Author: Edward Mushett Cole (Page 1 of 3)

HSDTC Science Communication Competition Entries II 2025

15/07/2025 /

Following on from last blog, we continue to share entries from the HSDTC Science Communication Competition, where doctoral researchers in the four Health Faculties showcase their work in engaging newspaper-style articles.

 

Li Ling, Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences, Informatics

New tool spots hidden patterns in massive datasets — in minutes

A powerful new data-mining tool developed at King’s College London can analyse hundreds of millions of data points and detect patterns in less than 20 minutes—something that could take existing systems over a day.

From identifying patient groups based on heart readings to tracking whale calls underwater, this breakthrough could transform how we make sense of massive datasets in medicine, transport, finance, and more.

The key lies in its clever design. While many current algorithms slowly scan through data line by line, this tool builds a special structure—like an index—so it can jump directly to where patterns hide. This structure can be reused to uncover different types of trends quickly and with minimal memory, even across massive datasets.

“When analysing underwater recordings, our tool found hidden patterns in dolphin and whale sounds in just 18 minutes,” said Ms Ling Li, a PhD student who worked on the project. “Other tools failed to finish even after 24 hours.”

It’s already making waves in medicine. In a study using heart monitor data, the tool discovered two distinct groups of people: those who experienced exercise-related pain and those who didn’t. The patterns revealed that more active individuals reported more pain—a finding that could help tailor exercise plans.

The team is now extending the tool to other medical data, such as sleep studies. They also plan to make the tool context-aware, so it not only finds patterns but helps explain what they mean—vital for applications in bioinformatics and beyond.

This tool shows how smart data handling can unlock insights hidden in plain sight—and fast.

Martina Galea Mifsud, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Centre for Oral, Clinical and Translational Sciences

Revolutionising bone grafts: PEEK scaffolds offer new hope for patients

A groundbreaking development in bone reconstruction could soon transform the way we treat patients with cancer. A researcher at King’s College London is exploring the potential of the advanced biomaterial polyetheretherketone, in short PEEK, scaffolds for use in bone grafting.

PEEK, which is a synthetic polymer with incredible physical and chemical properties, has long been used in medical implants thanks to its strength, durability and biocompatibility. Now, scientists are pushing its boundaries by creating scaffolds which mimic the natural structure of bone – solid from the outside and porous from the inside. These scaffolds act as permanent frameworks to guide new bone growth and integrate within the body, in a process which scientists call ‘osseointegration’. Once they are part of the patient’s body, they are there for life!

A main driving force behind this research is the need for improved solutions for patients who need to undergo any form of bone reconstruction, but especially those needing maxillofacial reconstruction. This is because currently, a patient would need to have secondary surgery on their leg (namely, the fibula bone) to harvest bone to be used for reconstruction of facial defects – making this process invasive, painful, and frankly – unnecessary. The PEEK scaffolds being created in this study not only offer the traditional physical and chemical benefits, but also have the added feature of actively integrating within the bone biologically, something which there is currently very little research about!

“We want to offer alternative solutions to our patients, removing the need for additional surgery”; Martina Galea Mifsud; primary researcher and Maxillofacial Prosthetist says. “PEEK has the potential for exactly this. In the future, the scaffold can also be [3D] printed with dimensions tailored to each individual patient, marking a shift in outdated practices which have been used for decades”.

The research aims to not only fabricate the scaffolds, but also modify with a natural chemical called ‘peptide’, which would allow the human body to integrate this scaffold. This pioneering work could soon pave the way for a new era in bone regeneration, where science and technology converge to rebuild lives, one patient at a time.

Mrinalini Dey, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Inflammation Biology

From blah blah to aha! Making health make sense

When did you last speak to a health professional?

Perhaps you were receiving a new medication. Perhaps you were getting vaccinated. Perhaps you were having a test.

Did you understand all the information you received?

If not, you are not alone.

