Katie is currently a Diabetes UK-funded PhD student working under Dr. Craig Beall, Dr. Kate Ellacott and Prof. Noel Morgan. Her project investigates the intracellular signalling mechanisms within the pancreatic alpha cell that may be involved in wider glucose homeostasis during diabetes. Katie’s broad research interests include how pancreatic islets contribute to the whole-body counter-regulatory response during diabetes in order to achieve glucose and energy homeostasis.

Previous Research Experience: Katie graduated with a BSc (Hons) Biomedical Sciences (Physiology) from Cardiff University with a Professional Training Year (PTY) taken at the University of Exeter Medical School. She worked within the Medical School's IBEx team during her PTY to investigate how some cytokines may promote cytoprotective effects within the pancreatic beta cell. Also, during her final year dissertation project at Cardiff University, Katie focused on how ionotropic receptor antagonism could modulate intracellular signalling pathways within a 3D, in vitro mechanical load model of osteoarthritis.

Techniques:
In vitro monolayer and 3D cell culture
In vitro gene transfection
Flow cytometry
Western blotting
In vitro metabolic physiology
Hormone secretion assays
Calcium imaging

Hobbies: Katie enjoys hiking and long-distance trail/road running in the Devon countryside and beyond, but when indoors she enjoys baking savoury and sweet treats for the group.