Unravelling the Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Linking Social and Natural Environmental Exposures to Immune and Inflammatory Diseases: A Novel Approach Using
Supervisors:
Professor Gerry Graham , School of Infection & Immunity
Professor Rich Mitchell , School of Health & Wellbeing
Summary:
We are offering a unique PhD studentship exploring the fascinating intersection of social, environmental, and immune health. This interdisciplinary project will investigate how social interactions and exposure to natural environments influence immune function and inflammation, aiming to address health inequalities. While previous studies have highlighted correlations between these factors, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear.
This project combines epidemiological analysis and innovative mouse models to probe the effects of social isolation and environmental enrichment on immune responses. The student will have the rare opportunity to manipulate both social and environmental conditions in controlled settings, providing new insights into the biological pathways at play.
This studentship is ideal for candidates interested in interdisciplinary research, bridging the gap between social and environmental epidemiology and molecular biology. The successful applicant will gain expertise in experimental design, advanced data analysis, and translational research, preparing them for a future at the forefront of biomedical and environment-health research. Findings from this work could inform new strategies to reduce health inequalities, improving outcomes for individuals with immune-related diseases.