ABOUT US
As a group of PhD researchers working on various projects, we realised that our research was united by common themes surrounding ageing, age-related diseases and health span longevity. Recognising the interdisciplinary nature of this field, we decided to collaborate and draw on our experience in immunology, biochemistry, physiology, nutrition and genetics to tackle some of the most pressing health challenges facing the world today: Diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cardiovascular disease and liver disease. We are particularly interested in understanding the immunological and metabolic mechanisms that underpin these diseases, with the goal of figuring out how to keep people younger and healthier for longer.
Biochemistry, Pathology, Nutrition
Isabella D. Cooper
Human ex vivo and in vitro human clinical trials PhD scientist: Isabella is a Biochemist and Medical Pathologist, focussing on ageing biology, ketosis, hyperinsulinemia, and chronic diseases associated with ageing. Isabella’s PhD elucidated the first full spectrum metabolic, endocrine, lipidology LDL responses and extracellular vesicles phenotypes, in cross-over clinical trials with participants in different metabolic states. She published a diagnostic grading scale for metabolic phenotypes and classified and named the disease Hyperinsulinaemia-Osteofragilitus in MDPI Medical Dictionary. Associate Fellow of The Higher Education Academy, Fellow of The Royal Society of Biology, and Endocrine Society, Associate Fellow of The Biochemical Society, and Physiological Society. BSc (Hons) Biochemistry with Medical Physiology, Molecular Genetics, Advanced Cell and Cancer Biology, neurology, endocrinology and immunology, protein and enzyme biochemistry, bioinformatics in influenza and metabolic biochemistry. She has won multiple awards including the Faculty of Science and Technology Awards, Individual Teaching Award and Group Teaching Award for Medical Pathophysiology, multiple Dean’s List Awards and the UK Biochemical Society Award.
Immunology, Genetics
Dr Kurtis Edwards
Human ex vivo and in vitro Research Fellow: Kurtis specialises in Immunology and Genetics and is interested in understanding the molecular mechanisms which underpin the pathobiology of blood cancers. Kurtis’ PhD thesis identified and validated novel biomarkers predicting disease behaviour in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia, improving patient stratification. Expert in immunological and cytogenetic techniques essential for mapping out physiological and pathological phenomena observed with ageing of the immune system. Kurtis’ PhD is in immunology and genetics, a Masters of Science with Distinction in Haematology and Transfusion Science, and an Honours degree in Biomedical Science. An Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, and Research Fellow at the University of Westminster. Awarded grant funding from Westminster Ignite Fund, UK CLL Forum, and Westminster Globally Engaged Researcher fund to present his research at international conferences.
Physiology, Nutrition
Dr Yvoni Kyriakidou
Human clinical trials Research Fellow: Yvoni specialises in exercise physiology investigating musculoskeletal system changes associated with ageing and age-related diseases. Expert in ex vivo and ex vivo techniques to show metabolic and immunological changes in muscle tissues. Yvoni’s PhD focused on nutritional strategies and supplementation ameliorating muscle damage and function, and exercise-induced inflammation in younger and older adults. A PhD in Exercise Physiology and Sports & Exercise Nutrition, a MSc Sports Nutrition and BSc Nutrition & Dietetics. A Research Fellow at the University of Westminster and Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. Registered Associate Nutritionist of the Association for Nutrition, Affiliate of The Physiological Society, and Endocrine Society. Multiple funding awards, including the Globally Engaged Research Scholarship and the Ignite Fund, and Affiliate grant from The Physiological Society to present her research in national and international conferences in the United States.
Biochemistry, Pathology, Immunology
Dr Lucy Petagine
Human ex vivo and in vitro post-doctoral scientist: Lucy is a Biochemist and Immunologist with a focus on the pathobiology and metabolism of liver diseases, including how exogenous and endogenous toxins may accelerate cellular ageing. Lucy’s PhD thesis investigated the inflammatory pathways in alcohol-related liver disease, understanding how oxidative stress, mitochondrial function and cell death underpin the progression of disease, as well as the use of nanoformulation-based approaches to protect against oxidative stress and liver injury. Lucy has also published in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, a condition afflicting young adults increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. She also has extensive experience in biochemical and immunological assays as well as analysis of large UK BioBank datasets. Lucy completed her PhD in Biochemistry and Pathology, majored with Honours in her Bachelor’s in Biomedical Science and has a Masters degree with Merit in Immunology. She was awarded the Jan Campbell Prize and is also an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.