Professor Katja Gehmlich

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Birmingham

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Professor Katja Gehmlich is interested in how genetic variants in genes coding for proteins involved in biomechanical stress signalling cause inherited cardiac conditions (cardiomyopathies). She employs molecular, biophysical, cellular and in vivo models in her research. In particular she is interested in using induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes in her research.

Professor Gehmlich has a long standing interest into striated muscle systems.

Her research pursues the following questions:

What is the role of certain signalling proteins in the heart?
What are the consequences of genetic variants in these proteins? How do they cause inherited cardiac conditions (called cardiomyopathies)?
Can these diseases be modelled with the help of in vivo models and/or induced pluripotent stem cell derived cardiomyocytes?

Research Groups

Heart Failure and Arrhythmia Cluster

Gehmlich Group

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Supportive, enabling, fostering independence.

Provision of Training

Hands on training is provided for all experimental techniques with encouragement of peer-support. In addition to academic (experimental skills) training, activities will be provided to obtain transferable skills (such as time management, presentation skills etc.)

Progression Monitoring and Management

In addition to formal progression check-points for PGR students (monthly GRS2 and annual APR meetings), adaptive progress monitoring will be in place. This can range from weekly plans (and reviews) if needed, to milestone based strategies (a set of experiments or a manuscript), taking into account the abilities and preferences of the student.

Communication

Communication between team members is key, this applies also to the formal communication of expectations and tasks between students and supervisors. Where helpful, very brief meeting minutes provide a consensus on the agreed outcomes of the meeting. In addition, informal chats are invaluable within a team, to distribute information and provide a social, supportive environment.

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 month

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

Work Patterns

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

MIBTP Project Details

Prof Gehmlich is supervising no projects this year.