I am a physiologist and biochemist with over 30 years of experience in skeletal muscle biology, with a particular focus on the basic mechanisms of muscle dysfunction in ageing. My research described the role of impaired redox homeostasis in the diminished ability of muscle of old rodents and humans to produce Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs) in response to exercise and the functional consequences of this reduced production. Recent work showed that denervation regulates degenerative pathways in skeletal muscle through changes in mitochondrial signaling, leading to increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Work also encompasses altered muscle function in chronic fatigue and post-COVID syndrome with particular focus on muscle as an inflammatory organ. I have undertaken translational studies including exercise and nutritional interventions in humans in collaboration with industry and international partners. I have led and collaborated on numerous national and international projects, including the UK Space Agency’s MicroAge mission on the International Space Station which has received considerable interest. As Co-PI of the ongoing MicroAge mission, I helped establish microgravity as a model for accelerated muscle ageing, providing a platform for testing interventions relevant to both spaceflight and terrestrial ageing. I am committed to research integrity, equity, diversity, and inclusion, championed novel inclusive research environments and led multiple successful Athena SWAN submissions.
Positions, Scientific Appointments, and Honors.