Mackay
dr. mackay, a mechanical engineer, has a keen interest in the biomedical field. she earned her undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from the university of dundee in 2007. following that, she pursued her phd in micro-electromechanical systems in 2011, also at the university of dundee, with funding from a case grant provided by the epsrc in collaboration with idb technologies. in 2011, she joined brunel as a research fellow, contributing to a translational mrc grant focused on developing point-of-care devices. subsequently, in 2015, she assumed the role of a lecturer at brunel. her research centers around organ-on-a-chip technologies, low-cost point-of-care diagnostic devices, and prosthetics. she currently leads the organ on a chip group at brunel. additionally, she lectures in the fields of finite element analysis and medical device engineering. dr. mackay directs her research efforts towards organ-on-a-chip (ooc) technology. within her research group, she delves into the intricate development of microfluidic devices, explores innovative manufacturing methods, cell scaffold facbrication and electronic control of the systems. at brunel university london, the ooc group thrives as a multidisciplinary team, uniting toxicologists, engineers, life scientists, and bioinformaticians. their collective mission revolves around pioneering alternative systems for investigating critical women’s health issues, including cancers, pregnancy outcomes, and sexually transmitted infections. currently, their focus lies in creating systems that faithfully replicate female organs—vagina, ovaries, placenta, and breast—to unravel the complexities of initiation, progression, diagnosis, and treatment of women’s diseases and disorders. beyond her ooc pursuits, dr. mackay’s research interests extend to low-cost, point-of-care diagnostics, prosthetics, and the fascinating world of soft robotics. organ on a chip low cost diagnostics microfluidics prosthetics soft robotics me3622 mechanical engineering structures me3626 vehicle structures and fea me5678 medical device engineering me5692 group project (meng)
![Dr Ruth Mackay]()
Dr Ruth Mackay
Dr. Mackay, a Mechanical Engineer, has a keen interest in the biomedical field. She earned her undergraduate degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Dundee in 2007. Following that, she pursued her PhD in Micro-electromechanical Systems in 2011, also at the University of Dundee, with funding from a CASE grant provided by the EPSRC in collaboration with IDB Technologies. In 2011, she joined Brunel as a Research Fellow, contributing to a translational MRC grant focused on developing point-of-care devices. Subsequently, in 2015, she assumed the role of a Lecturer at Brunel. Her research centers around organ-on-a-chip technologies, low-cost point-of-care diagnostic devices, and prosthetics. She currently leads the Organ on a Chip Group at Brunel. Additionally, she lectures in the fields of Finite Element Analysis and Medical Device Engineering. Dr. Mackay directs her research efforts towards Organ-on-a-Chip (OOC) technology. Within her research group, she delves into the intricate development of microfluidic devices, explores innovative manufacturing methods, cell scaffold facbrication and electronic control of the systems. At Brunel University London, the OOC group thrives as a multidisciplinary team, uniting toxicologists, engineers, life scientists, and bioinformaticians. Their collective mission revolves around pioneering alternative systems for investigating critical women’s health issues, including cancers, pregnancy outcomes, and sexually transmitted infections. Currently, their focus lies in creating systems that faithfully replicate female organs—vagina, ovaries, placenta, and breast—to unravel the complexities of initiation, progression, diagnosis, and treatment of women’s diseases and disorders. Beyond her OOC pursuits, Dr. Mackay’s research interests extend to low-cost, point-of-care diagnostics, prosthetics, and the fascinating world of soft robotics. Organ on a Chip Low cost diagnostics Microfluidics Prosthetics Soft Robotics ME3622 Mechanical Engineering Structures ME3626 Vehicle Structures and FEA ME5678 Medical Device Engineering ME5692 Group Project (MEng)
Silva
