Hazel Markham

BSc (Honours) Biomedical Science, 2011 Graduate

'The best things about the course for me was the placement year and final year project. I really enjoyed working independently in the laboratory and got to work with the mass spec.

'For me the key to getting my current job was my placement year at the Hallamshire Hospital. This allowed me to demonstrate my skills, knowledge and ultimately meant when I went back for interview against several other candidates I felt at ease because I knew the people interviewing me and had already shown I was capable.

'I’m a biomedical scientist in the haematology department at the Hallamshire Hospital. I currently work in the blood bank where I am responsible for helping provide a safe and effective transfusion service which involves, stock management, blood grouping, antibody investigations and incident reporting with subsequent corrective action. I’m also competent in the automation section where the full blood count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, malaria morphology are preformed and will soon be on the out of hours rota covering both blood bank and automation overnight.

'Once I’m settled working on the out of hours rota I will rotate into more specialist area including haemolysis, cell markers, haemato-oncology diagnostics and coagulation.

'Although the techniques in my current role are quite specific to the analysers we use, general laboratory skills and knowledge of haematology from my degree and project have come in useful. One of the most important skills I gained from university was the ability to plan and manage laboratory work during my final year project.

'The biomedical science sandwich course allowed me to complete my IBMS portfolio and certificate of competence during my placement year. This meant when I graduated I could register with the HCPC, this was very advantageous when applying for hospital based BMS posts.

'During my course I felt all my lecturers and many other staff in the health and wellbeing department went above and beyond to support me and my fellow students. Particularly the support provided by the student support officer was very helpful to me when I became unwell in my final year.'

Michael Clarke

BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science

During my course I particularly enjoyed the option to take part in a placement year in industry relevant to my course. I feel that prior to the year I was well prepared by my course lecturers and given clear objectives to achieve whilst on the placement. I also particularly enjoyed the final year project, this was an opportunity to work directly under a course professor and with their support take responsibility for a significant piece of research. This challenging environment allowed me to hone my time management skills as well as use the practical skills which I had built up over the entire course.

During the course there was a strong and constant focus on continued professional development, diversifying and documenting your skill set. This is extremely relevant to public sector work and was fantastic to be able to demonstrate that this was something I had already acquired as part of my degree.

The placement year that was part of my sandwich degree was invaluable it gave me an insight in to working life and the opportunity to get some much needed relevant industry experience which I have no doubt helped me when applying for my current position. In more general terms the base of clinical knowledge gained from the course in general also made me an ideal candidate for my current role.

Job: Clinical Research Associate; Organisation: Liverpool Cancer Trials Unit (University of Liverpool) Funded by Cancer Research UK; Current Responsibilities: A clinical research associate ensures compliance with the clinical trial protocol and good clinical practice. This entails visiting hospitals in which clinical trials are taking place and carrying out a number of activities including, training hospital staff in the trial, reviewing clinical trial paperwork against medical records to ensure accuracy, reconciliation of trial drugs in pharmacy, implementing changes in process where appropriate and reporting my findings to the sponsor company and/or chief investigator normally an academic.

In my day to day role the detailed clinical knowledge I built up during the entire course has enabled me to have a clear understanding of the disease relevant to the trial I am working on, the route and mode of action of the drug being investigated and how to interact confidently. I am also able to challenge health care professionals in their own area of expertise.

The course has given me a firm and solid base and a diverse skill set that has allowed me to attain my current position but also acts as a start point to build my professional career from. I feel confident that I will be successful in my current industry, but I would also relish the opportunity to complete further studies following the excellent experience I had whilst studying at Sheffield Hallam.

During my time at University I found the facilities excellent, there were constant offers of support from the course lecturers and also the university in general offered multiple additional support services whether its advice on finance, health or academic skills for example maths tuition. The whole institute is geared towards the success of the students. The course staff were approachable, knowledgeable and supportive throughout the entire four years, offering useful advice at every opportunity and I sincerely thank them for their time,efforts and expertise in helping my attain my undergraduate degree.

Chloe Attridge

BSc Biomedical Sciences

'The main highlights of the course for me were the research projects that I did in the final year. It was a great way to piece together the knowledge and skills obtained over the duration of the course and to have the opportunity to work independently while I had the support of academic supervisors behind me.

'The course prepared me well for employment. I was given a placement opportunity while on the course at an NHS lab, without this I couldn't have completed my IBMS registration portfolio. This also enabled me to apply for HCPC registration required for a job as a state registered biomedical scientist once I had graduated.

'I now work as a biomedical scientist in an NHS Haematology and Blood Transfusion lab. My responsibilities include testing of samples for diagnosis and monitoring of haematological conditions such as anaemias, leukaemias and haemoglobiniopathies. I am also involved in ensuring the safe provision of compatible blood products for required for patients undergoing treatment for chemotherapy, pre and post operative treatment and anaemias.

'Knowledge of principles of laboratory techniques and practices learned on the course remain an important aspect in my day to day job. Time management and organisational skills that you learn in your time at the university are invaluable in most roles, especially in the NHS setting where there are pressures to meet turnaround times where you need to manage the workload to the best of your ability.

'The content of the course encourages you to become an organised, rational and independent learner and also to adapt to working as part of a group. This is applied to the working role where you may be responsible as an individual but also required to work within a small to large team to achieve work orientated targets.

'The support from all faculty staff made the course more enjoyable by feeling like you had a network of support behind you. The range of books available and accessibility of bioscience related journals at the Adsetts learning centre massively helped in completing assessments.'

Claire Bradshaw

BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences

'The highlight of studying the BSc Biomedical Science course at Sheffield Hallam was being able to take a placement year. This allows you to develop new skills that will be essential for future employment.

'Students who take a placement in a hospital laboratory are able to complete the IBMS portfolio that allows them to register to work as a biomedical scientist on graduation.

'The practical skills I learnt during the laboratory classes and during my year placement were excellent preparation for taking my PhD after graduation. I believe these skills helped me gain the PhD of my choice.

'Currently I am a PhD Student investigating microbial ecology of hospital wards at the Biomedical Research Centre, Sheffield Hallam University in collaboration with Sheffield Teaching Hospitals.