Seven million adults in the UK read at or below the level of a nine-year-old. This has profound consequences, especially when it comes to health materials, which can be complex and full of jargon. Almost half of all adults struggle to understand information which could help them to manage their own health.

Health literacy is the “ability to gain access to, understand and use information to maintain good health.” Limited health literacy has been linked to poor health outcomes, including increased hospital admissions, low use of preventative services (such as vaccination and screening) and reduced life expectancy.

More people are living with chronic conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease. Rheumatic diseases are complex chronic conditions, due to overactivity of the immune system. These affect the joints, as well as other organs such as the skin and lungs. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Increasing evidence demonstrates socioeconomic factors, such as deprivation, greatly influence the health experience of people living with rheumatic diseases. However, until now, few to no studies have investigated the importance of health literacy in people living with these, often debilitating, conditions.

Through assessing health literacy in a thousand people with rheumatic diseases across the UK, we have shown that low health literacy is associated with having more joint symptoms such as pain, decreased likelihood of employment and attendance at work, and a greater number of co-existing health conditions, such as diabetes and high blood pressure.

It is time to reverse the health literacy epidemic. Only through understanding the impact of health literacy on people’s lives and health can we develop interventions which enable treatment plans to be tailored to an individual’s health literacy needs.

In doing so, we will empower people to take control of their health, make health-related decisions, and have the confidence to discuss these with their doctor and wider healthcare teams.

Syed Alhafiz Bin Syed Hashim, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Institute of Pharmaceutical Science

Breaking through the dark magic: Reprogramming cancer’s defences

Cancer remains one of the world’s greatest health challenges, and despite decades of research, many patients still face tough odds. A key reason is that tumours do not grow in isolation. They are surrounded by a complex mix of cells, blood vessels, and immune components that protect them. Imagine the tumour as Voldemort, shielded by layers of dark magic and enchanted defences. These biological barriers are like protective spells that help the cancer resist treatment. Just as Voldemort uses his magic to survive and grow stronger, the tumour’s environment protects the cancer, making it harder for chemotherapy and the immune system to reach and destroy it.

At King’s College London, a team led by Professor Al Jamal is working to change this. Syed Alhafiz, a PhD researcher, is exploring a promising new therapy for an aggressive form of breast cancer that resists traditional treatments. This cancer does not respond well to some therapies and is difficult to target with chemotherapy. His research focuses on tiny lipid carriers that deliver chemotherapy directly to cancer cells while sparing healthy tissue. These carriers are like Harry Potter’s magical tools, smart, selective, and precise, able to slip past the tumour’s barriers and strike the true target.

The team is also investigating how these lipid carriers might alter the tumour’s environment. By weakening the tumour’s defences, they make it more vulnerable to treatment and help the immune system fight back. This mirrors how Harry and his allies worked to dismantle Voldemort’s protections and expose his weaknesses. This work is not limited to breast cancer alone. Similar methods are being applied to target brain cancer, as well as diseases that affect the nervous system, such as ALS, which weakens muscles and nerves.

Like the final battle between good and evil, this research aims to tip the balance in favour of the body. By reprogramming the tumour’s environment, this approach may enhance treatment effectiveness and reduce harm to healthy cells, offering new hope for more precise and powerful cancer care.

Yujia Yang, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences

From stress to peace: Early detection of a silent killer (Ishaemic Heart Disease)

Imagine being told to sprint on a treadmill or ride a bicycle while your heart is monitored for signs of disease. For many patients—especially the elderly or those with limited mobility—this so-called “stress echocardiography” feels more like a stress ordeal.

But researchers at King’s College London may have found a better way—a more peaceful solution.

They’ve developed a promising new measure of heart function called First-Phase Ejection Fraction (EF1), which could detect heart disease earlier—and far less stressfully—than traditional methods.

Ischaemic heart disease (IHD), a silent killer caused by narrowed or blocked arteries, can often lead to chest pain, heart attacks, or heart failure. The earlier it’s caught, the better the chances of prevention.