research activities: my main research interests are focused on addressing the hypothesis that the human total body burden of endocrine disrupters is implicated in hormone related diseases, such as breast cancer. work addressing this issue was carried out during my phd and postdoctoral fellowship (as part of the eu-funded project eden) and included predicting and assessing the estrogenic effects of multi-component mixtures of toxicants representative of human exposure, evaluating low-dose effects and determining combination effects of different classes of environmental contaminants (eg. pesticides and heavy metals). based on the observed interactions between estrogenic compounds, i developed a personal interest in the mechanisms of action of estrogens in the breast, and more specifically, in breast carcinogenesis. this interest has been reflected in my work on the effects of estrogens on growth factor signalling pathways and genomic instability. since 2008, i have been involved in developing and optimising alternative in vitro models which recapitulate the features of the breast and allow the evaluation of potential neoplastic transformations of the mammary gland. by utilising these systems, which include three-dimensional co-cultures of breast cells and organ-on-a-chip approaches, i study the effect of steroidal and environmental estrogens on breast glandular structure, morphogenesis and carcinogenesis. the work described here is carried out in collaboration with dr ruth mackay from the college of engineering, design and physical sciences and drs emmanouil karteris and ashley houlden, from the college of health and life sciences at brunel univeristy. building on my expertise on mixture assessment, in 2008, i started collaborating with dr h carmo, at the university of porto, portugal in a project in forensic toxicology studying the toxicological interactions between amphetamine designer drugs. in this work, the concepts previously utilised for the prediction and assessment of mixtures of environmental estrogens were applied to improve the understanding of the potential toxicological interactions between amphetamines, in the context of polydrug abuse.
![Dr Elisabete Silva]()
Dr Elisabete Silva
Research Activities: My main research interests are focused on addressing the hypothesis that the human total body burden of endocrine disrupters is implicated in hormone related diseases, such as breast cancer. Work addressing this issue was carried out during my PhD and postdoctoral fellowship (as part of the EU-funded project EDEN) and included predicting and assessing the estrogenic effects of multi-component mixtures of toxicants representative of human exposure, evaluating low-dose effects and determining combination effects of different classes of environmental contaminants (eg. pesticides and heavy metals). Based on the observed interactions between estrogenic compounds, I developed a personal interest in the mechanisms of action of estrogens in the breast, and more specifically, in breast carcinogenesis. This interest has been reflected in my work on the effects of estrogens on growth factor signalling pathways and genomic instability. Since 2008, I have been involved in developing and optimising alternative in vitro models which recapitulate the features of the breast and allow the evaluation of potential neoplastic transformations of the mammary gland. By utilising these systems, which include three-dimensional co-cultures of breast cells and organ-on-a-chip approaches, I study the effect of steroidal and environmental estrogens on breast glandular structure, morphogenesis and carcinogenesis. The work described here is carried out in collaboration with Dr Ruth Mackay from the College of Engineering, Design and Physical Sciences and Drs Emmanouil Karteris and Ashley Houlden, from the College of Health and Life Sciences at Brunel Univeristy. Building on my expertise on mixture assessment, in 2008, I started collaborating with Dr H Carmo, at the University of Porto, Portugal in a project in forensic toxicology studying the toxicological interactions between amphetamine designer drugs. In this work, the concepts previously utilised for the prediction and assessment of mixtures of environmental estrogens were applied to improve the understanding of the potential toxicological interactions between amphetamines, in the context of polydrug abuse.
