Research interests
In 2000, I graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign with a BSc degree focused in Bioengineering and Life Sciences. I received a PhD in Anatomy and Cell Biology from the State University of New York Upstate Medical University in 2006, where I evaluated the role of olfactory ensheathing cells in enhancing regeneration after spinal cord injury under the supervision of Professor Dennis Stelzner. My post-doctoral work was performed at the University of Cambridge Centre for Brain Repair in the laboratory of Professor James Fawcett. This research focused on the potential of transmembrane receptors known as integrins to promote axonal growth after spinal cord injury as well as studying their ability to transport in vivo within central and peripheral nervous system axons. During my time in Cambridge, I also served as a Research Associate for the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and the Plasticise European Research Consortium. Following this I was Lecturer in Anatomy at the University of St Andrews School of Medicine for 4 years, after which I was appointed to a Lectureship in Systems Physiology at the University of Southampton, Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences, in January 2017.
My research focus is aimed at enhancing repair of the acutely or chronically injured brain and spinal cord as well as investigating why certain parts of the nervous system can regenerate while others do not. My work involves targeting the intrinsic inability of the CNS to regenerate using various approaches to reintroduce necessary proteins that are missing in the adult and injured nervous systems, including utilising gene therapy and cell-derived vesicles. In addition, I am interested in incorporating cellular therapies to promote neuroprotection and regrowth in the damaged or degenerated nervous system.
PhD Supervision
Lloyd Steele-Nicholson: Enhancing Integrin-mediated Nervous System Regeneration
Funding: The Gerald Kerkut Trust and School of Biological Sciences
Lindsey Forbes: Can iPSC-derived, integrin-expressing cortical neurons survive long term in vivo?
Funding: University of St Andrews 600th yr Scholarship
Research group
Neuroscience
Affiliate research groups
Molecular and Cellular Biosciences, Developmental Biology, Institute for Life Sciences (IfLS), Southampton Neuroscience Group (SoNG), Centre for Human Development, Stem Cells and Regeneration
Research project(s)
CNS maturation contributes significantly to providing a stable nervous system environment, but also prevents the CNS from repairing itself following damage.
Novel strategies to enhance neurite outgrowth and axon regeneration are currently needed.
Dr Melissa R AndrewsBiological Sciences
Faculty of Environmental and Life Sciences
Life Sciences Building 85
University of Southampton
Highfield Campus
Southampton
SO17 1BJ
Room Number : 85/3059
