ORTHOPAEDIC

INSTITUTE

RESEARCH

RESEARCH OVERVIEW

Our Research Panel, along with stringent peer review, approve projects for funding. The range of research is impressive, from clinical trials in common orthopaedic problems to molecular biology approaches to less common forms of muscular dystrophy and gait analysis in children with cerebral palsy. All well designed studies on conditions affecting patients attending our hospital.

An example of the Institute working closely with the RJAH Hospital to take forward important initiatives includes the OsCell Cell Therapy Unit.

We continue to provide funding for the Oscell Cell Therapy Unit, as we have done for more than twenty years in order to provide cells for clinical trials into repair of damaged joint cartilage.

The ASCOT Study looked at Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI), a technique used to help patients with an articular cartilage defect, something that can impact younger people in their 20s and 30s.

The procedure sees a sample of cartilage removed from the patient’s knee from which their own cells are then grown in a laboratory.

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) concluded the evidence to be enough to approve the technique for wider use on the NHS. We were the first site in the UK licenced to offer ACI.

Read more about Cell Therapies

LATEST NEWS

To view the Orthopaedic Institute’s latest news, please click below:

Research Projects

The Orthopaedic Institute has funded several new projects with the Research Panel meeting on a quarterly basis to review projects based on time, available resources and costings. 

Examples of departments/projects considered for funding include:

Who’s who

The Clinical Research Team:

Andrew Roberts

Andrew Roberts

Director of Research

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Mr Andrew Roberts joined RJAH in 1992 and has held the position of Director of Research a couple of times. This recent occupation of the role started in 2013. He is also a Consultant Children’s Orthopaedic Surgeon, the Clinical Chair for Support Services Chief, the Clinical Information Officer and the Project Lead for the Marches Integrated Care Record Shropshire Telford & Wrekin STP.

Until recently he was Medical Director ORLAU.

Dr Annette Creedon

Dr Annette Creedon

Research Manager

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Awaiting update

Jayne Edwards

Jayne Edwards

Lead Research Nurse

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BSc (Hons) Nursing

Masters Education.

Previous roles include:

Social Care researcher Welsh Assembly, Carers strategy and interim Wanless report.

Lecturer Adult nursing Bangor University.

Lecturer post graduate Orthopaedics Staffordshire University.

Research nurse (bank nurse role) RJAH.

I am currently Project manager for Rheumatology, metabolic, spinal injuries and bone tumour studies.

In addition, my role includes managing the clinical team of both nurses and physiotherapists and assisting them in their co -ordination of studies including competency in their research role.  

I have an interest in qualitative and end of life research.

Sara Owen

Sara Owen

Research Project Manager

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MSc and Dip IC in Medical Ethics

BTh (Hons) Oxon

Previous roles include:

Vice chair of an NHS Research Ethics Committee in Oxford

Chair and Independent Ethics Advisor on GENODISC Advisory Committee (multinational study funded by EU)

Research Co-ordinator and Medical Ethicist, St Luke’s Radiology, Oxford/Honorary Contract Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre NHS Trust, Oxford

I am currently working on arthroplasty, anaesthetic, and spine studies.

Julie Steen

Julie Steen

Research Project Manager

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BSc (Hons) Pharmacology

Previous roles include:

Product Development Scientist in the Biopharmaceutical industry.

Senior Forensic DNA Analyst for the former Government Agency, The Forensic Science Service in London.

Research Governance Facilitator at RJAH.

I am currently working on Arthroplasty and Upper Limb studies.

Dr Naomi Dugard

Dr Naomi Dugard

Research Project Manager

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Prior to Dr Naomi Dugard’s role as a Research Project Manager, she has work for many years at the RJAH as a Post Doctoral Researcher with a specialist interest in bone health and disease and the preservation of cartilage.  Previous experience includes the development and application of novel markers of bone resorption and clinical research investigating skeletal health in the ageing population.

Naomi received her first degree in Microbiology from The University of Liverpool, before studying for her PhD at the Charles Salt Centre, RJAH Hospital in Oswestry researching bone loss associated with metabolic diseases.  She continued her post-doctoral research experience at the Charles Salt Centre managing the study titled “A Bio-assay for inhibitors of osteoclastogenesis in serum” before moving onto a research project investigating fractures and peripheral bone mineral density in a population of women >50yr in a community setting. 

In 2010, Naomi joined a team of scientists at the RJAH working in the field of Regenerative Medicine.  Here she managed the “REACT Study” for five years, investigating the long-term effectiveness and potential adverse effects of Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation (ACI) for the treatment of cartilage defects.

