As a new lecturer my research will initially focus investigating molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying learning and how there are affected in age-related cognitive decline. Good cognitive health, the ability to think, learn and remember, is of vital importance across species, contributing to a productive life and sense of wellbeing. Ageing is a major risk factor for poor cognition, which has a negative impact on quality of life. This is not only observed in humans, but also companion animals. I am particularly interested in understanding how the extracellular matrix can influence adaptive learning processes.

In order to pursue these investigations I will be using multiple methods including advanced chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), immunohistochemistry, RNA extraction and analysis, quantitative PCR, RNAScope, western blotting, and ELISA.