I am based in Dr. Laura Dearden’s lab at the Institute of Metabolic Science, where our research focuses on the effects of maternal obesity during pregnancy on the neurodevelopment of offspring. My current work investigates how insulin influences the development of the fetal hypothalamus in the context of maternal obesity. Utilising a transgenic mouse model, my work aims to isolate insulin's effects to gain a deeper understanding of its role in brain development.
In addition to insulin, I am intrigued by how nutritional factors during pregnancy affect the long-term brain function, neuroplasticity, and neuroinflammation of offspring, as well as their subsequent behaviour. By exploring these areas, I aim to uncover new insights into the mechanisms behind metabolic disorders and identify potential therapeutic targets to improve the long-term health of individuals exposed to maternal obesity.