Prior to her current job role as Research Project Manager and also the ASCOT Trial Manager, Naomi was employed as a Consenting Research Officer at RJAH as one of the main interfaces between the research staff, hospital clinicians, clinic staff and patients attending pre-operative clinics at the hospital.

Naomi’s interests away from the RJAH include many family orientated outdoor activities.  Particular favourites are camping and walking in the hills of North Wales and the Lake District.

Barbara Linklater-Jones

Barbara Linklater-Jones

Research Nurse

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Barbara qualified as a registered general nurse and has spent much of her working life in and around orthopaedics. She became involved in clinical research in 2009 when she worked on a Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy study on a temporary basis. This experience led to the permanent role Barbara has now. Barbara’s main role is the management and coordination of the ASCOT study (An evaluation of autologous transplantation of articular chondrocytes and/or bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells to repair chondral/osteochondral lesions of the knee.) however she has recently been involved in paediatric Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy studies again.

Claire Nicholas

Claire Nicholas

Research Nurse

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Claire qualified as registered general nurse in 1991 and joined RJAH in 2009 as part of the Menzies Day Surgery Unit team. She remained there until moving to the Research dept. in 2016 and is involved in a wide range of studies from rheumatology to cell therapy to rotator cuff repair. A true generic research nurse.

Theresa Garratt

Theresa Garratt

Research Nurse

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After Theresa gained her BSc (hons) Nursing in Bristol, she has held several roles in critical care and orthopaedic day surgery.  She joined RJAH in 2007 and the research department in 2016. Theresa says: “ My role involves the coordination of clinical trials and research studies within the RJAH, working closely with many of the hospital teams,  ensuring that research patients feel well informed and supported.”.

Aamir Shahzad

Aamir Shahzad

Research Physiotherapist

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I, Aamir Shahzad, am a Chartered Physiotherapist with 5 years of experience in Physiotherapy. I started my career at a Local Private hospital in Pakistan, where I worked as an autonomous practitioner for both inpatients and outpatients by improving Physical strength, Cognition, Mobility, and quality of life in patients of all ages. Since then, I have also practiced as a part-time physiotherapist in other hospitals.
From the start of my practice, I have always wanted to pursue a research career. Currently, I am working as a Research Physiotherapist at RJAH. As a research physiotherapist, I combine clinical expertise with a strong foundation in scientific inquiry to advance evidence-based practices in rehabilitation. My work focuses on designing and conducting rigorous studies that explore innovative therapeutic interventions, evaluate patient outcomes, and refine clinical protocols. By bridging the gap between research and practice, I aim to contribute to the development of more effective, patient-centered physiotherapy approaches.
With a background in both clinical physiotherapy and academic research, I have a deep understanding of biomechanical principles, functional recovery, and the complexities of human movement. My research has involved interdisciplinary collaboration with healthcare professionals, data scientists, and academic institutions, allowing me to approach rehabilitation from a holistic, data-informed perspective.
Claire Wright

Claire Wright

Research Governance Officer

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MSc in Occupational and Organisational Psychology

BSc (Joint Hons) Psychology and Management

Previous roles include:

Senior Human Factors Consultant planning, organising and running applied psychology Trials in military research for QinetiQ

Member of Outpatient Access Team at RJAH

I currently facilitate ongoing governance for all the department’s studies including our transfer to the EDGE Clinical Research Tool. 

 Jennie Rogers

Jennie Rogers

Research Governance Assistant

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BA (Honours) in Business Management

Working within the NHS for over 25 years, I have experience in many areas and roles spanning health boards, hospitals, clinics, GP surgeries, and special care. I possess a variety of qualifications including CompTIA A+ and targeted NHS certifications. I joined the RJAH research team in 2017 where I am currently the Governance Assistant & EDGE Officer, supporting both the governance function and training requirements of the department. I also manage and monitor our use of EDGE, a cloud-based clinical research management system which has successfully been embedded into the clinical research infrastructure within 80% of England’s NHS regions, Scotland and Northern Ireland as well as internationally. Additionally, I am an active member of multiple networks and focus groups within the Trust including LGBTQ+, Disability Awareness, Staff Survey Working Group and the NHS Equality Delivery System scoring group.

Dr Rebecca Davies

Dr Rebecca Davies

Senior Study Support Officer

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Rebecca gained a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Science before pursuing a PhD in Cell and Tissue Engineering. This, along with clinical laboratory experience as a Metabolic Laboratory Assistant in the NHS, has provided a proficiency for laboratory-based research. Her research experience is now being developed further by working in clinical research, facilitating studies in rheumatology, arthroplasty and sport injuries. This is alongside her role as Administrator for the Orthopaedic Institute Ltd.