Since most people with IHD don’t show symptoms or signs of abnormalities at rest, their heart has to be put under “stress”—through exercise or medication—to reveal the problem. But not everyone can manage this “stress.” Patients often describe it as a “torturing chamber”—exhausting, and sometimes the results are inconclusive if they cannot achieve the required amount of exercise. Therefore, a more peaceful and smarter solution is needed.

EF1 works differently. It measures the heart’s initial contraction—a key early signal of dysfunction—using a standard ultrasound scan (echocardiography). No treadmill, no drugs, no stress.

First introduced in 2017, EF1 has already shown promise in detecting many common conditions, such as high blood pressure and complications from COVID-19. With the help of artificial intelligence, it could soon become even more accurate and accessible.

Better for Patients—and the NHS

Stress echocardiography costs the NHS about £340 per patient, while EF1, which can be measured during a routine ultrasound, costs just £120—and is easier to perform across a wider range of patients.

That’s why EF1 is being trialed in the EVAREST study, involving over 8,000 NHS patients who underwent stress echocardiography nationwide. Upon completion of this study, we aim to provide a faster, cheaper, and—more importantly—a peaceful way to diagnose IHD before it becomes life-threatening.

Early detection saves lives. With tools like EF1, the future of cardiac care could be more accessible—and far less stressful—for patients everywhere.

HSDTC Science Communication Competition Entries I 2025

15/07/2025 /

HSDTC Science Communication Competition Entries I 2025

Are you interested in reading about more exciting health research happening at King’s? In this blog, we continue to share entries from the HSDTC Science Communication Competition, where doctoral researchers in the four Health Faculties showcase their work in engaging newspaper-style articles.

Anna Davison (Collini), Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Centre for Education

Medical students face burnout crisis: New research searches for solutions

Burnout and emotional distress exist at worrying levels among medical students and doctors, with the General Medical Council recently finding over half of doctors in the United Kingdom are at risk. This troubling trend not only affects the well-being of future doctors but also has serious implications for patient care and retention within the profession. Higher levels of burnout among doctors can lead to increased medical errors, decreased patient satisfaction, and may also be contributing to the medical workforce shortage with burnout being a common cause for leaving the profession.

While burnout can result from various work-related stresses, research indicates that perfectionism and imposter syndrome may play an important role. Both involve relentless comparisons to unrealistic ideals, causing distress and feelings of shame. With the competitive and rigorous training that future doctors undergo, high expectations are unsurprising. However, some of the ideals ingrained in medical culture may be harmful – as a medic, feeling they must be perfect can lead to hiding mistakes, suppressing emotions may decrease the empathy they have for patients, and seeing illness as weakness can prevent seeking help for themselves.

Other ideals may relate to aspects of identity, with those differing from the traditional white, male, able-bodied, heterosexual, middle-class doctor particularly vulnerable to imposter syndrome and shame. These individuals can feel pressured to change who they are to fit into an outdated professional mould.

To address this critical issue, a new study is exploring these professional ideals – investigating what they are, where they come from, and how they interact with the personal identities of individuals. The research will use observations, interviews, diaries, and relevant documents to go beyond individual experience and examine the broader culture of medicine in which a professional identity is formed.

The implications for medical schools are profound. This research will help educational institutions to reevaluate their environments to ensure inclusive settings where students can develop balanced and realistic professional ideals, with the aim of mitigating burnout. Crucially, these ideals should uphold high standards without requiring students to compromise who they are, ultimately benefiting both medics and patients alike.

Charel Junior Mangama Sindzi, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences

MRI for the masses: Paving the path to global cardiovascular care

In 2021, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) reported 19.41 million deaths (29% of global mortality) from cardiovascular diseases, making them the leading global cause of death.  Cardiovascular diseases, which encompass conditions affecting the heart and blood vessels, include cardiomyopathies—disorders that affect the heart muscle. These conditions often lead to changes in the heart’s structure, such as thickened, stiffened, or stretched walls, impairing the heart’s ability to circulate blood effectively.