'My role includes completion of all laboratory work relating to the project (Microbiology and Molecular biology), data analysis, communicating with hospital staff, presenting the project work in the form of posters and talks at scientific conferences and preparation of project work in the form of manuscripts for publication.

'In addition I have been responsible for the organisation of a PhD lead conference held at Sheffield Hallam University.

'I use much of the knowledge I learnt as part of the molecular biology and microbiology modules of my course. I also use the practical skills I learnt from laboratory classes and placement on a daily basis.

'The PhD has allowed me to build on the knowledge and skills I learnt during the course.

'The placement year gave me the opportunity to also develop my laboratory and non laboratory skills, including team work and communication skills.

'During the course I was also able to develop my presentation skills. This was important to learn as I have been required to present as part of my PhD at many conferences.

'On completion of my final year project I was able to publish my work in the journal Bioscience Horizons. This allowed me to develop my writing publication skills, a skill that is of use to me in my current role and will be essential for progression in the future.

Taking the placement year, final year project and publication process gave a huge boost to my confidence, a real sense of achievement and inspired me to go on to a career in research.

'I received excellent support from my head of course during the full four years at Sheffield Hallam University. During my placement year I also had excellent support from my visiting tutor, who gave me excellent careers advice. The encouragement, support and enthusiasm of my two project supervisors inspired me to peruse a career in research and to apply for a PhD.

'The laboratory facilities available are excellent. During practical classes I was able to use a range of instruments and equipment. In addition these practical classes are run by academics and technical staff who have expert knowledge of the equipment and techniques.'

Sahiba Dilbaghi

BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences, 2010 graduate

'I chose to study in Sheffield because I had a relative who lived here and I like the city.

'I chose this course as it contained bits of everything such as physiology, biochemistry, DNA, analytical chemistry and cell biology.

'I like the way the course is taught and assessed, the practical experience both in the classroom and on industrial work placement has been a real benefit to me.

'I went on placement at AstraZeneca pharmaceuticals where I worked as a student scientist in the safety pharmacology department of the company. This helped me gain some lab experience in industry.

'The course has lived up to my expectations and I hope to use it to gain a job in the healthcare sector. The course has also helped me to develop my professional and communication skills.

'The best thing about Sheffield Hallam is that it is multicultural and has a good atmosphere. My advice to other international students thinking of coming to study in the UK is to make the most of your course and attend all the lectures if you can.'

Allison Dickens

BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences, 2010 graduate

'The course itself seemed to be really interesting with a wide range of methods of learning. I wanted to move away from home to gain independence but not so far that it would be difficult to get home if I needed to. When I came to look around the University it seemed like a really modern campus with friendly staff and lots of things to offer me as a student.

'My course will enable me to me to gain the appropriate degree accreditation to work as a biomedical scientist because it is accredited by The Institute of Biomedical Science (IBMS). This was really important when I was viewing other universities as some of them weren't accredited. I have just finished my IBMS portfolio which will improve my job prospects as a biomedical scientist.

'The bioscience labs are always fully equipped with state-of-the-art machines such as real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipment. When working full-time these are the sorts of machinery you use on a daily basis, so it sets you up for working in the real world, whether it is a hospital lab, a research lab or a pharmaceutical company.

'Full support is given by both the lecturer taking the class as well as the team of support technicians who are fully trained to use all of the equipment.

Sheffield as a city offers a great range of activities. It has a great shopping street and close transport links to Meadowhall and other cities. It is only a short drive or bus journey away to the Peak district which is stunning. The nightlife has plenty to offer with clubs and bars for all types of people. It is a friendly city that will welcome anyone.'

Josephine Amina

BSc (Honours) Biomedical Sciences

The biomedical course had a lot of course work with strict deadlines and penalties if any deadlines were missed, this required hard work and commitment which prepared me for the tight deadlines that I have at work. The course content provides a good biomedical science background which has helped me to understand some of the clinical trial data and issues that may arise.

The placement year gives you an edge over other new graduates who did not do a placement. The course structure and course work for example leads to self-discipline and also develops your learning to work independently which are some of the desired personal attributes. The placement definitely helped me gain my current role.

I am currently employed as a clinical data analyst working for a multinational contract research organisation and my main role is to review and validate clinical trial data on assigned projects. I use the general skills I was taught on the course such as time management, teamwork, self-motivation, problem-solving and leadership the most. The biomedical science and IT knowledge gained is also useful in my job.

The tutors are very approachable and helpful, the facilities are modern and the city campus location is very convenient. The library opening hours came in handy for me, since as a mature student with children I could use the facilities any time that was convenient for me day or night. I really enjoyed my years studying at Sheffield Hallam.

The best thing about studying at Sheffield Hallam for me were the brilliant facilities and the support I had from the tutors.

Dr Neil Bricklebank

Professional lead, analytical sciences

Phone 0114 225 4931
E-mail N.Bricklebank@shu.ac.uk

Neil is a chartered chemist and a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, External Examiner for the Northern Consortium (NCUK) and a member of the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) Peer Review College.

He obtained his BSc and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST). He then worked as a post-doctoral research assistant first at UMIST, and then at Durham University, where he studied the production of novel molecular magnetic and electronic materials based on sulfur radicals.

Neil joined Sheffield Hallam in 1995 and has developed his research interests in the areas of inorganic and materials chemistry, focussing on the synthesis and characterisation of phosphorus and sulfur compounds and their applications in nanotechnology and biological sciences.

He is also involved in knowledge-transfer activities and is working with Aquaculture, a Sheffield-based company, on horticultural nutrient solutions. He has authored over 40 research articles and two book chapters on these topics.

His teaching interests compliment his research and include inorganic, coordination and materials chemistry at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. He is also involved in the department's widening participation and outreach work and delivers chemistry-related talks and practical activities on for primary and secondary schools.

Professor Nicola Woodroofe

Head of Biomedical Research Centre

Phone 0114 225 3065
E-mail N.Woodroofe@shu.ac.uk

Nicola initially started work at Sheffield Hallam as a senior lecturer in immunology in 1994. Prior to this she obtained both her BSc Biochemistry degree and PhD in biochemistry for the University of London (Chelsea College, now King's College, London). This was followed by a lengthy postdoctoral research period, firstly in the USA and then at the Institute of Neurology in London, researching initially muscular dystrophy and since 1983 her research has been focussed on understanding the mechanisms underlying multiple sclerosis. In 2005 Nicola's research record was recognised through her appointment as a professor of neuroimmunology at Sheffield Hallam University.

