I have joined the Alessi lab for my first rotation as part of the MRC PPU PhD program. My project is focused on defining the cell localisation and molecular environment of endogenous LRRK2. Novel antibodies have allowed immunofluorescent detection of endogenous LRRK2, revealing a punctate staining pattern that is not co-localised with any major cellular organelles. Understanding where LRRK2 is located is key to understanding how this Parkinson’s disease-related kinase is regulated.

Prior to beginning my PhD, I completed a Bachelor's in Biomedical Science at the University of York. This included an industrial placement in Investigative Toxicology at UCB, Brussels; focusing on cross-species translation of novel PROTACs. My final year research project investigated a link between mutations in an ALS-associated gene, TBK1, and physical exercise to exacerbate an ALS-like phenotype in Drosophila.