 

To help with early detection of health conditions, imaging modalities such as Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) are commonly used. MRI is a non-invasive technology used to obtain detailed anatomical scans of the heart. Unlike some of its counterparts (X-rays, CT, PET), MRI does not use ionizing radiation and provides great soft tissue contrast. Additionally, thanks to quantitative MRI, an accurate and precise diagnosis can be made. This makes MRI the perfect imaging modality to fight back against the cardiovascular death rate.

While most clinical MRI scanners operate at higher magnetic fields (1.5T or 3T), these systems are expensive, limiting their availability in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Low-field MRI systems, like the Siemens MAGNETOM Free. Max (0.55T), provide a more affordable alternative, offering reduced production costs, compact size, and improved patient comfort.

The existence of such scanners is a game-changer towards the widespread use of MRI throughout the world, especially in economically disadvantaged regions. However, to provide the same quality of service as with higher fields, lower-field systems require the development and implementation of tailored techniques to ensure accurate, reliable, and reproducible results.

To achieve this wider goal, my PhD project has been undertaken.

My research focuses on developing new MRI pulse sequences, series of instructions based on physics-based and computational innovation, to allow those lower-field systems to produce MRI quantitative cardiac maps which can rival those of higher-field systems.

A global widespread of MRI systems is possible, thanks to the affordability of the lower-field systems, and the competitive MRI pulse sequences made through this PhD project. We would be one step closer to accessible healthcare and global early detection of cardiovascular diseases.

John Makanjuola, Faculty of Dentistry, Oral & Craniofacial Sciences, Centre for Oral, Clinical & Translational Sciences

Smart innovative dental materials: Your secret weapons against tooth decay!

Tooth decay is a silent epidemic that affects billions worldwide, yet it is often overlooked. The World Health Organization has consistently reported tooth decay as the most prevalent chronic disease globally. It affects a staggering one in four children and one in three adults in the UK, resulting in painful toothaches and negatively impacting overall health. The financial toll on the NHS in treating affected patients exceeds £3 billion annually. With the British government considering cost-cutting measures amidst rising healthcare expenses, the spotlight is now on innovative solutions to tackle this pressing problem.

Traditional silver amalgam, used as fillings for decayed teeth, contains toxic mercury that has raised significant health and environmental concerns. Thus, prompting calls for a ban by 2030. To address this issue, researchers are now focusing on dental composites. However, composites are unable to combat decay-causing bacteria and frequently fall short when used in vulnerable groups, including children, seniors, individuals with disabilities, and underserved communities. The groundbreaking development of “smart” materials is transforming dental care, offering innovative solutions that significantly differ from conventional tooth-filling materials.

In the quest for an effective replacement for mercury-based fillings, my PhD research made significant strides by developing a cutting-edge “smart” material—bioactive glass-ionomer material containing magnesium and zinc, using a precisely balanced formulation. Developed in laboratory conditions that replicate the human mouth, this revolutionary material mimics natural teeth while actively combating decay. It forms a protective, mineralised layer on the tooth and releases therapeutic agents, including magnesium and zinc, that effectively combat tooth decay. Extensive tests have demonstrated that this new material not only enhances strength properties but also exhibits excellent antibacterial activity compared to currently available tooth-filling materials. This makes it a strong candidate for future use in dentistry. With rigorous safety testing confirming its suitability for human use, this innovative material is poised to enter clinical trials. As we approach the 2030 deadline for phasing out mercury-based fillings, this “smart” filling could revolutionise dental care, offering hope for improved dental health outcomes—especially for underserved populations. A brighter, healthier future for oral health may be just around the corner.