Sarah Clamp

Sarah Clamp

Senior Study Support Officer

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MSc Genomic Medicine

BSc (Hons.) Biology

I have worked in clinical research since 2016; firstly as a Data Manager at SWBH where I supported the delivery of Ophthalmology, Rheumatology and COVID-19 studies, and currently as a Senior Study Support Officer at RJAH where I coordinate the delivery of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy trials and support many other trials across the Trust. I am jointly responsible for the supervision of the Study Support Officer team and support Project Management with the set-up and implementation of new trials.

Chloe Perry

Chloe Perry

Study Support Officer/DMD Hub Clinical Trial Coordinator

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Education:

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

MPH Master of Public Health

I have worked in the research department since 2020, when I initially joined as a university placement student. Since then, I have remained in the department on a split post as a Study Support Officer and the DMD Hub Clinical Trial Coordinator, partly funded by the DMD Hub UK. I currently work on a number of different studies across different specialisms, but particularly those studies for paediatric and adult patients with neuromuscular disorders.

 

Sarah Cockburn

Sarah Cockburn

Study Support Officer

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I have worked at RJAH for many years,  joining the research team in 2017 on a part time secondment along with my previous role of Phlebotomist.

I am now a full time member of the team, working as a Study Support Officer.  My role is very varied, and covers the delivery aspect of clinical trials in the Trust, which ranges from co-ordination of the administrative pathway of a clinical trial, to attending surgeries to photograph wounds!  

I have worked on multiple studies to include Arthroplasty, Rheumatology and CTIMPS.

Outside of work I enjoy relaxing with family, friends and my four cats!  I’m also a music fan, so I’m trying to learn how to play piano and acoustic guitar.  I’m hoping to add drums to the list too!

Study Support Officer

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Awaiting Update

Study Support Officer

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Awaiting Update

Who’s who

The Scientist Team:

Dr Oksana Kehoe

Dr Oksana Kehoe

Head of Rheumatology Research

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I am an immunologist and research within our laboratory is focused on understanding mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis progression and possible treatments including mesenchymal stem cells, mesenchymal stem cell conditioned medium and mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles. In our research we use many approaches, from cell biology, to biochemistry, molecular biology and animal models.

I am a Lecturer in Inflammation Biology at the Keele School of Medicine and Head of Rheumatology Research laboratory in the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital at Oswestry. I was awarded an MSc in Immunology from the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Ukraine. My PhD in Biochemistry was awarded by the RE Kavetsky Institute of Experimental Pathology, Oncology and Radiobiology of National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv.

In my spare time, I enjoy learning new languages, reading and visiting new places. I am a Yoga/Pilates enthusiast.

Professor Karina Wright

Professor Karina Wright

Senior Lecturer/Research Fellow

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I commenced my studies at the RJAH in 2005, and in 2009, was awarded a PhD in Biomedical Engineering from Keele University. Since then I have been employed as a Lecturer/Research Fellow/Research Associate at the RJAH and am also the current Keele University Stakeholder Governor for the hospital.

My research interests are musculoskeletal injuries, spinal cord injuries and pressure sores, focussing on:

  • Understanding their biology and pathology
  • Improving their diagnosis and prognosis
  • Developing and delivering cell-based therapies

Outside of the laboratory I am a busy mum of four, life doesn’t allow for any other interests!

Professor Heidi Fuller

Professor Heidi Fuller

Senior Lecturer in Medical Science

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Dr Heidi Fuller is a senior lecturer at Keele University and research group leader within the Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease at RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital. Dr Fuller received her first degree in Biomolecular Science at the University of Wales, Bangor, and during her second year was awarded a North West Wales NHS-funded research scholarship. She then undertook an industry-sponsored PhD studentship at the University of Wales, North East Wales Institute, under the supervision of Professor Glenn Morris.

Dr Fuller researches several of the most severe muscle-wasting diseases including muscular dystrophy, and the childhood form of motor neuron disease, spinal muscular atrophy. By using  cutting-edge proteomics and bioinformatics tools with biochemical approaches, her team aim to understand disease mechanisms and to identify novel proteins and pathways that can be modulated by drug treatment.  To find out more please visit; https://www.keele.ac.uk/pharmacy-bioengineering/ourpeople/heidifuller/ 

Outside of work, Heidi is usually found in wellies with either a pack of rescued greyhounds or a metal detector and spade! As a member of the Historical Search Society, Mold, Heidi has a keen interest in metal detecting to un-earth, research and document the past.