Nicola's main areas of teaching are related to her research interests, thus she teaches clinical immunology, neuroscience and research methods at MSc level as well as supervising final year BSc research projects.

Nicola is currently the head of the Biomedical Research Centre (BMRC) which has a thriving body of academic staff, postdoctoral research assistants and PhD students engaged in research relating to disease mechanisms, molecular microbiology, pharmacology and bioanlaytical science.

As head of the research centre, Nicola is responsible for compiling our research activity returns for the government's assessment of university research, the Research Excellence Framework (REF). There is also a commercial service in the BMRC offering contract research and consultancy, which is also managed by Nicola.

Nicola continues to pursue research into multiple sclerosis and her work is funded in part by the UK Multiple Sclerosis Society. She also collaborates closely with consultant neurologists at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in the research on MS. Her research work has resulted in over 60 publications and more than 10 students have gained their doctoral degrees under her supervision. Her research team present their work at national and international research conferences.

Nicola is the chairperson of the Neuroimmunology affinity group of the British Society for Immunology and is a member of the organising committee of the European School of Neuroimmunology.

Dr Alison Cross

Senior lecturer in biomedical science

Phone 0114 225 4061
E-mail A.K.Cross@shu.ac.uk

Teaching
Module leader and tutor on essentials of biology and biology of disease.

Supervisor for masters level laboratory projects.

Principal research interests
Studies into the role of ADAMTS-1, 4 and -5 in central nervous system disease
The ADAMTSs (A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin motifs), ADAMTS-1, -4, -5, belong to a group of metalloproteinase enzymes which possess proteoglycanase and anti-angiogenic activities. We are currently interested in the role of these proteases and changes in their substrate levels in the brain in multiple sclerosis.

Studies into the role of ADAMTS-13 in stroke and transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
Deficiency of ADAMTS-13, a circulating protease which cleaves Von Willebrand Factor, can lead to unwanted clotting. Our research interests involve studies into the control of expression of ADAMTS-13 in brain derived cells as well as measurement of the plasma levels in stroke/TIA patients.

The role of Citrullination of CNS proteins in the pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis.
Citrullination is the process of posttranslational modification of arginine residues which results in conformational changes of proteins. Our research is focussed on the expression of the enzymes involved in citrullination as well as the proteins citrullinated in multiple sclerosis.

Dr Nicola Jordan-Mahy

Course leader for BSc (Hons) Human Biology and BSc (Hons) Biochemistry

Phone 0114 225 3120
E-mail N.Jordan-Mahy@shu.ac.uk

Nicola has worked at Sheffield Hallam for 10 years. She studied physiology and zoology at Royal Holloway and Bedford New College - London University and obtained her PhD from Cambridge University. She continued her research into nutrition and gut pathology at a post-doctoral level at Cambridge, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Bradford universities before coming to Sheffield Hallam.

She continues this research in the Biomedical Research Centre with a focus on cancer and nutriceutical, and you may have caught sight of her on national and local news, television and radio taking about the research in to leukaemia.

Nicola is responsible for the undergraduate physiological modules first year human physiology and anatomy, second year control physiology and forensic pathology. She also teaches on undergraduate and postgraduate modules in her specialist areas.

She is currently the chair of the Research Ethics Review group in the Department of Biosciences and a member of the Faculty and University Research Ethics Committees.

Dr Kim Lawson

Senior lecturer

Phone 0114 225 3057
E-mail K.Lawson@shu.ac.uk

Dr Kim Lawson has been lecturing at Sheffield Hallam since 1995. Having obtained a BTech degree in pharmacology and a PhD in pharmacology, Kim worked within the pharmaceutical industry Rhone-Poulenc Sante (France), Recherche Syntex France, Sanofi-Labaz (Belgium), Reckitt and Colman (UK) and British Biotechnology (UK) in drug discovery and development.

He has gained an international reputation in drug discovery research, with a focus towards his two main research interests of the pharmacology of potassium channels and of the identification of treatments of fibromyalgia. His contribution within these areas is reflected by regularly invitations as a consultant to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries and affiliated organizations, to talk at public events and scientific conferences and to write 'expert opinion' articles for scientific and clinical journals.

Further, he is a member of advisory boards to the charity organisations Fibromyalgia Association UK and FibroAction, and a member of the scientific advisory board of the International Centre for research and study in Biomedicine (Luxembourg). Kim has also regularly contributed to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Fibromyalgia at Westminster.

Kim's teaching interests are directed towards pharmacology. He has also recently attended the International Entrepreneurship Educators Programme (NCGE) and is involved in the development and teaching of enterprise and entrepreneurship.

Dr John Bright

Senior lecturer

Phone 0114 225 5237
E-mail j.bright@shu.ac.uk

John has been working at Sheffield Hallam since 2005. After leaving school his first job was as a junior researcher on cereal crops at Rothamsted. This he enjoyed enormously and it motivated him to become a more senior researcher. Subsequently in 1982 he obtained a PhD from Warwick University entitled 'The physiological activity of attached bacteria'. A postdoctoral fellowship study on the germination of bacterial spores followed at the University of Leeds.

Teaching then became more of an interest with lectureships at Leeds Polytechnic, Bradford University and Manchester Metropolitan University. In 1991 he became very interested in active learning strategies whilst studying for a PGCE in science / biology at the University of Sheffield. Where possible, these strategies are used today in his teaching of microbiology to bioscience students and nurses at Sheffield Hallam.

John's main research interest since 1996 has been in the characterisation of cells by matrix assisted laser desorption time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI ToF MS). He was part of the research group at Manchester Metropolitan University that pioneered the use of MALDI ToF MS for the identification of bacteria. John worked in collaborations with the mass spectrometry company Micromass (Waters) and the Health Protection agency at Colindale on the commercialisation of the rapid identification of bacteria by 'bacterial mass-fingerprinting'. Other mass spectrometer manufacturers and companies have now also commercialised the method and it is just beginning to be used in hospital diagnostic microbiology laboratories where he predicts it will take over from the old biochemical methods of identifying bacteria.

