Senior Postdoctoral Research Associate at the University of Oxford I worked within the Oxford Centre for Neuroinflammation studying the genetic and epigenetic variance which contributes to the development of Multiple Sclerosis. Expertise in single cell biology (multi-hashing, cite-seq, scRNA-seq, scATACseq, scTCR, scBCR), CRISPR, Capture C, ATAC-seq, CyTOF/flow, BioBank cohorts and human Immunology. I was a member of the Women in Leadership training program as well as sitting on the departmental Environment and Diversity and Equality Committees.

Investigating the functional role of single nucleotide polymorphisms in Multiple Sclerosis. Using an array of techniques including cell culture, molecular biology, large scale Biobank studies in human cohorts, ATAC-seq, Capture C and CRISPR.

Postdoctoral Research Associate 2010 – 2013This work focused on the effect of TNF inhibitor therapy on T cell plasticity and has resulted in the identification of a novel transcriptional regulator of IL-10 responses in human Th17 cells. In addition to my project I was responsible for overseeing the daily running of the laboratory as well as directly supervising clinical fellows and MSc/PhD students. I organised departmental and divisional events and presented my work at national and international conferences. I worked extensively with human samples and have helped to establish and maintain a highly productive team approach between clinical staff and the laboratory group.• Primary project investigating the response to TNF inhibitor therapy, which has identified a novel transcriptional regulator or IL-10 in pathogenic Th17 cells.• Secondary project investigating inherent defects in CD4 T cells (memory/naive Tregs and T effector cells) in patients with rheumatoid arthritis in collaboration with our industrial partner.• Contribution to work on:- Monocyte/Treg interactions (Walter, Evans et al 2012 Arthritis Rheum)- Early arthrits cohort study (in review at Clinical and Experimental Immunology)- Psoratic arthritis cohort study (manuscript in preparation)- Demonstrating T effector cell driven monocyte apoptosis (Jagger, Evans et al 2011)- Linking the presence of power doppler signal to Th17 cells (Gullick, Evans et al 2010)

PhD Immunobiology, King’s College London, 2005 – 2009 Supervisor: Dr Leonie Taams Investigating the induction, effect and control of Th17 cells in humansWhen this project began, Th17 cells were a newly identified subpopulation of effector T cells, capable of inducing potent immune responses. During this work I identified a novel route for the stimulation of Th17 responses in the context of in vitro activated monocytes and identified the mechanism behind this process. I also demonstrated that whilst these cells are not regulated by the naturally occurring CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells, they can be suppressed by the presence of the Th1 cell subset. Most importantly, work with rheumatoid arthritis patients indicated an enhanced potential of synovial fluid monocytes to induce an IL-17 response, suggesting the importance of monocyte targeting in disease management. This project has lead to funding from the Biomedical Research Council and a number of grant applications.• Demonstrated that Toll-like receptor activated monocytes can stimulate Th17 cell responses in human CD4+ T cells (Evans et al 2007 PNAS). • Demonstrated that monocytes activated in vivo at the site of inflammation in patients with rheumatoid arthritis are capable of stimulating Th17 cell responses (Evans et al 2009 PNAS). • Developed robust flow cytometry protocols for in depth cytokine/transcription factor analysis as well as establishing links with clinical staff to allow future research.