My work focused on the development of novel cancer immunotherapies using biodegradable nanoparticles. I gained substantial experience in tumor immunology, T cell and DC biology as well as in vivo tumor models.

My PhD thesis work focused on investigating the mechanism of action of vaccine adjuvants with a view to using this better understanding to enhance the design of the next generation of vaccines. My work discovered for the first time the ability of particulate vaccine adjuvants to activate the NLRP3 protein, which is involved in innate cell signalling and activation. It demonstrated that particulate vaccine adjuvants act as more than just delivery systems. These materials (Alum and PLGA Micro/nanoparticles) have the ability to deliver proteins for antigen presentation while simultaneously activating a key signalling pathway within dendritic cells.

My role as a DSA involved recording and reporting any adverse events that may have occurred during drug trials. This involved working closely with medics, clinical trial organisors and the regulatory reporting agencies.