Dr Jose Romero

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Department of Inflammation and Ageing, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Jose's research focus is on understanding how mitochondrial dysfunction impacts on eye disease and whether it can be targeted for therapy. Irreversible mitochondrial dysfunction involves a major event in many ocular disorders, including diabetic retinopathy, optic neuropathies, inflammatory and aging-related disorders. The accumulation of broken mitochondria may pose a severe risk for vision, since 1) damaged mitochondria do not produce energy efficiently and disrupts the power system of the retina and 2) they are a source of toxic waste, which may origin retinal disease. In the healthy retina, this problem is prevented by tight Mitochondrial Quality Control (MQC), where faulty mitochondria are simply removed and replaced by newly-synthetized functional units. Using appropriate disease models, Jose pursues to determine how MQC becomes dysregulated in ocular disease and its contribution to neurovascular degeneration. His main goal focuses in applying this knowledge to develop novel interventional strategies for eye therapy.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: supportive, understanding, goal-driven and guiding.

Provision of Training

I prefer to take responsibility for your technical training at first, leading to more independence later.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I like to be kept up to date, and will expect to see evidence of method development/data generation results on a daily/weekly basis. I have high expectations and will push you to your full potential, but I am also here for advice and guidance to help you reach the goals.

Communication

The team has a WhatsApp group chat with which we regularly communicate during the week. Whilst I expect you to keep up with my/ team communications I will encourage you to manage your 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 week

In year 3 of PhD study

At least once per week

These meetings will mainly be face to face. I am usually contactable for an instant response every working day.

Work Patterns

Work in my lab requires being present on site (be it in a laboratory or at a field site) during defined core hours (or a subset if working part 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

Current Projects (2025-26)

Co-supervisor on a project with Dr Rahul Mahida.