Ben Chadwick

Profile

I am in my first year at the University of Leeds studying for a PhD in Structural Virology, funding by the Medical Research Council. Previously, I attended the Univeristy of Liverpool for my undergraduate (Bsc Microbiology) and Masters (MRes Advanced Biological Sciences). My previous research projects involved investigating environmental survival in the bacterial species Staphylococcus aureus. Futhermore, I undertook a BBSRC funded summer research placement at the University of Manchester, exploring the role of immune cells in gum disease.

I am also involved in microbiological outreach with the university of Leeds and demonstrating for undergraduate microbiology practical classes.

Awards

• 2x MRC flexible funding doctoral training grants (2018)
• Microbiology Society Undergraduate Microbiology Prize (2015)

Research interests

I'm mainly interested in using advanced microscopy techniques to better understand host-pathogen interactions. Currently I am employing electron microscopy to better understand the herpesviruses lifecycle. In particular, the role of host factors in Kaposi's sarcoma associated herpesvirus (KSHV) and herpes simplex 1 (HSV-1) cellular egress. KSHV is the causative agent of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and two lymphoproliferative diseases which commonly effects individuals who are immunocompromised.

I will be using the following techniques throughout my PhD: immunoblot analysis, cellular transmission electron microscopy, correlative light electron microscopy, and cryo-electron microscopy. 

Qualifications

• MRes Advanced Biological Sciences (University of Liverpool)
• Bsc Microbiology (University of Liverpool)