Dr Ildem Akerman

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Dr Akerman's research aims to understand how gene expression is established and maintained in the pancreatic beta cell by the cis-regulatory elements and transcriptional networks.

One line of research in the laboratory is to study how transcription factors impact pancreatic beta cell differentiation in vitro. For this, her talented post-doctoral fellow, Dr. Fiona Docherty established a 3-dimensional (3D) stem cell to pancreatic beta cell differentiation protocol (see Figure). This Diabetes UK funded project aims to identify druggable novel regulators of pancreatic beta cell differentiation with the aim of generating better functioning stem cell generated beta cells.

Another line of research in the Akerman lab focuses on studying the link between DNA replication and its potential regulatory effects on transcription and 3D genome structure during differentiation (of pancreatic beta cells). This project aims to clarify the cross-talk of two fundamental processes of a mammalian cell during development.

Scientific Inspiration

Erwin Schrödinger. He dared to disagree with Einstein telling him “God plays dice”.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Hands-on, collaborative, eyes on the prize.

Provision of Training

You would initially be trained by myself and the experienced members of the team. We prefer to give guidance and support until you feel comfortable designing your own experiments and executing them. Independence is half taught, half earned.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I usually have day to day interactions with all my team members. Afterall, I am really excited about your research! We will talk about your overall progress in weekly meetings and once in 2-3 months you will get to present your work/progress to the wider islet biology group in our institute.

Communication

I have odd working hours and may send emails in the evenings, but I do not expect a reply. Most of my team members keep regular hours. With stem cells, unfortunately there is some weekend work, which we usually share. You are here to learn but one needs to enjoy his/her life too!

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 3 of PhD study

At least once per fortnight

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

Working Pattern

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

MIBTP Project Details

Dr Ildem Akerman is supervising no projects this year.