Monitoring and Management

We will have frequent meetings on a weekly/monthly basis to assess your progress and help with troubleshooting.

Communication

We will mainly communication via one-to-one meetings or lab meetings and I am happy to discuss any issues that may arise. The team has a WhatsApp group chat with which we regularly communicate on.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. These meetings will be a mixture of face-to-face and via video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response 3 or 4 days per week.

Work Patterns

The timing of work in my lab is completely flexible, and (other than attending pre-arranged meetings), I expect students to manage their own time.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Understanding the cellular diversity of the choroid plexus in the brain

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Understanding the cellular diversity of the choroid plexus in the brain

Secondary Supervisor(s): Dr Andrew Holmes

University of Registration: University of Birmingham

BBSRC Research Themes:

Understanding the Rules of Life (Neuroscience and Behaviour)

Project Outline

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the fluid that bathes the brain. The CSF dynamics system is important for maintaining brain homeostasis by regulating intracranial pressure, removing toxic metabolic waste and moving nutrients, neurotransmitters and hormones around the brain. The CSF dynamics system is composed of the choroid plexus, ependyma, glymphatics system and CSF drainage pathways, which controls the volume and composition of CSF.

The choroid plexus is the key part of the brain responsible for producing CSF. The choroid plexus is made up of a network of blood vessels and supportive tissue, covered by a layer of specialised cells called choroid plexus epithelial cells. Besides making CSF, these epithelial cells play a vital role in maintaining a healthy brain; they act as a barrier between blood and CSF, control the entry of immune cells into the brain, and regulate movement and secretion of various substances into the CSF which influences brain health. Ageing reduces the capacity for the choroid plexus to function normally leading to changes in CSF dynamics which may have a role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases.

This project will focus on understanding the cellular diversity of the choroid plexus epithelium. It will develop our knowledge about the role of the choroid plexus epithelial cells, how they interact with each other and what happens to them during ageing. The project will involve training in patch clamping, calcium signalling, cell culture, microscopy, immunofluorescence staining and data analysis.

APPLY HERE