Employment History

2015-present: Senior Research Fellow [band 8], Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

2010-2015: Research Fellow [band 7], Rowett Institute, University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

2006-2010:  Principal Investigator [band 4], Rowett Research Institute, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK

2002-2005: Principal Investigator [band 4], Hannah Research Institute, Ayr, Scotland, UK

1997-2001: Investigator [band 5], Cell Physiology Group, Hannah Research Institute, Ayr, Scotland, UK

1992-1997: Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institute of Virology and Microbiology University of Wurzburg, Germany

1989-1992: Ph.D. student, Institute of Virology, Helmholtz Research Centre, Munich-Neuherberg, Germany

Education

1989-1992: Ph.D. Genetics, University of Munich

1989-1991: MSc Biotechnology, Technical University of Munich, Germany

1983-1989: Diploma Biology, Technical University of Munich, Germany

Research Interests

My expertise is in the areas of biochemistry, cell biology, and molecular biology. My main research interests include:

• Cell-based assays as tools to detect toxic and beneficial chemical activities
• Cell line engineering for the development of high throughput assays
• Interactions of the gut microbiome with metabolic signalling
• Health-promoting and toxic activities of natural chemicals
• Long-term health effects of nutritional interventions mediated by epigenetic mechanisms

Activities

2019-present     Postgraduate Research Coordinator, Rowett Institute

2016-present     Associate Fellow of Higher Education Academy

2012-present     Member of Aberdeen Centre for Energy Regulation & Obesity [ACERO]

2006-present     Member, Scottish Cardiovascular Forum [SCF]

2001-present     Personal License holder for animal experimentation in mice

2003-present     Project License holder

Supervision

Current students:

Vala Pupovci, University of Aberdeen, “Algae as food – cutting out the middle man”, MSc Clinical Nutrition, 1.4.21-30.9.21

Salma Khattak, University of Aberdeen, “Plant-based protein or animal-based protein: which is providing more potential health benefits?”, MSc Clinical Nutrition, 1.4.21-30.9.21

Tatiana Dovgan, University of Aberdeen: “The impact of soft-fruit phytochemicals on the gut microbiome and bile acid metabolism” Ph.D. Cell Biology, 1.10.20-30.9.2024

Amane Adel Alaroud, University of Aberdeen: “Identification of natural chemicals as anti-aging compounds and their delivery using nanoparticles” Ph.D. Biochemistry, 1.2.2020-31.1.23

Khulod Hasaballah, University of Aberdeen: “Nutrition in early life regulates adipose tissue function and determines susceptibility to obesity - an investigation of the underlying mechanisms” Ph.D. Cell Biology, 1.4.19-31.3.22

Total students supervised (including current):

Post-Docs: 5

PhD: 10

MSc: 16

Honours: 10

Teaching

2016-present: Student Selected Components in Medicine [ME2511]

2016-present: Research Skills for Medical Sciences [SM2501]

2015-present: Foundation Skills for Medical Sciences [SM2001]

2015-2017: Invertebrate Biology [BI2012]

2015-2017: Genes & Evolution [BI2017]

2012-present: Medical Genetic Course [GN3502], University of Aberdeen

2011-present: 6^th Century Course [SX1516], University of Aberdeen

2006-present: Supervisor of lab-based projects in Medical Molecular Genetics, Human Nutrition, and Clinical Nutrition at MSc and Honours level, University of Aberdeen