Harvey
qualifications: phd - studies into the growth survival and cell death of cancer cell lines, university of sheffield medical school bsc (hons) biochemistry - university of wales, college of cardiff professional development 2008: pgcert tlhe 2006: enrolled pg cert brunel university london 2001: college certificate in teaching skills for higher education, royal holloway university of london current research interests and expertise breast cancer biology cell signalling mechanisms of therapeutic resistance assessment of alternative therapies resistance to anti-cancer treatment is a major issue for cancer patients. our work focuses on (i) understanding the contribution that cell signalling plays to the development of therapeutic resistance in breast cancer, (ii) identifying new therapeutic targets and (iii) discovering potential new treatments. teaching responsibilities: co-ordination roles bb3733 molecular pharmacology and toxicology bb5500 msc dissertation contribution to other modules bb3091 final year project bb3704 biology, genetics and treatment of cancer bb2802 primary literature interrogation and synthesis (assessment) bb2804 data analysis and presentation (assessment) bb5514 cell signalling and cancer bb5506 biology genetics and treatment of cancer bb5501 research planning (assessment) bb5500 msc research dissertation academic appointments 2015: senior lecturer in biomedical sciences, division of biosciences, college of health and life sciences 2006: lecturer in biomedical sciences, division of biosciences, school of health sciences and social care 2000-2006: post-doctoral researcher, school of biological sciences, royal holloway university of london 1998-2000: post-doctoral researcher, human metabolism and clinical biochemistry, university of sheffield medical school 1997-1998: research assistant, clinical sciences centre, university of sheffield 1993-1997: robert-boulcher phd scholarship, institute for cancer studies, university of sheffield medical school
![Professor Amanda Harvey]()
Professor Amanda Harvey
Qualifications: PhD - Studies into the growth survival and cell death of cancer cell lines, University of Sheffield Medical School BSc (Hons) Biochemistry - University of Wales, College of Cardiff Professional development 2008: PGCert TLHE 2006: Enrolled PG Cert Brunel University London 2001: College Certificate in Teaching Skills for Higher Education, Royal Holloway University of London Current Research Interests and Expertise Breast cancer biology Cell Signalling Mechanisms of therapeutic resistance Assessment of alternative therapies Resistance to anti-cancer treatment is a major issue for cancer patients. Our work focuses on (i) understanding the contribution that cell signalling plays to the development of therapeutic resistance in breast cancer, (ii) identifying new therapeutic targets and (iii) discovering potential new treatments. Teaching Responsibilities: Co-ordination Roles BB3733 Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology BB5500 MSc Dissertation Contribution to other modules BB3091 Final Year Project BB3704 Biology, Genetics and Treatment of Cancer BB2802 Primary Literature Interrogation and Synthesis (Assessment) BB2804 Data Analysis and Presentation (Assessment) BB5514 Cell Signalling and Cancer BB5506 Biology Genetics and Treatment of Cancer BB5501 Research Planning (Assessment) BB5500 MSc Research Dissertation Academic appointments 2015: Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences, Division of Biosciences, College of Health and Life Sciences 2006: Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences, Division of Biosciences, School of Health Sciences and Social Care 2000-2006: Post-doctoral researcher, School of Biological Sciences, Royal Holloway University of London 1998-2000: Post-doctoral researcher, Human metabolism and Clinical Biochemistry, University of Sheffield Medical School 1997-1998: Research Assistant, Clinical Sciences Centre, University of Sheffield 1993-1997: Robert-Boulcher PhD scholarship, Institute for Cancer Studies, University of Sheffield Medical School
Houlden
i am a microbial ecologist in the division of biosciences, within the college of health and life sciences at the university of brunel london. my research interests lie in the assessment of microbial community structure and function using high throughput sequencing and molecular microbiological techniques. focusing on the host microbiome their interaction with one another in this community and changes as a result of disease or injury, this characterisation of the communities allows the identification of functionally important changes in microbial assemblages and detection of antimicrobial resistance. my research has included work on the impact of stroke, brain injury, parasitic intestinal infections, and dementia on the interactions with the host and its microbiome. one of my current research focus areas is women's health, i am studying bacterial vaginosis, the interaction of microbes present in the vagina, detection of potential pathogens, and the development of an in-house in vitro model system using organ on a chip technology for 3d tissue culture to simulate the vaginal environment. linked to this i am interested in the impact that space travel and microgravity has on microbial populations and implications for health. i am also interested in antimicrobial resistance (amr) and detection of amr in bacterial communities with a focus on the environmental impact and ecological implications of this. it is becoming increasing an issue that amr organisms are colonising animal populations and if these pathogens are accumulated in apex predators via food chain acquisition. my doctorial training was in soil microbial ecology carrying out risk assessments and the efficacy of using bacterial biological control agents against fungi diseases of crops in laboratory, glass house and field experiments while at ceh-oxford/cardiff university. i then undertook postdoctoral research at the university of sheffield followed by the university of manchester continuing research into environmental microbiology looking a biogeochemical cycling of nitrogen and sulphur. while at manchester i moved into medical microbiome research as researcher co-investigator on a grant on t. muris and the impact on the microbiome and host. as a result of this i have formed a number of collaborations involving microbiome research. bb2716 medical microbiology (second year)
