Dr Michael Smutny

Supervisor Details

Contact Details

Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick

Scientific Background

Research Interests

Our research is focused on the crosstalk between cell and tissue-scale mechanics and biochemical signaling to regulate developmental programs and cellular mechanisms in the embryo. We are exploring fundamental processes during tissue formation including cell/tissue morphogenesis and polarisation, cell-cell adhesion, cell migration, cell fate specification and tissue patterning events. Our work is highly interdisciplinary and collaborative. We are using quantitative live cell imaging, biophysical measurements, biochemical and genetic tools, omics approaches, bioengineering and mathematical modeling from subcellular, to tissue level. We are utilizing the zebrafish embryo as a highly versatile vertebrate model due to transparency and rapid development ex utero, facilitating in vivo live cell imaging, chemical and mechanical perturbations and cell/tissue isolation for in vitro assays.

The current research focus is on events during early embryonic development when the first tissues arise from pluripotent progenitor cells. One process that we are studying is how is early forebrain (anterior neural plate) is formed through dynamic reorganisation and patterning of neural precursor cells. Another event that takes place at the same time, is the collective migration of internalised mesendoderm cells, which move highly directionally through the embryo and contribute to embryonic axes formation. We are investigating the role of the external microenvironment for cell polarisation, migration, adhesion and cell specification. We are further interested in dissecting the role of mechanical forces on cellular and developmental programmes. Using bioengineering and biophysical tools, we are testing the role of mechanosensititve proteins in processes regulating cell division and cell fate specification.

Scientific Inspiration

Nature. Shows us that we still do not understand much and we should keep asking questions.

Research Groups

Wellcome-Warwick Quantitative Biomedicine Programme

Centre for Mechanochemical Cell Biology

Supervision Style

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

Provision of Training

Your initial training will be supervised by me with support of experienced researchers in the lab, leading to more independence later.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I am here for advice and guidance to help you reach the goals we define together. Once more independent, I expect you to take ownership of your progression but to reach out to me when you need help or advise. I like to be kept up to date, and expect to see evidence of method development/data generation results on a flexibly defined time-basis. We will work out progression criteria together and we will always discuss a plan of action together which should enable you to reach your full potential.

Communication

Face2face/online/email/text. The team has a Slack group chat with which we regularly communicate during the week. Whilst I expect you to keep up with my/ team communications I assume that you manage your work/life balance. I am happy to discuss any issues that are impacting your ability to fulfil your potential or my/our expectations.

Meetings

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me at least once per week. These meetings will be face-to-face. I am usually contactable for an instant response on every working day.

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

MIBTP Project Details

Primary supervisor for:

Project details will appear here when confirmed.

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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