Lauren Woodcock, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Analytical, Environmental and Forensic Sciences

The true scale of illegal pangolin poaching

We need to talk about pangolin poaching. An estimated 2.7 million pangolins are poached (illegally killed or trafficked) yearly for their scales, which is equivalent to the entire population of Qatar. The annual revenue of pangolin poaching is approximately $23 billion. I am a forensics researcher, specifically obtaining fingermark evidence from the surfaces of pangolin scales. Scales are illegally acquired and sold for use in traditional Chinese medicine to “cure” numerous ailments, although there is no evidence to suggest that they have any healing properties. I aim to educate on the true “scale” of pangolin poaching.

The ramifications of poaching extend far beyond a decline in animal welfare. The illegal transfer of live animals and wildlife goods can facilitate the spread of zoonotic disease: a famous example of this being the 2003 SARS pandemic. Poaching leads to a decline in biodiversity, human injury, and cultural loss. Lucrative organised crime syndicates profit by exploiting wildlife, though other types of crimes are often associated with these syndicates, such as money laundering, complex fraud, gun crime and corruption. Profits gained through illegal wildlife trafficking are funnelled back into other types of organised crime, funding a billion-dollar black market industry.

I visualise fingermark ridge detail on pangolin scales using traditional forensic techniques. Some of these techniques involve the application of fingerprint powders and fluorescent dyes, superglue fuming and the vaporisation of metals like gold and zinc to visualise high quality ridge detail on pangolin scales. The techniques I refine and validate will be used by forensic practitioners on wildlife crime scenes and police laboratories. Marks found on pangolin scales can be matched to individuals and used as forensic evidence in court, halting supply chains of trafficked items.

My work will be part of the solution; I am currently working with the City of London Police to advise essential fingerprinting items needed on wildlife crime scenes, and my experiments can inform training given to investigators in the field. My procedures will be deployed in places where they are urgently needed to fight and prevent crime, and tackle global challenges often intertwined with pangolin poaching.

15/07/2025 /

We’re excited to announce the winners of this year’s HSDTC Science Communication Competition!

Doctoral researchers at the four King’s health faculties were invited to submit a short ‘newspaper style’ article on their research topic. The article must be based on the research they are currently engaged with, or that the research group is doing, whether that be the whole project or one aspect of it. The article should be aimed at a non-specialist audience and be understandable to an interested member of the public.

The judges were looking for articles which:

  • are compelling to read and easily understandable
  • clearly explain the research being done
  • answer the question “why does this research matter?”
  • are worthy of publication in a national newspaper.

We were really lucky to have received 20 submissions, and we’ll showcase the winning pieces and other submissions in a few blog posts.

First Prize: Gorkem Ulkar, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Randall Centre for Cell & Molecular Biophysics

The secret signals of cancer

Cancer is a master of disguise. While we often think of it as a single lump that grows, its most dangerous ability is to spread. This process, called metastasis, is what makes cancer so lethal, transforming a localized disease into a widespread, systemic threat. But what if we could understand and stop cancer cells before they make their escape?

Scientists have long known that cancer spreads not just because of genetic mutations but also because of its environment: the physical world surrounding a tumour. Just like people respond to changes in their surroundings, cancer cells sense and react to the stiffness of the tissue around them. This stiffness can trigger changes in cell behaviour, making them more aggressive and more likely to spread. But how does this happen at a molecular level? That’s the question my research aims to answer.

Using cutting-edge imaging techniques, we are peering inside breast cancer cells as they move through different environments. We use a technique called Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM) to measure changes in the forces inside the cells, like tension in their membranes or shifts in the DNA packaging. By studying cells in 3D models that mimic real tumours, we can see how they respond to different levels of tissue stiffness. Are cells at the tumour’s edge, in contact with surrounding tissue, acting differently from those deeper inside? Does a stiffer environment push them toward becoming more invasive?

Early results show that changes in membrane tension and DNA structure happen together, suggesting that cancer cells coordinate their escape plan in response to mechanical forces. Understanding these signals could help us develop new therapies that target not just cancer’s genes but also its physical interactions.

