Alice V. R. Lake

Profile

Profile

I'm an experienced biomedical Research Assistant currently working towards a Ph.D. in Molecular Genetics at The University of Leeds, St James's Hospital Campus. My main goal is to become a Technical Specialist to advance and promote the use of new technology within molecular biology. By sharing my expertise in biotechnologies I would be able to advise and aid others in achieving their specific research goals. Throughout my role as a Research Assistant I have gained expertise in CRISPR/Cas9 genome-editing technology, High-Content experimental work and imaging, siRNA screening and Confocal Microscopy. I regularly share my expertise and specialist knowledge by delivering training to my colleagues and by mentoring junior scientists. 

I decided to do a Ph.D. to help further develop my analytical skills and scientific perspective, to compliment my technical expertise. My PhD is also helping me develop my professional communication, outreach communication, events organisation, presentation and writing skills.

Along side my Ph.D. studies I stood as a Postgraduate Student Representative from 2016-2018 in the Faculty of Medicine and Health, and as a representative for the St. James's Campus for Leeds University Union. My main duties included: representing the views of postgraduate research students (PGRs); contributing to policy changes within the University at a range of University and Union Committee Meetings; communicating with PGRs to relay relevant information or changes to policies that impact them; encouraging PGRs to attend research seminars, Institute/School meetings and social events. Throughtout my time as a PGR Representative I also organisied and chaired a yearly Student Symposiums with an external Key Note speaker and Industry sponsors each spring; Established, maintained and hosted a monthly seminar called "Methods Club" for PGRs to learn new biological research techniques; co-ordinated an induction day for new PGRs; set up new connections with the Student's Union and Doctoral College to support positive changes to our campus.

Timeline

• 2010 - 2014: MBiolSci Medical Genetics, Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Universtity of Sheffield
• 2014 - Present: Research Assistant, Ciliopathy Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James, University of Leeds
• 2015 - Present: Ph.D. Medicine (Part-Time), Ciliopathy Research Group, Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St. James, University of Leeds
• 2016 - 2018: Post-graduate Research Student Representative, Faculty of Medicine and Health and Leeds University Union

Other Roles

• Providing technical support and teaching in the laboratory.
• Coaching and mentoring Undergraduate, Master and early Ph.D level students through their research projects. 
• Maintaining the laboratory and managing resources for my research group.
• Generating primary data for grant proposals.
• Preparing data for publication or presentations.

Research interests

Ph.D Project

Title: Using Reverse Genetics to Identify Novel Regulators of Ciliogenesis.

My PhD focuses on finding new genes and genetic interactions that are involved in maintaining primary cilia. Primary cilia are a small hair-like structure that protrude from cells and are a central hub for signalling pathways. My research can help us understand the molecular controls that organise cilia and thus contributes to understanding the pathology of ciliopathies (genetic disorders caused by mutations in cilia genes).

Other Research Interests

• Using molecular biology and reverse genetics techniques to better understand cilia (A small hair-like signalling organelle on the membrane of cells).
• Identifying new genes that control the organisation and production of cilia
• Looking at genetic interactions that underpin the molecular organisation of the transition zone (a small region at the base of cilia).
• Understanding the role of actin organisation in ciliogenesis (the formation of a cilium).
• Generating cellular models of ciliopathies with CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing technology

Qualifications

• MBiolSci Medical Genetics (First Class Hons)

Research groups and institutes

• Leeds Institute of Medical Research at St James's