Summary
Immunology research
For a decade, my research group was investigating CD8+ T-lymphocytes memory response to chronic viral infections. More specifically, my aim was to identify new genes required for the development and maintenance of memory T cells, using an in vivo forward genetic strategy. Three mutations affecting the development, contraction and long-term maintenance of anti-viral CD8+ T cells have been isolated and positionally cloned. The effect of the mutations on CD8 T cells' immune response and the immune system in general has been characterised.
Immunology and digital education
Following three maternity breaks, I decided to close my research lab and focus my career on education. Over the past 10 years, I have led the MSc in Immunology, continuously innovating technically and pedagogically to keep its curriculum relevant and to ensure it provides a very solid training in both experimental and theoretical immunology. I have also taught immunology at undergraduate level and recently have led the development of an open content specialisation made of a series of five Massive Online Open Content courses (MOOCs): Immunology: the Immune System and its Failures Specialisation. With more than 7000 learners in the first year and an average completion rate above 50%, these MOOCS are successfully disseminating immunological knowledge worldwide.
Alongside my education leadership role in the Department of Immunology and Inflammation, I was the Faculty of Medicine Postgraduate Education Lead for 5 years (2017-2022), leading the implementation of our institution Learning and Teaching strategy in our postgraduate taught programmes and through the covid years. In 2022, I was appointed Faculty of Medicine Digital Education Lead and co-lead the creation of our Digital Education Office.
Education research
Finally, having completed a Master in Education (University Learning and Teaching), I have developed a keen interest in understanding what aspects of our scientific Community of Practice can support the development of Critical Thinking Skills and Dispositions of our taught students.
Collaborations
Enquiries are always welcome!
Publications
Journals
Ling GS, Crawford G, Buang N, et al., 2018, C1q restrains autoimmunity and viral infection by regulating CD8+ T cell metabolism, Science, Vol:360, ISSN:0036-8075, Pages:558-563
Okoye I, Wang L, Pallmer K, et al., 2015, The protein LEM promotes CD8(+) T cell immunity through effects on mitochondrial respiration, Science, Vol:348, ISSN:0036-8075, Pages:995-1001
Salisbury EM, Wang L, Choi O, et al., 2014, <i>N</i>-Ethyl-<i>N</i>-nitrosourea mutagenesis in the mouse provides strong genetic and <i>in vivo</i> evidence for the role of the Caspase Recruitment Domain (CARD) of CARD-MAGUK1 in T regulatory cell development, Immunology, Vol:141, ISSN:0019-2805, Pages:446-456
Arnold CN, Barnes MJ, Berger M, et al., 2012, ENU-induced phenovariance in mice: inferences from 587 mutations., Bmc Res Notes, Vol:5
Choi O, Rutschmann S, 2012, Dissecting immunity by germline mutagenesis., Immunology, Vol:137, Pages:124-130