This research matters because stopping metastasis could mean stopping cancer in its tracks. By uncovering how cancer senses and responds to its environment, we could pave the way for treatments that prevent it from spreading in the first place. In the fight against cancer, understanding its tricks is the first step to beating it.

Second Prize: Sara Gonzalez Ortega, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, School of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Medicine & Sciences

Can we teach the heart to heal itself?

Every five minutes, someone in the UK suffers a heart attack. For many, the damage is irreversible. Once heart muscle cells die, they don’t grow back. But what if we could change that? Scientists are now exploring ways to reawaken the heart’s regenerative potential using tiny molecules called microRNAs (miRNAs).

A MAJOR UNMET NEED

Heart failure affects millions worldwide and remains a leading cause of death. Unlike some animals, such as zebrafish or newborn mice, which can regenerate heart tissue, the adult human heart lacks this ability. Once heart cells are lost, the heart forms scar tissue instead of regenerating, often leading to chronic heart failure. Current treatments manage symptoms but do not repair the damaged heart.

THE POWER OF microRNAs

MicroRNAs are small molecules that regulate gene activity. At Professor Mauro Giacca lab, scientists discovered that specific miRNAs—such as miR-199a-3p and miR-1825—can push heart cells to divide and regenerate, a groundbreaking finding that could revolutionize heart failure treatment.

DELIVERING A CURE

A key challenge is safely delivering these molecules to the heart. My research at King’s College London compares two methods:

  • Viral Vectors: Modified viruses introduce miRNA into heart cells for long-term effects.
  • Lipid Nanoparticles: Similar to the technology behind COVID-19 mRNA vaccines, these fat-based carriers deliver miRNAs safely and temporarily.

TESTING IN A “HEART IN A DISH”

To bridge the gap between lab research and human treatment, I use human myocardial slices—thin sections of living heart tissue obtained from surgical procedures such as myectomies or heart transplants. These otherwise discarded tissues continue beating in the lab, allowing realistic testing of miRNAs and delivery strategies. Using actual human heart tissue brings our findings much closer to real-world application.

A FUTURE WITHOUT HEART FAILURE?

The ability to regrow heart muscle cells could change the future of medicine. While we must ensure miRNAs don’t cause uncontrolled growth, this research brings us closer to a future where we can teach the heart to heal itself—offering hope to millions worldwide.

Third Prize: Tiffany Baptiste, Faculty of Life Sciences & Medicine, Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences

One size fits all is convenient, but is it costing lives?

As cardiovascular disease remains the world’s top killer, scientists ask: can one-size-fits-all medicine keep up?

For decades, cardiovascular disease, the world’s leading cause of death, has been treated with a one-size-fits-all approach. But what if medicine could be as personalised as a tailored suit? Researchers at the Cardiac Electro-Mechanics Research Group (CEMRG) are working to make this possible using digital twins of the human heart.

Conditions such as heart failure and atrial fibrillation affect millions in the United Kingdom. Yet treatments still rely on broad clinical guidelines, even though no two hearts are exactly alike. Factors such as sex, age, ethnicity, and lifestyle can all influence how someone responds to therapy, but these differences are often overlooked.

Digital twins aim to change that. Using detailed, patient-specific data such as heart scans and electrical recordings taken in hospital, researchers can build a computer model of an individual’s heart that mimics its unique structure and function. These virtual hearts can be used to test treatments before they are applied to the real patient, offering a safer, smarter, and more personalised approach to care.

“Doctors often prescribe treatments based on past successes, but how do we know what is best for you?” asks Dr Ludovica Cicci, postdoctoral researcher at CEMRG. “Instead of trial and error, we can now test treatments virtually, reducing unnecessary procedures and improving outcomes.”

The hope is that these models will help doctors make better, more tailored decisions, transforming how we diagnose and treat heart disease.

