University of Manchester
Farah Hussein
I am a BHF funded PhD student in the Galli group. My research uses the zebrafish (Danio rerio) as a model to understand the long-term effects of glucose exposure on the heart during development.
My Background
For my undergraduate degree I studied Biomedical Science at Sheffield Hallam University and graduated in 2020. Whilst studying there I completed at yearlong sandwich placement in the Noël lab at the University of Sheffield as research assistant, there I used the zebrafish to study the genetic and cellular mechanisms involved in cardiac development. Following this I completed a summer placement at SickKids Hospital (Toronto) in the Scott lab where I investigated the role of cerebral cavernous malformation 3 (CCM3) in cerebrovascular development and disease.
These fantastic experiences in research motivated me to apply for the 4-year PhD BHF studentship in Cardiovascular at the University of Manchester. Under supervision by Dr Gina Galli, Prof Holly Shiels and Prof Roger Sturmey my PhD uses the zebrafish model to investigate the long-term effects hyperglycaemia has on heart morphology and function. We hypothesise an early embryonic exposure to glucose can programme cardiovascular abnormalities leading to cardiovascular dysfunction in adulthood.