Professor Malcolm Clench

Professor of Mass Spectrometry

Phone 0114 225 3054
E-mail M.R.Clench@shu.ac.uk

I am Professor of Mass Spectrometry within the biosciences department and a deputy director of the Biomedical Research Centre. I joined the University in 1990 as a senior lecturer in analytical science from VG Biotech Ltd where I was employed as a development scientist/project manager. I have been involved with mass spectrometry for over thirty years, first becoming interested when as a sandwich course student I was given the task of developing mass spectrometric methods for explosives analysis.

My teaching duties include teaching more general aspects of analytical science, toxicology as well as mass spectrometry. I am also an active researcher and currently supervise five PhD students working on a range of projects from studies in drug metabolism to determining pharmacodynamic responses to anti-cancer agents.

Dr Maureen Douglass

Senior lecturer

Phone 0114 225 3058
E-mail M.Douglass@shu.ac.uk

I am a senior lecturer of chemistry and course leader of the foundation year in biosciences. I also teach on the secondary education in science teaching training courses.

My aim and particular interest is to develop a love of learning and the wider higher education experience to students. It is very rewarding to see students increase in confidence as well as achieve academically.

Keith Miller

Senior lecturer in medical microbiology

Phone 0114 2253946
E-mail k.miller@shu.ac.uk

I was awarded my BSc in medical microbiology at University of Leeds in 2000, and completed a PhD in the role of bacterial hypermutators in the evolution of antimicrobial resistance at the University of Leeds in 2003. I remained at the University of Leeds as a postdoctoral research fellow specialising in antimicrobial research in the Division of Microbiology on grants funded by the Department of Health, Novartis and the Medical Research Council. I joined Sheffield Hallam as senior lecturer in medical microbiology in 2008.

My areas of expertise are medical microbiology and molecular biology specialising in antibiotics and clinical microbiology with a particular interest in healthcare associated infections.

I am a module leader for the masters level modules biology of infectious diseases and medical microbiology 1 and 2. I also teach on applied biomedical techniques, biomedical laboratory techniques, infection and immunity, systems pharmacology, medical microbiology critical review, research methods and research project.

I am a module leader for the undergraduate module medical microbiology and teach on the microbiology, cellular control processes, skills for science, professional studies, topics in human biology and research project undergraduate modules.

My main areas of research are in the development of novel antimicrobial agents, which includes the investigation of light-activated antibacterial metal alloy surface coatings, novel therapeutic agents from venoms and new antimicrobial wound dressings. I am also interested in the development of bacterial antibiotic-resistance and in particular whether the hospital environment results in the development of increased antibiotic resistance.

David Crowther

Senior lecturer in analytical and forensic science

I joined Sheffield Hallam in 1987, as a lecturer in chemistry. My degree in biochemistry and PhD in bioenergetics were from the University of Bristol, after which I spent four years in the USA at Brookhaven National Laboratory. After a brief spell at University College London I came to the University of Sheffield, where I stayed for four years. After 12 years of working on the molecular mechanisms of photosynthesis, teaching analytical chemistry was a change – though I discovered that I had been an analytical scientist all along without realising it!

I have enjoyed my time at Sheffield Hallam, combining research in industrial, forensic and clinical analysis with teaching and course development. I am interested in how we learn, and have been keen to introduce a hands-on approach to learning based on lab work.

My interest in science communication led to an enjoyable summer on the Observer as a science journalist. I have led the development of forensic science courses at Sheffield Hallam and teach forensic science and analytical science at undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

I have published 36 papers and many abstracts on bioenergetics, sensors, spectroscopy, and chemical analysis in medicine. I hold one patent and have substantial consultancy experience.

I am an external examiner at other UK universities and a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and the Forensic Science Society.

Professor Peter Strong

Phone 0114 225 4932
E-mail P.Strong@shu.ac.uk

Peter obtained a degree in chemistry at Bristol University before heading off to America, where he studied at the University of Oregon (obtaining a PhD in organic chemistry) and the University of California, when he was awarded a USA Muscular Dystrophy Association postdoctoral fellowship to study at the Medical School in San Francisco.

Returning to London, Peter worked first at University College (UCL) and then at Imperial College Medical School, with spells in Basel, Switzerland, as a visiting consultant for the pharmaceutical company, Sandoz, and at the National University of Singapore as a visiting professor. He moved to Sheffield Hallam as professor of biomedical sciences in 1998.

While in Oregon as an organic chemist, working on the synthesis of the puffer fish neurotoxin, tetrodotoxin, Peter developed an interest in neuroscience and the toxins from venomous creatures, such as snakes, bees and scorpions.

He is particularly interested in ion channels and their role in signaling processes in the nervous system and the use of ion channel toxins as models for the design of new pharmaceutical drugs.

While at Imperial his research focused on muscular dystrophies, especially those resulting in ion channel abnormalities. Since arriving in Sheffield he has become interested in the mechanism of action of antimicrobial peptides that destroy membranes by forming ion channel pores.

At Sheffield Hallam, Peter teaches on a wide range of undergraduate and modules including pharmacology, biochemistry and neuroscience. He is also heavily involved in pharmacological and cell biology aspects of many MSc modules.

Peter is reviews editor for Toxicon, the official journal of the International Society of Toxinology, and is also a visiting senior fellow at the National University of Singapore.

He is a fellow of the Royal Society of Chemistry, as well as a member of neuroscience, pharmacology and biochemical societies in the UK and the USA.

Many of the PhD students and postdoctoral fellows that Peter has mentored now hold positions in their own right as senior scientists in the pharmaceutical industry and the Medical Research Council (MRC), as well as university professors, both in the UK and abroad.

Dr Alessandra Princivalle

Senior lecturer in pharmacology and neuroscience

Phone 0114 225 2925
E-mail A.P.Princivalle@shu.ac.uk

I joined Sheffield Hallam University in 2007 as a senior lecturer in pharmacology and neuroscience.

