- Tissue Architecture and Regeneration Research Group
About me
Chris graduated from King's College London in 1990, with a degree in Pharmacology, having spent one year of this intercalated programme as a research assistant (Neuroscience Research Centre, Merck, Sharp and Dohme, Harlow). He then began a PhD. at the School of Pharmacy (University of London), under the supervision of Drs. Brian Pearce and Peter Whitton. During this period of study, he investigated the novel neurochemical actions of the antiepileptic drug, sodium valproate.
Following award of PhD. in 1994, Chris began a post doctoral research fellowship with Professor Mike Starr, investigating basal ganglia neurochemistry and novel mechanisms of action, relating to drugs used in the treatment of Parkinson's Disease (position funded by Parkinson's Disease Society). Research findings obtained during both PhD studentship and post doctoral fellowships resulted in a number of significant publications in European Journal of Pharmacology, Synapse, Brain Research and the Journal of Neuroscience, amongst others.
Chris took up a lectureship within the Faculty of Science and Technology in 1999, and following a two year 'apprenticeship' looking after the BSc. Sports and Exercise Science programme, he was appointed course leader for BSc. Pharmacology and Physiology.
Appointments
Member of Department of Life Sciences Departmental Executive Group.
Departmental academic conduct representative.
Teaching
Chris is a senior lecturer in pharmacology and physiology, in addition to being course leader for BSc. Pharmacology and Physiology. He contributes extensively to the teaching of pharmacology, systems physiology and neuroscience at undergraduate level. He has also been involved in course development activities throughout his tenure, and is currently developing high quality teaching material, based upon the use of the APOLLO Patient Simulator system. This exciting new resource will significantly compliment existing teaching strategies for pharmacology and physiology across the faculty. Currently, Chris is the module leader for Fundamentals of Pharmacology (Level 4), Physiological Networks (Level 5) and contributes widely to a variety of cognate level 4,5 and 6 modules. Through studies undertaken at level 4, we encourage students to become autonomous learners, whilst at levels 5 and 6, we expand this aim further, to include development of research skills, through critically evaluating research data, researching novel techniques and identifying new lines of research.
In addition to these activities, Chris is also a level 6 project supervisor and an academic tutorial scheme (ATS) tutor.
Research
Current Research
Although his duties are based mainly upon undergraduate teaching, Chris maintains a research interest in mechanisms of neuronal cell death and neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases (eg., Parkinson’s Disease). Chris is also interested in novel mechanisms of action for existing antiepileptic drugs.
Research Group
Cell Communication
Publications
For details of all my research outputs, visit my WestminsterResearch profile.