 

Dr Charlotte Hulme

Dr Charlotte Hulme

Research Associate

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Dr Charlotte Hulme is a Research Associate within the School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering at Keele University based at the RJAH Hospital. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Manchester in 2011, remaining at Manchester Uni. to undertake her MRC and Manchester Alumni Award funded PhD studentship, investigating placental dysfunction in pregnancies complicated by Diabetes mellitus. In 2015 she worked on the identification of molecules (called biomarkers) that can be used to predict the outcome neurology of patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). Since then, she has worked on several biomarker projects for orthopaedics (SCI and osteoarthritis (OA) and its’ treatments) and on developing new/optimising existing cell therapies for OA.

Charlotte applies skillsets she developed during her PhD studies to perform a highly specialised technique called proteomics to identify completely novel biomarkers to allow us to better understand the biology underlying patient recovery or their response to surgical interventions and is also assessing the potential of human juvenile chondrocytes (cartilage cells) for use in cell therapies to treat cartilage damage/early-O. Dr Hulme enjoys sharing her work at conferences, including presenting her work to policymakers in the House of Commons.

In her free time Charlotte enjoys socialising , going to music concerts, renovating her home and garden and spending time with her two daughters and their dog.

Dr Claire Mennan

Dr Claire Mennan

Metabolic Scientist Specialist | Lecturer in Biosciences

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Dr Claire Mennan holds a PhD in Biosciences from the University of Birmingham, an MSc in Biochemical Engineering, and a PGCE in Further Education. She is a scientist with over 15 years of experience in translational and clinical research, focused on regenerative medicine and musculoskeletal health. 

Based at the Robert Jones & Agnes Hunt Orthopaedic Hospital (RJAH), she has led and supported a wide range of research initiatives, spanning early-stage discovery through to clinical trials. 

Her research has primarily focused on developing advanced cell therapies for musculoskeletal conditions, particularly the use of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells (UC-MSCs) for the treatment of osteoarthritis. Claire has played a central role in trial design, delivery, grant acquisition, and the establishment of infrastructure including securing a major NIHR-funded project. 

Claire now works exclusively with the RJAH Metabolic Bone Unit as a specialist scientist. She collaborates with fellow scientists, clinicians and industry partners on drug trials, data analysis, service evaluations, publications and grant applications, with a focus on osteoporosis. 

Until recently, she was a lecturer at Keele Medical School, where she taught undergraduate medical students. Claire brings a unique blend of clinical, academic and project management expertise, with a strong commitment to research translation, patient involvement and advancing orthopaedic and regenerative medicine. 

Outside of work, Claire lives in Shropshire with her husband, two young children, and a lively household of animals including chickens, ducks, a dog and two cats. 

Dr Helen McCarthy

Dr Helen McCarthy

Research Associate

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I began my career at the RJAH in 2006 as a Research Assistant prior to embarking on my PhD studies in the Charles Salt Centre for Metabolic Research.  I was awarded a PhD from the University of Chester in 2011. I have since been employed by Keele University as a Research Associate, based in the Centre for Spinal Studies and Cartilage Research group at RJAH. I am also a visiting lecturer for University Centre Shrewsbury.

My research interests revolve around the biology & pathology of musculoskeletal disorders:

  • Developing and delivering cell-based therapies for the repair of musculoskeletal tissues, both autologous and allogeneic
  • Assessing the quality of repair tissue formed following cell-based therapies of articular cartilage, including studying the production and expression of extracellular matrix components and associated cellular signalling pathways
  • The role of the subchondral bone in osteoarthritis

Outside of the laboratory I am a busy mum of two girls, a Community Governor for our local village school, Chair of Friends of Holt School PTA and a volunteer Community First Responder with the Welsh Ambulance Service!

Dr Sharon Owen

Dr Sharon Owen

Research Associate

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Dr Sharon Owen is a Research Associate. After starting a family, she returned to education and obtained a BSc in Biochemistry from Liverpool University. In 1997, she embarked on a PhD based in the Charles Salt Centre at the RJAH, under the supervision of Dr Christopher Sharp investigating the biomechanical and biochemical properties of osteoarthritic bone.

Following completion of her PhD Sharon started working on a project investigating the stress response of cells from the intervertebral disc and has been involved in various projects based in the Spinal Studies group with Prof Sally Roberts. In 2014, Sharon was awarded a Winston Churchill Memorial Trust Travelling Fellowship enabling her to learn specific microscope techniques to investigate the structural integrity of the human intervertebral disc/vertebral body junction.

Currently, Sharon is working with Dr Heidi Fuller investigating the proteomic profile of cells from different clinical types of Spinal Muscular Atrophy patients.

