About my Research Interests
I am a trained & registered pharmacist with hospital and community experience who has pursued an academic research career in translational Neurology & Psychiatry. My passion for this area is simple: Deliver solutions to those that need them the most: patients and their familiIes
My research methods and interests span a number of themes and disciplines including: Human Neurophysiology/Neuropharmacology, Brain connectivity, Synaptic Transmission, Neural Signal Processing, Brain machine interfaces, Preclinical development, Drug discovery, Biomarker development, Deep Learning & Forecasting
Brief Introduction to my Research
My research integrates advanced neurophysiological and microscopic techniques, with histology and signal processing analysis to explore the fundamental aspects of brain function under health and disease. I focus on cellular communication and network dynamics and interrogate the interplay between intrinsic ionic mechanisms, synaptic transmission and native glial dynamics in relation to physiological and pathophysiological states in neurodegenerative disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease. My work emphasizes on a strong translational and clinical component and combines advanced signal analysis techniques in EEG, PET and s/fMRI modalities and predictive components through integration with machine learning algorithms and deep learning architectures. In this way I capture the entirety of activity from single cells, to networks to organism behaviors in order to understand and decipher modern challenges in the human brain and mind
Pedagogical Philosophy
I prioritize a holistic approach that fosters a supportive, collaborative, and dynamic learning environment. I believe in providing consistent support to students, ensuring they feel valued and equipped to succeed in their learning journeys. A key tenet of my approach is taking collective responsibility for each other’s learning and continuous development, creating a community of growth. Focusing on the foundations and logic of thinking allows students to build strong, critical thinking skills that can be applied across disciplines. Learning through real-world examples, coding exercises, and hands-on activities bridges theory with practice, empowering students to see the relevance of what they learn. Additionally, I emphasize active engagement, where students take ownership of their learning process. Reflection is another vital aspect, encouraging learners to assess their progress and identify areas for improvement. Finally, I value adaptability in teaching methods, ensuring they cater to diverse learning styles and needs, creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone can thrive
Communication skils
Human Natural Languages: English (Fluent Proficiency); German (Working Communicative Proficiency); Greek (Native)
Computer Coding Languages: MATLAB (advanced), Python (advanced, including AI modules PyTorch), NEURON simulation environment (variant of C, advanced)
Education and Career History
B.Sc. (Hons) Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Sunderland, UK (Jun 1999)
MRPharmS, Royal Pharmaceutical Society & Salford Royal NHS Trust, UK (Oct 2000)
Ph.D, Laboratory for Neurophysiology, School of Pharmacy, University of Sunderland, UK (Mar 2005)
Oct 2024-Current: Collaborating Researcher, with Prof Ville Leinonen, Neurosurgery of KUH Neurocenter
KUH Kuopio University Hospital, Finland
Oct 2018- Oct 2024 (72 months)
Senior Principal Scientist, Laboratory for Human Neurophysiology, Neuroinflammation Research group, AI Virtanen Institute, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.
Project title: Functional investigation of the impact of beta-amyloid burden from iNPH patient brain biopsies.
Worked with Prof Tarja Malm and Prof Ville Leinonen
Sept 2017- May 2018 (9 months)
Senior Research Scientist, Laboratory for Muscular Neurophysiology, International Centre for Neurotherapeutics, Dublin City University, Dublin, Ireland.
Project title: Delineating the exocytotic proteins (SNAREs) underlying sensitization of nociceptor sub-types in chronic pain: engineering botulinum neurotoxins as improved versatile analgesics.
Worked with Prof Oliver Dolly
June 2015- October 2016 (16 months)
Research Associate, Laboratory for Molecular Neurophysiology, Institute of Applied Physiology, University of Ulm, Ulm 89075, Germany.
Project title: Functional role of T and L-type Ca2+ channels in dopaminergic midbrain neurons in health and disease states.
Worked with Prof Birgit Liss
July 2014– July 2018 (48 months)
Visiting Research Scientist, Applied and Computational Mathematics, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
Neurophysiology Laboratory of Prof Antonis Moschovakis
November 2012-September 2013 (11 months)
Research Associate, Electrophysiological Laboratory for Circadian Rhythmicity, University of Manchester, AV Hill building G2.020, Oxford Road, M13 9PT, Manchester, UK
Project title: Networks, genetics, clocks and psychosis: a multi-disciplinary and multi-scale approach
Worked with Dr Hugh Piggins
October 2006-October 2010 (48 months)
Post-doctoral Research Fellow, Laboratory for Neurophysiology, Medical Research Council, Clinical Science Centre (CSC), Imperial College London, Hammersmith hospital, Du Cane road, W12 0NN, London, UK
Project title: Anatomical, physiological and pharmacological characterization of brainstem dopamine neurons involved in sleep.
Worked with Dr Mark Ungless
October 2000- March 2005 (54 months)
Ph.D student, Laboratory for Cellular Neurophysiology and Neuropharmacology, School Of Pharmacy, University of Sunderland, SR1 3SD, Sunderland, UK
Project title: Cellular actions of putative sleep hormones and depressant drugs in mammalian brain.
Worked with Prof George Lees & Paul Chazot
July 1999 – September 2000 (15 months)
Pre-registration hospital clinical pharmacist, Hope hospital, Salford Royal Foundation NHS Trust, Stott lane, M6 8HD, Salford, UK.
Worked with Ms Paula Petrie
Non-Academic Work/Career Breaks/Volunteer work
Apr 2005- Sept 2006 (18 months): Locum Community Pharmacist, Northern East Region
Oct 2010-Oct 2012 (24 months) : Community Pharmacist, Boots Alliance, Greater London Area
Jan 2014-Apr2015 (4 months): Conscription to Greek Armed Forces