However, the technology is not yet ready for everyday hospital use. Creating a true digital twin requires time and computing power to run the thousands of simulations needed to match model behaviour to real-life function. However, researchers are exploring how machine learning could streamline the process and make digital twins more practical for clinics.

“If no two people are the same, why should their treatments be?”, challenges Dr. Cicci. With continued innovation, digital twins of the heart could move us beyond one-size-fits-all healthcare, towards a future where every patient receives care that truly fits.

Postgraduate Researcher Brunch and Learn: Neurodiversity in Higher Education

27/05/2025 /

Postgraduate Researcher Brunch and Learn: Neurodiversity in Higher Education

Alexandar Palmer, Postgraduate Researcher in Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences

In April 2025, as part of the project funded by King’s Faculty of Natural, Mathematical & Engineering Sciences (NMES) Research Culture grant, I (Alexander Palmer, NMES postgraduate researcher at King’s) organised an in-person postgraduate researcher (PGR) brunch on the topic of neurodiversity in Higher Education [1]. The event invited other doctoral researchers to learn more about the online KEATS (King’s E-Learning and Teaching Service) course Diverse Brains, Inclusive Education: Understanding Neurodiversity in HE, which I co-created (working with a diverse group of students and staff). PGRs were also encouraged to ask questions and share their experiences in a supportive environment. An NMES wellbeing advisor also attended the event to offer support, as some of the experience of being a neurodivergent PGR can be distressing and uncomfortable.

Why does the KEATS course exist?

Photo by Elisa Riva from Pixabay

The Diverse Brains course was developed following research on experiences of assessment and feedback for neurodivergent students at King’s. National Student Survey data identified that students reporting a non-learning disability had the lowest rates of satisfaction with their course overall, low rates of agreement with statements about clear marking criteria and helpful feedback, and were the least likely to feel part of a community.

We also know from ONS statistics on disability that neurodivergent people are disproportionately disadvantaged in education – for example, 18% of people with a mental illness and 20% of autistic people hold a de

gree as their highest qualification, compared with an overall average of 25% across all disabled people, and 43% of non-disabled people. [2] This aligns with literature on assessment and feedback, which suggests that disabled and marginalised students’ diverse needs are rarely met. [3,4]

 

In addition, the needs of PGRs are often not accommodated within university support systems. Multiple postgraduate researchers described trying to access accommodations, only to find that that supports were primarily designed for undergraduate students doing closed-book exams, with little relevance for research degrees.

How did the event go?

The Brunch event had a moderate-size audience, but that made it easier to have conversations as a whole group rather than lots of smaller discussions. Event facilitators shared their own experiences as part of the introduction to the event, which was positively received and acted as a successful conversation starter; students asked us about what had worked for us, what had not, whether we would do things differently, and from there discussed their own experiences or (in some instances) asked for advice.

Having the wellbeing advisor booked also had the unintended positive effect of advertising the course to a member of the wellbeing team, creating another space where the course can be advertised and recommended to students.

What’s next?

Students in attendance discussed supervision extensively, noting the importance of having confident staff who are familiar with support processes, because otherwise this becomes more work for disabled and/or neurodivergent PGR students. The need for sustainable training was also highlighted by attendees; having a one-off seminar or a training course may not be sustainable and is unlikely to lead to longer-term change. From this we are creating scenarios to be integrated into supervisor training that focus on the experiences of neurodivergent PGRs to improve support and supervision.

 

Useful resources

Diverse Brains course (hosted by King’s Doctoral College)

Staff Intro to Neurodiversity course (Workrite)

Creating a neuroinclusive workplace (EQU217, SkillsForge)

GTA – Inclusive Teaching Workshop: Towards a Liberated Classroom

GTA – Inclusion & Accessibility: Disabilities and Neurodiversities (SkillsForge)