![Dr Ashley Houlden]()
Dr Ashley Houlden
I am a Microbial Ecologist in the Division of Biosciences, within the College of Health and Life Sciences at the University of Brunel London. My research interests lie in the assessment of microbial community structure and function using high throughput sequencing and molecular microbiological techniques. Focusing on the Host microbiome their interaction with one another in this community and changes as a result of disease or injury, this characterisation of the communities allows the identification of functionally important changes in microbial assemblages and detection of Antimicrobial Resistance. My research has included work on the impact of stroke, brain injury, parasitic intestinal infections, and dementia on the interactions with the host and its microbiome. One of my Current research focus areas is women's health, I am studying bacterial vaginosis, the interaction of microbes present in the vagina, detection of potential pathogens, and the development of an in-house in vitro model system using Organ on a Chip technology for 3D tissue culture to simulate the vaginal environment. Linked to this I am interested in the impact that space travel and microgravity has on microbial populations and implications for health. I am also interested in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) and detection of AMR in bacterial communities with a focus on the environmental impact and ecological implications of this. It is becoming increasing an issue that AMR organisms are colonising animal populations and if these pathogens are accumulated in Apex predators via food chain acquisition. My Doctorial training was in soil microbial ecology carrying out risk assessments and the efficacy of using bacterial biological control agents against fungi diseases of crops in laboratory, glass house and field experiments while at CEH-Oxford/Cardiff University. I then undertook postdoctoral research at The University of Sheffield followed by The University of Manchester continuing research into environmental microbiology looking a biogeochemical cycling of Nitrogen and sulphur. While at Manchester I moved into medical microbiome research as Researcher Co-Investigator on a grant on T. Muris and the impact on the microbiome and host. As a result of this I have formed a number of collaborations involving microbiome research. BB2716 Medical Microbiology (Second Year)
Karteris
dr manos karteris graduated with a bsc (hons) in medical biochemistry from the university of surrey in 1995. he then was awarded an msc with distinction in medical genetics with immunology from brunel university london in 1996 and completed his phd in molecular endocrinology from the university of warwick in 2000. he then undertook post-doctoral appointments at the university of warwick, including a prestigious vip research fellowship from the wellcome trust. he was appointed as lecturer in endocrinology at the university of warwick from 2005-2006 and then he transferred to brunel university london as a lecturer in biomedical sciences in june 2006. currently he is a reader in the division of biomedical sciences. dr karteris is the departmental director international. role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the feto-placental unit detection and characterisation of circulating tumour cells use of liquid biopsies as cancer biomargers of diagnostic and prognostic value development of fetal-placental 3d cultures as a screening platform for edcs dr karteris has a long standing interest in mtor signalling with emphasis in reproductive endocrinology and ovarian cancer. his lab is also active in the field of biomarker development using liquid biopsies. dr karteris has a recognized publication record in receptor biochemistry and cell signalling. he has published 89 research manuscripts, presented over 100 research abstracts in leading national and international conferences. many of these papers are generating a strong and influential impact not only to the biomedical field (h index; 31) but also to the society as they deal with topical issues such as effects of stress during pregnancy. moreover dr karteris has established collaborations with leading authorities in their fields and has been successful in obtaining research grants at national and international level. teaching responsibilities: co-ordination roles study block co-ordinator for bb3714 endocrine disorders contribution to other modules bb3091 final year project bb2802 primary literature interrogation and synthesis (assessment) bb2804 data analysis and presentation (assessment) bb5514 cell signalling and cancer bb5500 msc research dissertation
![Professor Emmanouil Karteris]()
Professor Emmanouil Karteris
