Professor Andrew Fry

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Department of Molecular Cell Biology, University of Leicester

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research aims to gain new molecular insights on the mechanisms of cell division and migration and how defects in these processes promote genetic instability and the invasive capacity of cancer cells. My major interest is in understanding how microtubule organization is regulated by the human NEK kinase family and how these enzymes control mitotic spindle assembly and remodelling of the cytoskeleton. I am keen to use this knowledge to develop novel precision medicines for cancer therapy with a particular focus on lung cancer. For this research I collaborate closely with biochemists structural biologists and clinical oncologists as well as seeking to work with industrial partners. I am the Principal Investigator for the Leicester Wellcome Trust Institutional Strategic Support Fund while my laboratory has received funding for my research from the Wellcome Trust Cancer Research UK BBSRC MRC Worldwide Cancer Research and Kidney Research UK.

Scientific Inspiration

My scientific inspiration is Sir Paul Nurse with whom I undertook a project as an undergraduate student and who led me to appreciate the beauty and significance of fundamental cell biology.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Encouraging, attention to detail, organised.

Provision of Training

I like to personally ensure you understand the rational and purpose of your research objectives and then plan your experiments carefully. I am then keen to discuss your results with you and make sure you draw the appropriate conclusions. This I believe will lead to the ability to generate valid results in an independent and effective manner while being supported by more experienced postdocs and PhD students as well as myself.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I like to be kept up to date, and will expect to see what progress you have made on a weekly basis. These can be informal meetings as well as more regularly planned formal meetings. When you come up against problems, you should feel confident to let me know and then we can sit down and discuss a plan of action together. I am always here for advice and guidance to help you reach the goals we have set together.

Communication

When in my office, I have an open-door policy and am pleased to hear in person how things are going. I’m also happy to have meetings online if necessary and I will use email to make suggestions to you either individually or as a research group, although try to keep these within working hours. I will expect you to manage your work/life balance. However, I am keen to discuss any issues that are making you anxious about your research plans or progress. If there are concerns you do not wish to discuss with me or are outside my control, then I would encourage you to seek pastoral support from the postgraduate research student support team in our Department (Prof Salvador Macip or Dr Nina Storey), the University Doctoral Collage or University Student Wellbeing Services.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once a week

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once a week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once a fortnight

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once a fortnight

These meetings will be a mixture of face to face, video chat or telephone. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

Working Patterns

Work in my lab requires being present on site (be it in a laboratory or at a field site) during the core hours of 9-5 on weekdays (or a subset if working part time).

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 1 week’s notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Previous Projects (2024-25)

Co-supervisor on a project with Professor Cyril Dominguez.