Tom Sharp

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

I first became interested in epigenetics as an undergrad at Bath, and decided to investigate confounding in Illumina 450K data as part of my dissertation. This was when I first came across the ALSPAC project, and decided to use the data for my project. After reading about ALSPAC and meeting with professors from the School of Social and Community Medicine, I was amazed by the breadth of studies within the department and how ALSPAC studies have revolutionised epidemiological techniques, and I new I wanted to study there. The 1+3 structure of the PhD with 3 mini projects in the first year was also a major consideration as I wanted exposure to new topics and techniques. After spending lots of time in Bristol, I also knew that I wanted to live here!

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

I will be investigating the relationship between DNA methylation and the metabolome using NMR metabolite data from the ALSPAC cohort, with an emphasis on metabolic diseases. I am currently investigating corrective measures for cell type heterogeneity in Illumina HM450 data.

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

Its early days yet, but I'd love to carry on with a post-doctorate and end up in academia! The communication of science really appeals to me and I hope to end up lecturing one day.