Matthew completed his undergraduate degree in Biomedical Sciences at Northumbria University, and then went on to complete an MRes in Cancer at Newcastle University, investigating age-associated mitochondrial dysfunction in intestinal tumorigenesis. Matthew is now a 3rd year NIHR Newcastle BRC PhD student based at the Wellcome Trust Centre for Mitochondrial Research working under Dr Brendan Payne, Dr Amy Vincent, and Prof Sir Doug Turnbull.
Muscle function and mitochondrial dysfunction as a possible mediator of accelerated ageing phenotypes in older people living with HIV.
April 2018 – 4th Joint Conference of BHIVA & BASHH: poster presentation.
September 2018 – 9th International Workshop on HIV & Aging: oral presentation.
October 2019 – 10th International Workshop on HIV & Aging: oral presentation.
March 2018 – BHIVA/BASHH Science Scholarship Award.
September 2018 – Young Investigator Award at the 9th International Workshop on HIV & Aging.
I have always had a firm interest in the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning disease, and furthering our knowledge in this field is particularly pertinent in the field of ageing, where there are so many different factors involved in ageing itself and age-related diseases.
Admittedly reasonably straightforward – having been continuously progressing up the degree ladder - although that doesn’t mean it hasn’t been incredibly exciting!
My area of research focuses on trying to figure out why some people living with HIV are experiencing health complications and phenotypes of accelerated ageing, despite being successfully virally suppressed through anti-retroviral therapy. This is important due to the fact that nearly half of HIV+ individuals in the UK are over the age of 50 and this number is only increasing.
It is reassuring to know that I am part of such a well-run and respected organization, where there always seems to be opportunities available to further myself as a researcher.
Yes, because ageing and age-related diseases are so multifactorial it is helpful to know that there are many other researchers with different backgrounds and expertise who could help with varying aspects of my research.
Definitely presenting and subsequently winning an award at my first international conference in New York in 2018.
Try to get involved with as many extra-curricular activities and events as possible. There are some amazing opportunities offered to NIHR BRC PhD students. Also try to enjoy your PhD as much as possible, there will undoubtedly be ups and downs but at the end of the day we are in a very privileged position, so make the most of it because it flies by!
Being from the North East (Darlington) I’ve always been familiar with how lively and beautiful Newcastle is. I would have to say my favorite thing about Newcastle is the quayside and how aesthetically pleasing it is – only just pipping Darlington town centre in that regard…
