The main reason I chose to do my research at the OU was because of the PhD project in the field of neural tissue engineering and repair with Dr James Phillips, within the Biomedical Research Network (BRN) at the OU.
It was only then that I began to research the OU and discovered all the facilities they had to offer. I never knew the OU had such great research facilities – a confocal microscope, electron microscopy suite with expert technicians, new labs, lots of space to do my research and the possibility do in vivo work with the help of experienced technicians. One of the most important factors is the opportunity to work with people with the correct expertise that I can learn from.
My Master’s degree was in Biochemical Engineering, with a focus in the final year on tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. I enjoyed learning about research in this field and also seeing how it can impact people’s lives. I remember reading about the first tissue engineered organ transplant at the time (2008); where the patients own cells were used to engineer a trachea. This really inspired me and I developed a real passion for the field and wanted to continue research in this area.
“I never knew the OU had such great research facilities – a confocal microscope, electron microscopy suite with expert technicians, new labs, lots of space to do my research and the possibility do in vivo work with the help of experienced technicians.” Melanie Georgiou, PhD student in the Biomedical Research Network, Faculty of Science
I have had heaps of support from my supervisors with whom I have constant contact. The research environment within the BRN and interaction with colleagues in different research areas is also beneficial.
I never had any lab experience before starting my PhD so I was lucky to have had a lot of support from our technicians in histology labs, electron microscopy suite and the Biomedical Research Unit (BRU). We also have a very efficient and knowledgeable lab manager who sorts everything out for us!
My PhD project aimed to develop a nerve repair device, as an alternative to the current gold standard treatment, the nerve autograft. In my project we developed and optimised a material that can support and enhance neuronal regeneration, Engineered Neural Tissue. We have seen promising results in our pre-clinical studies and have began development of a device that can be implanted for use in the clinic. Our Engineered Neural Tissue could form the basis of a functional conduit for peripheral nerve repair.
Melanie Georgiou is a PhD student in the Biomedical Research Network, Faculty of Science.
Read more of our postgraduate research student experiences.