Dr Manos Karteris graduated with a BSc (Hons) in Medical Biochemistry from the University of Surrey in 1995. He then was awarded an MSc with Distinction in Medical Genetics with Immunology from Brunel University London in 1996 and completed his PhD in Molecular Endocrinology from the University of Warwick in 2000. He then undertook post-doctoral appointments at the University of Warwick, including a prestigious VIP Research Fellowship from the Wellcome Trust. He was appointed as Lecturer in Endocrinology at the University of Warwick from 2005-2006 and then he transferred to Brunel University London as a Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences in June 2006. Currently he is a Reader in the Division of Biomedical Sciences. Dr Karteris is the Departmental Director International. Role of endocrine disrupting chemicals in the feto-placental unit Detection and characterisation of circulating tumour cells Use of liquid biopsies as cancer biomargers of diagnostic and prognostic value Development of fetal-placental 3D cultures as a screening platform for EDCs Dr Karteris has a long standing interest in mTOR signalling with emphasis in reproductive endocrinology and ovarian cancer. His lab is also active in the field of biomarker development using liquid biopsies. Dr Karteris has a recognized publication record in receptor biochemistry and cell signalling. He has published 89 research manuscripts, presented over 100 research abstracts in leading national and international conferences. Many of these papers are generating a strong and influential impact not only to the biomedical field (h index; 31) but also to the society as they deal with topical issues such as effects of stress during pregnancy. Moreover Dr Karteris has established collaborations with leading authorities in their fields and has been successful in obtaining research grants at national and international level. Teaching Responsibilities: Co-ordination Roles Study Block co-ordinator for BB3714 Endocrine Disorders Contribution to other modules BB3091 Final Year Project BB2802 Primary Literature Interrogation and Synthesis (Assessment) BB2804 Data Analysis and Presentation (Assessment) BB5514 Cell Signalling and Cancer BB5500 MSc Research Dissertation
Sisu
dr sisu joined brunel university as lecturer in genomic data analytics in april 2017. prior to that, she studied chemical engineering first at university “politehnica” bucharest and then at university “politehnica” timisoara in romania, followed by an msc in molecular sciences at wagennigen university, the netherlands and a phd in bioinformatics at university of cambridge. next, she moved to usa as a post-doc at yale university in the lab of mark gerstein. dr sisu’s current research focuses on the study of pseudogenes from both an evolutionary perspective but also as key players in various disease. dr sisu is also the chair of the early career lectures in bioscience at hubs (royal society of biology). for a complete list of publications see i am the lead for the introduction to data analysis hefq level 4 biomedical sciences (bb1719) and the lead for the introduction to bioinformatics hefq level 5 life sciences (ls2702 & ls2802). i am also teaching transcriptomics and rnaseq analysis as part of the msc module bb5707. postdoctoral positions applications for postdoctoral positions are considered on a rolling basis. applicants should hold a phd or be in their last six months of doctoral studies in computer science, physics or biology and should have a strong computational background. currently there are no funded positions available. however, we are happy to support your application for an independent fellowship. if interested, please contact dr sisu directly sending as attachment a cover letter, cv and contact details of 3 references from supervisors or mentors familiar with your work. ph.d. positions funded positions will be advertised as they become available. placement / erasmus / visiting students i am happy to host placement and visiting young scientists in my lab. if you are interested in joining us, please contact dr sisu directly.
![Dr Cristina Sisu]()
Dr Cristina Sisu
Dr Sisu joined Brunel University as Lecturer in Genomic Data Analytics in April 2017. Prior to that, she studied Chemical Engineering first at University “Politehnica” Bucharest and then at University “Politehnica” Timisoara in Romania, followed by an MSc in Molecular Sciences at Wagennigen University, The Netherlands and a PhD in Bioinformatics at University of Cambridge. Next, she moved to USA as a post-doc at Yale University in the lab of Mark Gerstein. Dr Sisu’s current research focuses on the study of pseudogenes from both an evolutionary perspective but also as key players in various disease. Dr Sisu is also the chair of the Early Career Lectures in Bioscience at HUBS (Royal Society of Biology). For a complete list of publications see I am the lead for the Introduction to data analysis HEFQ level 4 Biomedical Sciences (BB1719) and the lead for the Introduction to Bioinformatics HEFQ level 5 Life Sciences (LS2702 & LS2802). I am also teaching Transcriptomics and RNAseq analysis as part of the MSc module BB5707. Postdoctoral positions Applications for postdoctoral positions are considered on a rolling basis. Applicants should hold a PhD or be in their last six months of doctoral studies in Computer Science, Physics or Biology and should have a strong computational background. Currently there are no funded positions available. However, we are happy to support your application for an independent fellowship. If interested, please contact Dr Sisu directly sending as attachment a cover letter, CV and contact details of 3 references from supervisors or mentors familiar with your work. Ph.D. positions Funded positions will be advertised as they become available. Placement / Erasmus / Visiting students I am happy to host placement and visiting young scientists in my lab. If you are interested in joining us, please contact Dr Sisu directly.
