Professor Daniel Tennant

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Department of Metabolism and Systems Science, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Professor Daniel Tennant is a Professor of Biochemistry in the Department of Metabolism and Systems Science, situated on the second floor of the Institute of Biomedical Research. He uses stable isotope tracers to investigate changes in the use of nutrients in conditions where oxygen is limiting (hypoxia), or in the presence of genetic mutations that induce a hypoxia-like response. Dan applies the fundamental knowledge gained from these research projects to understand the pathogenesis of diseases where changes in oxygenation play a role; in particular, cancer.

Dan also directs the Metabolic Tracer Analysis Core (MTAC) within the Department in order to develop novel means to analyse cellular and tissue metabolism using stable isotope tracer molecules, and collaborates with groups worldwide who are interested in using these techniques to study the metabolism of their system, or the metabolism of labelled product.

Professor Tennant publishes both primary research and reviews in high impact journals, including Nature Communications, Cell Metabolism, Nature Reviews Cancer and Cell, and is regularly asked to speak at international conferences.

Research Groups

Tennant Lab

Supervision Style

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

Provision of Training

There is some fundamental technical training that people in my research group will provide from the beginning, but I am also keen to understand what training individuals feel they would like as we go through the PhD, and I will facilitate opportunities for this. Training will be predominantly led by my PhD students and post-docs, while more specialist training would be through collaborators or courses.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I take a hybrid approach, with the aim to have flexible meetings and chats about progress, issues, development needs whenever you wish by dropping into my office, but also having formalised meetings - normally weekly to start with but less frequent as you move through your studies and become more indepdendent.

Communication

I am happy to listen to all members of my research group if they have particular requirements for communication. I tend to email about things when I can - this can be anytime of the day/night, but I would only expect a response that fits with your own work-life balance.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

In a group meeting

At least once per week

In year 1 of PhD study

At least once per week

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

In year 4 of PhD study

At least once per month

These meetings will usually be face to face, and I have an open-door policy, though my pattern of being contactable for an instant response is not predictable.

Work Pattern

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

Midlands Integrative Biosciences Training Partnership