My BSc was in biochemical sciences, and my Italian PhD was in molecular biology from University of Milan titled 'Cloning of cDNA for human fibrinogen gamma-chain'. My English PhD was in pharmacology from University of Birmingham, Division of Neuroscience, Medical School. My PhD was entitled ‘Studies of GABAB receptors in epilepsy', which was about quantitative expression of these receptors subunits and isoforms in human subjects affected by, and animal model of epilepsy.

I continued postdoctoral research at Institute of Neurology in Milan and University of Birmingham remaining within my research interest and studied genes involved in neuronal circuits.

I also have a PGCE in Higher Education from the Sheffield Hallam and have previously taught at University of Milan and University of Birmingham.

At Sheffield Hallam I teach undergraduate years two and three and masters level. I am also module leader for pharmacological basis of therapeutics (year two), research methods (masters), and research and professional methods (masters). I am also the course leader for MSc Pharmacology.

Dr Ben Abell

Senior lecturer

Phone 0114 225 5240
E-mail B.Abell@shu.ac.uk

I teach in the general areas of molecular and cellular biology, with a particular interest in plant biology. Key modules are plant physiology, plant biotechnology, and cellular control processes, and I teach across the undergraduate and postgraduate programme, including lectures, workshops, and labs.

My fascination with plant biology started during my undergraduate studies at the University of Cambridge, and continued to develop via PhD research at the University of Calgary (Canada). A further six years of postdoctoral research at the University of Manchester allowed me to advance my research skills and to tackle fundamental questions about how proteins are organised within cells.

I believe that it is important to integrate research into university teaching, and to achieve this I have designed modules to facilitate enquiry-based learning. This provides an active and effective way for students to deal with the vast quantities of information currently being generated in the biosciences. This learning style also develops skills valued by employers such as problem solving, teamwork, and communication.

Research interests/activities
I lead a research group in the Biomedical Research Centre, funded by external agencies such as the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC) and the Biochemical Society. Our common theme is investigating how proteins are delivered to their correct destination within cells, a universal process that can result in disease when it malfunctions.

To analyse protein locations we use techniques such as protein expression, cellular fractionation, and confocal fluorescence microscopy. Our work has generated publications in international science journals, and we present our work at international conferences. The research group also supports undergraduate students in their first experience of professional research, which is particularly valuable for progressing to postgraduate education.

As part of my research activities I am a member of the Biochemical Society and the American Society of Plant Biologists.

Dr Ian Spencer

Principal lecturer in biochemistry

Phone 0114 225 3014
E-mail I.M.Spencer@shu.ac.uk

I am principal lecturer in biochemistry and a member of the Biochemical Society.

I graduated from the University of Reading in physiology and biochemistry followed by a PhD in Birmingham investigating the hormonal control of flight metabolism in insects. I moved back to studying mammals at the University of Leeds on a Medical Research funded study into blood lipid metabolism. From there I came to Sheffield as a lecturer at what is now Sheffield Hallam University.

My current teaching mainly focuses on metabolism and its regulation and enzyme kinetics. Research interests over the years have ranged from insect and fungal metabolism to the role of carbonic anhydrase in cancer. Recent student projects I have supervised have looked at effect of inhibitors of carbonic anhydrase and other drugs on the growth of cancer cells in tissue culture. Others have been concerned with analysis of foods for fatty acid composition and salt content in relation to health.

Dr Simona Francese

Lecturer in biomedical sciences

Phone 0114 225 6165
E-mail s.francese@shu.ac.uk

I hold a degree in chemistry, a PhD in chemical sciences, and a learning and teaching postgraduate diploma. I am currently a member of the Italian Chemistry Society (SCI) and the British Mass Spectrometry Society (BMSS). I joined Sheffield Hallam in 2008 where I am a lecturer in biomedical sciences

My specialist teaching area is in analytical chemistry. This is a subject which allows the development of laboratory and problem solving skills which are highly desirable in employment in a variety of scientific environments (laboratory hospitals, pharmaceutical industries, forensics, quality control and so on).

It is a very exciting science which offers students new challenges in learning and problem solving and allows you to develop as a professional. I am module leader of separation, detection and on line techniques within the MSc in Pharmaceutical Sciences, and I contribute to the teaching activities in other modules such as analytical chemistry, molecular analytical science, bioanalytical tutorials, toxicology, principles of disease diagnosis.

Research interests/activities
I am a chemist specialised in biomedical mass spectrometry (MS). MS is a powerful analytical technique that, over the years, has undergone tremendous technological improvements allowing its application to proteins, peptides, carbohydrates, DNA, drugs, and many other biological molecules.

This technique has given me the great opportunity to be involved in exciting research projects by developing MS methods to aid the elucidation of biological and biomedical problems involving proteins, peptides, nucleic acids and, xenobiotics.

Since 2005 I have been interested in a cutting edge technology named matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry (MALDI MS_ imaging which allows molecular images of the distribution of biomolecules to be obtained directly from intact tissue sections. I am currently pursuing MALDI MSI method development in three main areas

• analysis of latent fingermarks and suspect identification (forensic area)
• biological response to honeybee venom (biotechnological area)
• biomarker discovery of tumorigenesis (biomedical area)

To date, my work has resulted in 24 peer reviewed publications, one book chapter and 40 presentations at national and international conferences, of which five were on invitation and two as keynote speaker.

Dr Kirsti Newton

Senior lecturer in molecular cell biology

Phone 0114 225 2972
E-mail K.Newton@shu.ac.uk

After studying biology with biochemistry at the University of Wales, I spent several years at the Centre for Applied Microbiology and Research in a large multidisciplinary research group investigating bacterial protein toxins. My work was primarily focussed on Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin, also known as Botox.

I developed a particular interest in the therapeutic potential of naturally occurring toxins and the extensive pharmacological libraries contained within animal venoms and was lured to Sheffield Hallam by the prospect of a PhD studying the biochemistry of bee and scorpion venom toxins and a placement opportunity in the Department of Biochemistry at the National University of Singapore. After completing my PhD, I spent a brief period at the University of Sheffield before returning to Sheffield Hallam University (and to toxinology). I have been a lecturer in the Department of Biosciences at Sheffield Hallam since 2006.

As the module leader for the undergraduate research project, I strongly believe in the importance of developing good practical skills, providing experience of current and relevant techniques and that research and transferable professional skills should be nurtured together with academic knowledge.

