Dr Hardip Sandhu

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Centre for Health and Life Sciences, Coventry University

Scientific Background

For >17 years, Dr Sandhu has focussed on investigating therapy-induced cardiovascular injury by applying her expertise in safety pharmacology and cardiovascular diseases and injury development to address TICvI. She is building on her “proof-of-principle” preliminary work presented briefly in the projects described above and aims to deliver TICvI screening models that will aid the PhamaIndustry in identifying cardiovascular adverse effects of their candidate drugs, allowing them to make changes and avoid wasting valuable resources developing a drug candidate that would ultimately fail in the clinic due to its cardiovascular adverse effects. The TICvI screening models could also be used in a healthcare setting to monitor patients who are undergoing therapy known to be associated with cardiovascular adverse effects.

Research Interests

The key research projects that Dr Sandhu is currently leading include: “Diagnostic miRNA biomarkers for TICvI” and “Vascular TICvI model exploiting the G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) signalling”. These research projects are the instinctive progression of my current research expertise, combining genomic, molecular biology and vascular safety pharmacology techniques to determine the complex links between drug safety interactions and pathophysiological disease conditions.

Scientific Inspiration

My scientific inspiration is my line manager Prof Helen Maddock. She has been a truly supportive mentor and shown me how to be a good researcher and colleague. Her support guidance has built my research profile, as she has always encouraged me to develop and succeed while balancing family life.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: supportive, guiding, outcome-oriented.

Provision of Training

I will personally fully support and guide you through the initial training session, and will always be available for assistance and trouble-shooting. This will lead to you developing a more secure and independent work pattern.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will expect you to take on the project with full determination (i.e. literature search on the research topic and methods undertaken) and enthusiasm. Weekly meetings from my side will ensure that you are on track and that you are receiving the full support that is required from my side to make sure you meet the goals we set together.

Communication

I believe in offering students full support, both work-wise and pastoral support, as that builds up a better work environment. I am available to reach out to via email for non-urgent matters (working hours) and text / call for urgent matters (working hours and out of office hours). As a minimum we will have weekly face to face meetings to ensure progression.

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 week

In year 3 of PhD study

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 every working day.

Work Patterns

Certain tasks in my lab need to occur at set times, and students need to be able to commit to a rota/timetable shared with other members of the team.

Notice Period for Feedback

I need at least 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Current Projects (2025-26)

Co-supervisor on a project with Dr Isadora Clivatti Furigo.