Dr Jill Johnson

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Dr Johnson’s research focuses on the role of vascular pericytes in allergic asthma, specifically the progenitor cell capacity of these cells and their contribution to asthma pathogenesis.

In the Johnson lab, an established mouse model of asthma driven by chronic respiratory exposure to house dust mite (HDM) is used to induce chronic allergic asthma in a way that closely mimics human asthma. We have demonstrated that, following chronic HDM exposure, pericytes detach from the microvasculature and accumulate within the smooth muscle bundles of the airways, thus contributing to airway remodelling and lung dysfunction (Johnson et al., AJP Lung 2015). Pericytes in the respiratory microvasculature are evaluated in control mice as well as in HDM-exposed mice using immunofluorescent confocal microscopy, FACS analysis and cell culture. Other projects in the Johnson lab are investigating the molecular mechanisms by which chronic inflammation affects mesenchymal progenitor cell differentiation and migration and assessing the impact of smoke exposure and oxidative stress on pericyte function in COPD.

Scientific Inspiration

I am inspired by scientists who have persevered in their research despite opposition from the establishment – Robert Hooke, Charles Darwin, Rosalind Franklin, Cecilia Payne-Gaposchkin.

Research Groups

Biosciences Research Group

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Supportive, collaborative and goal-driven.

Provision of Training

I prefer to take responsibility for your technical training and understanding of the premise of the project at first to ensure that you have the best platform to grow and steer in your project. Following this, I will help guide you towards independence at later stages and to help with developing your own problem-solving strategies to address research challenges. I like to challenge my PhD students to design, implement, carry out, and analyse a small project independently.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will ensure that we have regular meetings to discuss progress and I expect you to come to these well prepared. The main driving force in your PhD will be you but I will help guide you to ensure that you keep on track. I endeavour to be a supportive and understanding supervisor who will encourage you to strive and grow as a researcher. The ultimate goal of my supervision is to help you develop the knowledge, skillset and mindset to flourish in your PhD and build a portfolio of transferable skills ready for continuing career development.

Communication

I think that work/life balance is important to promote sustained growth and therefore I do not answer emails outside of standard office hours or when I am on holiday. I have an open-door policy and am happy to respond to queries in person as they come up. I am happy to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential and my/our expectations. I will also signpost you to additional support or guidance where appropriate.

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 fortnight

In year 2 of PhD study

At least once per month

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per month

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

Working 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 2 weeks' notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Dr Jill Johnson is supervising no projects this year.