Dr Jenny Shepherd

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

School of Engineering, University of Leicester

Scientific Background

Research Interests

My research focuses on the production and characterisation of biomimetically inspired structures . In essence I look at the structure and chemistry of native human tissue, see how I can engineer similar materials and then use these to try and support better tissue repair, to deliver drugs directly to an injury site or to mimic tissue to allow for drug testing in the lab. I am a materials science by background and am based within the school of engineering at the University, but I am all about collaborative and multi-disciplinary research. Since beginning as a Lecturer in Leicester back in 2019, I've collaborated with orthopaedic surgeons in assessing the risk of refracture in scaphoid waist fractures; the Leicester Cancer Research Centre to develop support structures for increasing the viability of tumour explants and Cardiovascular Sciences looking at the application of a collagen scaffold for the controlled delivery of dexamethasone for treatment of vein graft disease.

I have a significant track record in the creation of collagen based structures through lyophilisation as well as capabilities in electrospinning and have a real interest in imaging methodologies of three dimensional biological structures.

Research Groups

Biomedical Engineering Research Group (BERG)

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Student centred, supportive, collaborative

Provision of Training

I am a pretty hands-on supervisor and enjoy getting involved with technical training where appropriate. However I also have a great small group of existing students who I fully acknowledge have more technical capabilities and current day-to-day experience in the lab than I do. It's a highly collaborative, supportive group, all ideas are welcome, independence is encouraged, but not expected from day 1.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I believe as a PGR that you have overall ownership of your project, I see my role as supervisor as one of a guide and support, I will encourage progress, but not enforce it. I believe in regular meetings (typically at least bi-weekly, but this is very PGR dependent), but understand that research is variable and there will be weeks where progress isn't there, that's fine, it then becomes a discussion of how I can support you in moving forward. Collaboration is key in the PhD process.

Communication

I really do care about the experience my PGRs have and go out of my way to be human and approachable. I have a family and have a tendency to send emails at odd times of the day (and at times night), but never expect replies outside of a PGRs standard working hours.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per month. These meetings will be face-to-face. I am usually contactable for an instant response on 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 1 week's notice to provide feedback on written work of up to 5,000 words.

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Project Title

See the PhD Opportunities section to see if this project is currently open for applications via MIBTP.

Please Note: The main page lists projects via BBSRC Research Theme(s) quoted and then relevant Topic(s).

Project Title

Secondary Supervisor(s):

University of Registration:

BBSRC Research Themes:

Sustainable Agriculture and Food (Animal Health and Welfare, Microbial Food Safety, Plant and Crop Science)
Renewable Resources and Clean Growth (Bio-energy, Industrial Biotechnology)
Understanding the Rules of Life (Immunology, Microbiology, Neuroscience and Behaviour, Plant Science, Soil Science, Stem Cells, Structural Biology, Systems Biology)
Integrated Understanding of Health (Ageing, Diet and Health, Pharmaceuticals, Regenerative Biology)

Project Outline

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Co-supervisor on a project / projects with supervisor name + link.