Dr Sarah Haywood-Small

Lecturer/postdoctoral researcher in cancer cell biology and immunology

Phone 0114 225 3043
E-mail s.haywood-small@shu.ac.uk

I was appointed to Sheffield Hallam in 2009 and have expertise within biomedical sciences, especially in areas related to cancer and immunology. My enthusiasm for biomedical research is evident from my teaching, in which I encourage learning through my own research experiences.

My teaching commitments involve preparing different modes of assessment and contributing to MSc Clinical Immunology and BSc (Hons) Pathological Sciences to directly reflect changes in research. I also enjoy supervising laboratory classes, holding tutorials and supervising innovative student research projects.

Research interests/activities
My principal research interests involve cellular interactions and immunoregulation; especially the importance in human disease. In the laboratory, I can be found isolating cells for functional studies or for multicoloured flow cytometry.

During my research career, I have generated in the region of £220,000 in external funding and published my research in peer-reviewed journals. I have presented data at both national and international conferences (Germany, France and USA) after receiving awards from the British Association for Cancer Research. As a result, I have established international collaborative projects which hope to combine tumour cell kill and antitumour immunity within a single paradigm.

Dr Vikki Carolan

Senior lecturer in analytical science

Phone 0114 225 3040
E-mail V.A.Carolan@shu.ac.uk

I have been a lecturer in analytical science at Sheffield Hallam since 1995. Since then, I have tried to engage students in the study of 'what is it?' and 'how much is there?' as well as more advanced surface analytical applications. I have also been a course leader for HNC, HND and BSc courses.

I am now placement tutor for the bioscience courses and enjoy helping students to develop their employability.

I became interested in chemistry at secondary school, enjoying the opportunity to create bangs, flashes and puffs of smoke without getting into trouble! I continued this interest by studying chemistry with analytical chemistry at University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology (UMIST, now part of the University of Manchester), followed by a PhD in surface analysis, investigating replacements for mercury in long-life batteries.

After six years in Manchester, I moved to Nottingham and then Bradford to carry out post doctoral research, applying my analytical skills to problems such as 'how can we use teeth to determine age at death'.

I have continued research into surface analysis and separation science at Sheffield Hallam University, and successfully supervised a number of PhD students.

I am still a chemist at heart, and am a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry Local Section committee, which helps to promote chemical sciences in the region.

Dr Gail Haddock

Senior lecturer in biomedical sciences

Phone 0114 225 5550
E-mail G.Haddock@shu.ac.uk

Gail has been at Sheffield Hallam since 1989. She studied Chemistry at DeMontfort University, and then whilst at Sheffield Hallam obtained her PhD, titled 'The Functions of Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein in Rheumatoid |Arthritis'.

Gail then spent the following 5 years researching into the role of ADAMTS-1, 4 and -5 in central nervous system disease. She is currently module leader and tutor on, essentials of biology (year one) and biology of disease (year two).

Gail is also a supervisor on masters level laboratory projects as well as several PhD projects within the Biomedical Research department. These projects cover a wide range of interests all with connections to neurological conditions which is Gail's area of great interest.

Louise Ellen Freeman-Parry

Senior lecturer in clinical pharmacology

Phone 0114 225 6271
E-mail L.Freeman-Parry@shu.ac.uk

Louise is a pharmacist registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council of Great Britain. She graduated with a degree in pharmacy from the University of Manchester and undertook her pre-registration pharmacist training with Liverpool Health Authority. Having registered as a pharmaceutical chemist with the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain she started her first post as a hospital pharmacist at St. James's hospital in Leeds. Whilst working at Leeds she studied part for a Master of Pharmacy in Clinical Pharmacy at the University of Bradford.

Louise then moved to Sheffield to take up the position of Clinical Pharmacy Services Manager at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital where she managed and trained a team of clinical pharmacists and pharmacy technicians. She was also the senior tutor in Sheffield for the Postgraduate Diploma/MSc in Clinical Pharmacy awarded by the University of Bradford and an Honorary Lecturer at the University of Leeds. During this time she was also a visiting lecturer at the University of Sheffield Medical and Dental Schools and Sheffield Hallam University.

Whilst working at Sheffield Teaching Hospitals Louise completed a Master in Education in Clinical Pharmacy Teaching at the University of Leeds.

In 2008 Louise moved to the post of senior lecturer in clinical pharmacology at Sheffield Hallam University. Her diverse experience in medicines management has led to her teaching on a variety of undergraduate and masters modules in the Faculty of Health and Wellbeing

Areas of expertise include
• prescribing
• pharmaceutics (the design and formulation of medicines)
• pharmacokinetics (the science of how the body handles medicines)
• pharmacodynamics (the biochemical and physical effects of medicines)
• pharmacology (the molecular mechanisms of action of medicines)
• pharmacotherapeutics (the use of medicines in clinical practice)

Current research interest
Antimicrobial properties of wound dressings used to treat infected wounds.

Dr Bob Smith

Principal lecturer

Phone 225 3050
E-mail R.F.Smith@shu.ac.uk

Bob Smith is currently the professional lead for biological sciences in the bioscience department at Sheffield Hallam University. He is a fellow of the Institute of Biomedical Science, a member of the Royal Society of Chemistry and a chartered chemist.

He began his career as a medical laboratory scientific officer in the Clinical Biochemistry Department at the City (formerly Dudley Road) Hospital in Birmingham. Following the City Hospital he spent some time working at the County laboratories in Dorchester before a move to the old Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford, where he was involved in developing the use of immunoassay techniques for the analysis of hormones. During this time he began collaborations with several research groups which subsequently led to his appointment as principal biochemist for the Sheikh Rashid Diabetes Unit, where he was responsible for the laboratories.

Following this he was appointed research and development manager in a team set up to develop the Diagnostic Products Corporation European Research Institute (DPC-ERI) laboratories. This group, a research section of DPC Los Angeles, was set up to research into the development of assays for the screening of drugs of abuse.

In 1990 he moved to Sheffield Polytechnic as senior lecturer in clinical biochemistry. In 1996 he was awarded a PhD for research work in diabetes. He continues to have a research interest in the analysis of abused drugs and was included in the Bioscience Department submission for the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise.

