Four new members of staff have joined the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, bringing a wealth of research and expertise to Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU).
High-profile cancer experts Dr Tim Humpton, Dr Jenny Crowe and Dr Ricky Wu, and research technician Nicola Clements joined GCU to be part of a talented team who are already changing lives through teaching and research.
Professor Sharron Dolan, Head of the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, said: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome our new research scientists to Biological and Biomedical Sciences.
“They have brought with them a wealth of knowledge and a range of skills to complement our current team, and I can see already the positive impact their appointments are having on teaching and research in the Department.”
Dr Humpton worked with Cancer Research UK Chief Scientist Professor Karen Vousden group at the CRUK Beatson Institute in Glasgow from 2014 focusing on the biology of p53, a potent tumour suppressor and ‘guardian of the genome’, before joining GCU.
He obtained Bachelor of Science degrees in Biology and Chemical-Biological Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 2010. He got his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Cambridge in 2014 as a Gates Scholar.
“I am excited by the opportunity to teach and conduct research within the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences. The ethos at GCU of working for the Common Good resonates strongly. I aspire to undertake world-leading research here in Glasgow that could contribute to improving the health and wellbeing of those around me,” said Dr Humpton.
Former University of Glasgow graduate and Strathclyde PhD student, Dr Crowe’s research centres on the immune system copes with inflammatory responses, in processes such as ageing, metabolic syndrome and cancer.
Dr Crowe said: “The Department of Biological and Biomedical sciences at GCU is renowned for its excellent teaching and training standards for our undergraduate and postgraduate students.
“Additionally, the department produces world class research, whilst retaining a wonderfully collegiate and collaborative atmosphere. So, when the opportunity arose to join the teaching team, I jumped at the chance!”
Dr Wu graduated from The Hong Kong Polytechnic University and is a Chartered Scientist,Fellow of Institute of Biomedical Sciences and Fellow of Royal Society of Biology.
His work focuses on photodynamic therapy (PDT), a treatment that involves light-sensitive medicine and a light source to destroy abnormal cells.
He said: “I started working as a full-time lecturer in 2006 in Hong Kong mainly teaching Cell Biology, Biochemistry and Biomedical Science related subjects. I feel great about joining the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences as I found colleagues are energetic and full of talent. I want to be here to explore new possibilities.”
Former University of Edinburgh microbiology graduate, Nicola has been a research technician for over 20 years maintaining cell culture, helping staff and training students in different lab techniques.
She said: “I’m delighted to be part of the team here at Glasgow Caledonian University. I have always loved the city of Glasgow; the energy and the people and GCU hasn’t disappointed. Every member of staff has gone above and beyond to help me settle in and make me feel part of the team.”
The scientists are part of the Molecular Mechanisms of Long-Term Conditions Research Group in the University’s Research Centre for Health (ReaCH) – improving health and wellbeing for all – which makes a direct and significant contribution to Sustainable Development Goal 3 – good health and wellbeing – issued by United Nations in 2015 as a blueprint for peace and prosperity across the planet.
To find out more about research in the Department of Biological and Biomedical Sciences please visit https://www.gcu.ac.uk/hls/research/researchgroups/molecularmechanismsoflongtermconditions/