Wang
bin wang graduated with beng (1985) in solid mechanics from xi’an jiaotong university, msc (1988) by research in dynamics and phd (1991) in applied mechanics, both from university of manchester (formerly umist). he had been an academic staff member of nanyany technological university (singapore), deakin (australia), brunel, manchester and aberdeen university before returning to brunel in july 2011. at brunel he has held roles as the chairperson of the board of study in mechanical, aerospace and automotive engineering, year 1 tutor, programme director of msc structural integrity, and now the vice dean internatioanl of the college. dr wang’s expertise is in applied mechanics, including stress and strain analysis, dynamics and impact mechanics. he also conducts research in reliability and safety analysis with application in energy and medical areas. his research contributed to the british energy’s r3 document on impact assessment of nuclear power plants. under the title shooting cancers, his research also presented at the royal society summer science exhibition (2004). dr. wang is also one of the inventors of a patented knee implant which is a leading product in the north american market. structural response under impact material behaviour under high strain rate loading design of energy absorption systems foams, cellulous and sandwich materials biomaterials and surgical devices nano scale materials uncertainty, reliability and parametric sensitivity multi-physics phenomenon dr. wang has delivered a wide range of subjects in the subject area of applied mechanics at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including strength of materials, vector calculus, vibration and machine dynamics, plasticity, mechanism and design, advanced reliability analysis, fracture and fatigue, etc. current teaching modules: me3062/me3092 fea, cfd and design of engineering systems mn5561 computer aided design 2
![Dr Bin Wang]()
Dr Bin Wang
Bin Wang graduated with BEng (1985) in Solid Mechanics from Xi’an Jiaotong University, MSc (1988) by research in Dynamics and PhD (1991) in Applied Mechanics, both from University of Manchester (formerly UMIST). He had been an academic staff member of Nanyany Technological University (Singapore), Deakin (Australia), Brunel, Manchester and Aberdeen University before returning to Brunel in July 2011. At Brunel he has held roles as the Chairperson of the Board of Study in Mechanical, Aerospace and Automotive Engineering, Year 1 Tutor, Programme Director of MSc Structural Integrity, and now the Vice Dean Internatioanl of the College. Dr Wang’s expertise is in Applied Mechanics, including stress and strain analysis, dynamics and impact mechanics. He also conducts research in reliability and safety analysis with application in energy and medical areas. His research contributed to the British Energy’s R3 document on Impact Assessment of nuclear power plants. Under the title Shooting Cancers, his research also presented at the Royal Society Summer Science Exhibition (2004). Dr. Wang is also one of the inventors of a patented knee implant which is a leading product in the North American market. Structural response under impact Material behaviour under high strain rate loading Design of energy absorption systems Foams, cellulous and sandwich materials Biomaterials and surgical devices Nano scale materials Uncertainty, Reliability and Parametric Sensitivity Multi-physics phenomenon Dr. Wang has delivered a wide range of subjects in the subject area of Applied Mechanics at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, including Strength of Materials, Vector Calculus, Vibration and Machine Dynamics, Plasticity, Mechanism and Design, Advanced Reliability Analysis, Fracture and Fatigue, etc. Current teaching modules: ME3062/ME3092 FEA, CFD and Design of Engineering Systems MN5561 Computer Aided Design 2