He has particular interests in the application of an evidence based approach to clinical biochemistry and in the development of an enterprising and entrepreneurial approach to study and work amongst his students.

He is a member of the Education and Training Committee of the Health Professions Council and the Editorial Board of the British Journal of Biomedical Science.

Dr Neil Cross

Senior lecturer in molecular and cellular biology

Phone 0114 225 4930
E-mail n.cross@shu.ac.uk

I obtained my first degree in biomedical chemistry at Sheffield Hallam in 1996, and completed a PhD at the University of Sheffield in 2002, investigating the genetic changes that occur in eye tumours. I then carried out research into prostate cancer and novel cancer therapies before joining Sheffield Hallam as a senior lecturer in molecular and cellular biology in 2008.

Teaching
I am the module leader and tutor for cell biology and pathological sciences.

I teach on the modules biology of disease, molecular biology, pharmaceutical basis of therapeutics and analytical science, and human genetics.

I also teach the masters level modules principles of disease diagnosis, applied disease diagnosis, human genetics, cell biology, molecular pharmacology and research methods.

As module leader of cell biology, I teach basic cellular functions, as well as some more advanced cell signalling pathways. In pathological sciences and biology of disease, I focus on how defects in normal cellular behaviour may lead to disease, and how these cellular defects may be exploited for diagnostic and therapeutic use.

In the masters level modules, I focus on methods of disease detection, primarily using new technologies, and how results obtained are used by clinical professionals as part of patient management. My areas of expertise are cell biology, genetics, bone biology and cancer, and offer research projects to final year and masters level students. Many of these projects involve growing tumour cells in the laboratory and testing the activity new chemotherapy or anti-tumour agents.

Research interests
I have research interests in

• Identifying novel anti-cancer agents and drug combinations, and testing these in the laboratory. These studies focus around a potentially therapeutic protein called TRAIL, which induces tumour cells undergo 'cellular suicide'.
• Investigating the role of cancer stem cells/tumour initiating cells in tumour development.
• Understanding why breast and prostate cancers preferentially spread from the initial tumour location to certain distant sites such as bone.
• I have a long-standing interest in the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis, and am researching how this organism induces long-term 'persistent' infections in some individuals.

Recent publications
Kokab, A, Jennings, R, Eley, A, Pacey, AA, Cross, NA. (2010) Analysis of modulated gene expression in a model of Interferon-g-induced persistence of Chlamydia trachomatis in HEp-2 cells. Microbial Pathogenesis (In Press)

Guzmán-Ramírez, N, Völler M, Wetterwald A, Germann M. Cross, NA, Rentsch CA, Schalken J, Thalmann GN, Cecchini MG. (2009) In vitro propagation and characterization of cancer stem/progenitor-like cells from human prostate cancer tissue. The Prostate 69(15):1683-1693.

Dr Dawn Hadden

Senior lecturer in biochemistry

Phone 0114 225 3038
E-mail D.Hadden@shu.ac.uk

I joined Sheffield Hallam in 2005 as a lecturer in biochemistry. My degree was in biochemical sciences from Salford University and my PhD was from Leeds University School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

I teach at every level on the bioscience courses. I am also the admissions tutor for undergraduate courses. It is extremely rewarding to help students choose the right course and then watch them develop their skills during their studies.

I also have a PGCE in Secondary Education from the University of Leeds and have previously taught in some local schools and colleges. Good educational practice is something I continue to have an interest in. Currently I am involved in research examining the transition from school to university and looking at ways students can be supported through this.

My PhD was entitled The molecular mechanisms of nucleoside transporters, which is about how the structure of this group of membrane proteins relates to their function. I continued postdoctoral research at Leeds University remaining within my research interest and studied the structure and function of a variety of membrane proteins.

Dr Susan Laird

Head of department of biosciences

Phone 0114 225 3035
E-mail s.m.laird@shu.ac.uk

I was appointed as a lecturer at Sheffield Hallam after completing a BSc in biochemistry at Edinburgh University and a PhD at London University. During my teaching career at Sheffield Hallam I have taught physiology, immunology and advanced cell biology. I have always been interested in curriculum development and have led the introduction of a number of new courses in the department.

In collaboration with clinicians at the Jessop Hospital for Women, I have developed a national and international reputation for research in female reproductive disorders and in particular the role of the endometrium in infertility and recurrent miscarriage.

I have published over 120 papers and abstracts and presented my work at national and international meetings. I have been invited to talk about my work at international meetings and I am an associate editor for an international journal. This research activity supports the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research projects.

In my role as head of department I interact extensively with representatives from other organisations. I chair a pharmaceutical and biosciences sector forum at the University, which comprises representatives from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Dr Adrian Hall

Senior lecturer

Phone 0114 225 4151
E-mail A.Hall@shu.ac.uk

I have worked at Sheffield Hallam University since 2001. I studied for a BSc in Biochemistry at the University of Sheffield and then for a PhD in molecular genetics at the University of Sheffield's Medical School. Following a period of post-doctoral research at Leiden University Hospital in the Netherlands, I returned to the University of Sheffield for a number of years to carry out research in collaboration with the Amsterdam Medical Centre.

My main academic interest, which is in transcriptional regulation, stems from a summer internship carried out during my degree course. During this time the elegance by which the expression of the human genome is controlled became evident to me. And this interest has only increased in light of the amazing discoveries made in this area in recent years.

Most of the research work I have carried out has been focussed on the human coagulation system. My other interests include the mechanisms of controlling gene expression in a number of other systems.

My main areas of teaching include molecular biology and molecular genetics, building on my interest in transcriptional control mechanisms. I have a keen interest in the development and enhancement of laboratory practice and teaching with regard to graduate employability.

Dr Rowena AD Bunning

Principal lecturer in cell biology

Phone 0114 225 3012
E-mail R.A.Bunning@shu.ac.uk

I came to Sheffield Hallam via research at the Strangeways Research Laboratory, Cambridge and later the Department of Human Metabolism and Clinical Biochemistry, University of Sheffield and a PGCE.

