Research Interests

Acute pain warns us of danger allowing us to initiate protective behaviours and is thus beneficial. However, chronic and sustained pain is debilitating and harmful to health. It has become one of the most common medical conditions associated with many diseases such as arthritis, cancer and diabetes. We aim to understand how pain signals are generated and then transmitted to the brain, and how it is maintained for a long period with a view to devising novel therapies for a better treatment of chronic pain.

Supervision Style

In three words or phrases: Supportive, goal-driven and student-centred

Provision of Teaching

I will take responsibility for your training on the basic techniques and laboratory skills at first, leading to more independence later. Some advanced techniques will also be trained by the experienced post doc or PhD students.

Progression Monitoring and Management

I will set out my expectations of your progression on a weekly or monthly basis. If these progression criteria are not met we will always discuss a plan of action together.

Communication

I am happy to discuss any issues that are affecting your ability to fulfil your potential or my/our expectations.

PhD Students can expect scheduled meetings with me:

These meetings will be a mixture of face to face or via video chat or telephone, and although I have an open door policy, my pattern of being contactable for an instant response is not predictable.

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