Sharon has lived in the Oswestry area all her life, and when not at work enjoys spending time with her family, although mostly this time is spent travelling to various sporting venues for football, cricket or tennis games!

Dr Nicola J Kuiper

Dr Nicola J Kuiper

Senior Research Fellow

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Dr Nicola J Kuiper

Senior Research Fellow co-sponsored by Daphne Jackson Trust, Orthopaedic Research UK & Medical Research Council.

I have a biomedical PhD and long-standing expertise in musculoskeletal biology health following post-doctoral training in the USA, Manchester and the RJAH, Oswestry. In 2003, I joined the new Medical School at Keele University where, alongside a teaching career, I rapidly built up my research group with awards from charity, industry, and Research Councils UK. My research covered the biology of cartilage and bones, how injured cartilage heals and the development of new strategies to help patients with damaged or diseased joints. I have contributed to well-established regenerative medicine enabling technologies.

Following a life-threatening illness and subsequent career break I returned to research with a re-training senior research fellowship https://oruk.org/inaugural-winner-of-the-oruk-daphne-jackson-fellowship/. My research focuses on analysing health data on patients with knee cartilage problems, to find out the period of time from knee surgery to total joint replacement. I aim to help clinicians predict when and to whom cartilage repair may be successfully applied by developing an algorithm and ultimately a digital app to be used in outpatient clinics.

Key skills:

  • Knee cartilage surgeries
  • Technical Programming
  • Big Data Analytics
  • Health Data
  • Health Statistics
Mike Williams

Mike Williams

Data Analyst

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I hold a Masters degree in Systems Engineering, I have 25 years I.T. experience including 10 running my own business specialising  in Data Migration and Test Management. Since 2016 I have been employed by the University of Keele as a Data Analyst at the RJAH.

My role involves maintenance and development of the OsCell database and providing data extracts and information for the Researchers and PhD students.

Outside of work I enjoy Golf, Pub Quizzes and following the Welsh Rugby team.

Dr Lam Le

Dr Lam Le

Researcher

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I did both my first degree (1976) and my doctorate (1996) in the Genetics Department of HaNoi University in Vietnam. Before joining Prof. Morris’ Lab in Wrexham in 1997, I gained research experience in the Netherlands (9 months at Leiden University, 1984), Thailand (3 months at Katsetart University, Bangkok, 1989) and the USA (1 year at Washington University, St Louis, 1994).

I moved to RJAH when the Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease (CIND) was set up in 2004 and have been responsible, since then, for the “CIND Monoclonal Antibody Resource” with support, until recently, from the Muscular Dystrophy Association USA. This Resource sends antibodies over the world for medical research into inherited mobility disorders.

Any spare time is spent reading, listening to folk-songs and growing Vietnamese herbs in the garden.

 

Anaïs Makos

Anaïs Makos

Senior Research Technician

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I was awarded a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology in 2017, followed by an MSc in Life Sciences with a specialisation in Cell Engineering from Université de Lorraine, France, in 2019. I began my PhD in Cell and Tissue Engineering at the School of Medicine, Keele University, UK, in 2020, and I am currently in the process of writing up my thesis.

In 2024, I joined Keele University as a Senior Research Technician on a project investigating the potential of T cells isolated from juvenile thymuses for the development of allogeneic therapies for autoimmune conditions. This work was funded by the Orthopaedic Institute. In 2025, I continued at Keele in a similar role on a Pilot Grant project studying cytokines carried by plasma extracellular vesicles (EVs) as potential biomarkers for predicting response to TNF inhibitors in psoriatic arthritis. This ongoing research is jointly funded by the Orthopaedic Institute and GRAPPA (Group for Research and Assessment of Psoriasis and Psoriatic Arthritis). Alongside my academic role, I also work as a Metabolic Laboratory Assistant at RJAH Hospital in Gobowen, UK.

My research interests lie in immunology, rheumatology, and autoimmune disorders, with a particular focus on biomarker identification and the development of biomarker-based therapeutic strategies for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.

Lauren Tierney

Lauren Tierney

PhD Student

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I completed a 2-year Laboratory based apprenticeship at AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals in 2015. Followed by undergraduate degree in Biomedical Science at Keele University with summer placements at two contract research organisations. After graduating I was employed by a genetic toxicology contract research organisation.

Current position:
I am currently a PhD student based within Keele, Life Science and RJAH research group. The project involves analysing RNA sequencing data from clinical trial patients who have undergone cell-based therapies to treat cartilage defects. I am also a demonstrator in the undergraduate biochemistry laboratory practical session at Keele and I have just become the PGR health and safety representative for the Life Science building at Keele.

I am also a keen cake baker and eater!

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