I have a keen interest in mammalian cells, their culture, what they can do as the fundamental components of mammalian tissues and organs and what happens when things go wrong.

During my time at Sheffield Hallam I have taught cell biology and immunology at all levels from HND to supervising PhD students and am a course leader. I also have a role as quality and learning, teaching and assessment (LTA) co-ordinator in the biosciences department, helping to ensure a quality student experience.

In addition to teaching I am involved in research, focussed on mechanisms of extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown and repair with particular reference to the role of proteinases and cytokines. This is particularly relevant to cartilage breakdown in arthritis, remodelling of central nervous system ECM, as occurs in multiple sclerosis and tumour invasion and metastasis. I have over 45 publications in this area.

Dr Katherine Rawlinson

Senior lecturer

Phone 0114 225 5240
E-mail K.Rawlinson@shu.ac.uk

After studying at Sheffield Hallam University for an undergraduate honours degree in biomedical sciences, I am now back at the University working as an academic member of staff.

My PhD entitled 'The effects of testosterone and calcium channel blockers on vascular smooth muscle cell apoptosis' was obtained from the University of Sheffield, after which I completed a PGCE in post compulsory education and training at the University of Huddersfield. After working in the further education sector for a number of years I joined Sheffield Hallam in 2008 and am now a senior lecturer.

I currently teach across all levels of the biosciences degree programme, as well as at MSc level, with my main discipline area being human anatomy and physiology. I also teach into the nursing programme and act as module leader for the level 4 sciences module. My other responsibilities include being an academic tutor and industrial placement supervisor, as well as a visiting tutor to students out on work placement.

Myself and a colleague run a widening participation and outreach programme for biosciences which involves hosting events within the University, as well as running activities in local schools.

I am extremely interested in good practice within teaching and learning in HE and am involved in research in this area. Of particular interest to me is the transition process of students into higher education and making science accessible to students who have poor engagement.

Dr David Smith

Lecturer

Phone 0114 225 3044
E-mail D.P.Smith@shu.ac.uk

David joined Sheffield Hallam in 2010 as a lecturer in biochemistry and molecular biology.

He obtained his BSc in biochemistry from the University of Warwick in 1999 and his PhD for his work on the structural biology of an amyloid protein from the University of Leeds in 2003.

He then undertook postdoctoral research first at the University of Melbourne investigating the role of metal ions and amyloid-beta in the pathology of Alzheimer’s disease, and then at The University of Leeds developing ion mobility spectrometry mass spectrometry to study protein folding and misfolding. He has published over 20 papers in these areas and his first author paper on protein conformation studied by mass spectrometry was presented with the Ronald A. Hites award for outstanding research publication by the American society for mass spectrometry.

His current research is focused on understanding how changes in the shape of proteins in the brain bring about a toxic effects resulting in the symptoms of Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. To do this he is developing experimental and computational methods centred on ion-mobility spectrometry mass spectrometry to understand the shape and size of these molecular complexes.

Dr Anne-Marie Harrison

Senior lecturer

Phone 0114 225 3080
E-mail Anne-Marie.Harrison@shu.ac.uk

I have been employed at Sheffield Hallam University since 2003. I am the course leader of the BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences degree and teach on a range of topics including clinical biochemistry, haematology, biochemistry analytical science, pharmacology and bioinformatics. These are all topics which reflect the areas I have worked in during my career.

I graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in chemistry and returned there to study for a PhD in chemistry. This was based around studying drug interactions with DNA using computational methods. This stimulated my interest in the relationships between molecular structure and function, which remains a key interest for me today.

Following my first degree I was employed as a biomedical scientist in chemical pathology at Sheffield Children's Hospital, during which I gained an MSc in Pathological Sciences. The work here ranged from general routine investigations to more specialised tests for inherited disorders of metabolism, for which the Sheffield laboratory was a centre. A significant part of this role involved taking blood samples from patients and this brought a new dimension to the job, reminding us that there was an individual whom you had met waiting for their result and also emphasizing the role of biomedical science in everyday lives.

I am a member of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences and the Biochemical Society.

Dr M Akram Khan

Senior lecturer

Phone 0114 225 4451
E-mail M.A.Khan@shu.ac.uk

I am a course leader for the pharmaceutical sciences degree. I am an organic chemist and have taught chemistry at university level for over 30 years. After completing my PhD in organic synthesis I was offered a job by ICI but declined and chose to go to Kuwait in 1979 where I joined Kuwait University. I taught general and organic chemistry to chemistry undergraduates and medical students; the bulk of my teaching comprised of laboratory classes in which I gained an enormous amount of experience.

I joined Sheffield Hallam University in September 1990. I teach organic chemistry and organic spectroscopy to undergraduates and MSc students. When I teach organic chemistry I mostly speak from first-hand experience with evidence, as I have done most of the reactions that are discussed in organic textbooks and students find this approach easy to understand.

I absolutely love research and maintain an active interest in it which comprises of anti-oxidants, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-malarial chemistry. I offer these researches to final year students and MSc students doing their research projects with me every year. I have supervised many research projects in addition to PhD and MPhil students and have publications in refereed international journals.

Dr Rosalind Wolstenholme

Senior lecturer in analytical science

Phone 0114 225 3020
E-mail R.Wolstenholme@shu.ac.uk

Rosalind obtained her PhD in 2005 in analytical forensic science and began teaching forensic science in 2004. She has been at Sheffield Hallam since 2008 teaching forensic science on undergraduate and postgraduate modules.

Her main areas of interest are in the analysis of forensic samples in the laboratory and how to interpret data produced but she also enjoys the crime scene simulation practicals.

Rosalind's current research interests are in the area of fingerprint chemistry. She and Dr Simona Francese have several projects underway looking at gaining chemical information from fingermarks recovered from crime scenes, in addition to the unique pattern. This chemical information can potentially be used to estimate the age of the fingermark or give information on the donor's lifestyle and health. We are using analytical techniques, primarily matrix assisted laser desorption ionisation mass spectrometry (MALDI MS) and raman spectroscopy, to look at these issues and have published papers with results from both.

Rosalind is a member of the Forensic Science Society and the Royal Society of Chemistry. She is currently working with the Forensic Science Society to gain accreditation for the forensic courses in the bioscience department.