What motivated you to come to Bristol and do this programme?

University with great reputation and internationally distinguished research, opportunity to study subject I’m passionate about and structure of the programme.

What is the key research question of your PhD research project and what have you found out so far?

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis in the UK, affecting around 40% of those over 70. It can affect almost any joint, but most commonly causes problems in the knees, hips and small joints of the hands. It is not clear what causes osteoarthritis. During my PhD I aim to determine hip shape parameters in younger population and how hip shape changes between the age of 13 and 17. I am also keen to identify environmental and genetic factors related to hip shape development in childhood. While structural changes in hip shape are associated with osteoarthritis, it is unclear whether these predate the onset and play role in pathogenesis.

Where do you think your research could lead and what are your future career plans now?

My research will provide an insight into mechanisms involved in pathogenesis of hip osteoarthritis, which may point to new opportunities for preventing hip osteoarthritis. After my PhD I hope to pursue further career in research, which will enable me to make a significant contribution in order to improve population health and quality of life.

Where are they now?

I have remained at the University of Bristol as a Senior Research Associate in the Bristol Medical School.