References

  1. In this post, neurodivergent is used as defined by Dr Nick Walker, to mean having a mind that functions in ways which diverge significantly from the dominant societal standards of “normal.” Neurotypical is the antonym, or opposite, meaning someone who functions within dominant societal standards. Neurodivergence is the state of being neurodivergent. The terms neurodivergentand neurodivergence were coined in the year 2000 by Kassiane Asasumasu, a multiply neurodivergent neurodiversity activist. Not every individual who is autistic, or has ADHD, or has mental health conditions, will describe themself as neurodivergent, or as disabled; individuals’ language choices should be followed.
  2. Office for National Statistics. (2021). Outcomes for disabled people in the UK: 2021. In Office for National Statistics Report: Outcomes for disabled people in the UK
  3. McArthur, J. (2016). Assessment for social justice: the role of assessment in achieving social justice. Assessment and Evaluation in Higher Education, 41(7), 967–981. https://doi.org/10.1080/02602938.2015.1053429
  4. Nieminen, J. H. (2022). Assessment for Inclusion: rethinking inclusive assessment in higher education. Teaching in Higher Education, 1–19. https://doi.org/10.1080/13562517.2021.2021395

Announcing the January 2025 winners of the King’s Outstanding Thesis Prize

21/05/2025 /

Each year the King’s Doctoral College gives out a limited number of awards to celebrate truly outstanding research and theses completed by King’s doctoral students. The prizes are nominated by the external examiners and are judged by a panel consisting of the College’s Director of Research Talent and the Chair of the Research Degrees Examinations Board. There are two rounds, in January and June, and these are the winners from the first round in January 2025. The winners are:

Arts and Humanities:

Dr Mary Ann Vargas

Thesis Title: Re-enacting home away from home

Instagram: @two-three-four studio

I ventured into academic pursuits after a very informal conversation with Professor Catherine Boyle in 2007. I remember clearly that I had somehow managed to get into King’s building on the Strand with a sleeping puppy tucked inside my coat. There were no security barriers back then. It was the first time I had seen somebody (Catherine) drawing spider diagrams, whilst immersed in a conversation about my professional life in the theatre in Peru, my training during the civil war and life in South London with two bilingual children and a British partner.  The first conceptual bridge that emerged was the practice of translation.

Months later, I began an MA in Translation Studies at King’s. I focused on material written and performed during Peru’s civil conflict (1980-2000). The first task would be to translate a bundle of these texts that became central to my MA and future investigations. Around this time, I also joined the Out of the Wings collective. In 2018, a successful PhD proposal to the Language Acts and Worldmaking project made it possible to begin an enquiry which evolved simply as an attempt to use performance practices as tools and methodological springboards to re-enact the sense of belonging experienced by migrant and ethnic communities living and working in South London.  Research began before the pandemic, in tandem with the announcement and eventual demolition of the Elephant & Castle shopping centre, the largest Lain American hub south of the river, now razed to the ground. My overriding desire, beyond the thesis, was to create a model for an annual collaborative event, ideally itinerant, to consolidate migrant and ethnic communities’ presence in London, both on stage and beyond.

I am currently in the process of setting up a multi-disciplinary art-based research hub in Peckham, two-three-four studio (website in construction).

Find out more about the Barrio Project on my website.

Dentistry, Oral and Craniofacial Sciences:

Dr Claire McCarthy

Thesis title: A Comparative Analysis of Aerosol Mitigation and Operational Performance in Ultrasonic Devices using Modified Coolants

I am honoured to receive a King’s Outstanding Thesis Prize. I would like to sincerely thank my examiners, supervisors, and the panel for this recognition.

Claire McCarthy, one of the winners of the 2025 Outstanding Thesis PrizeMy journey in dentistry began with dental nursing in 1995, followed by a qualification in dental hygiene in 2000 from Trinity College Dublin. I completed a master’s degree in Higher Education in 2007. I have taught at King’s College London for over two decades, leading the BDS Years 1 and 2 Periodontology programmes for eight years prior to commencing my PhD.

My doctoral research focused on developing a novel real-time method for detecting and reducing aerosol generation during ultrasonic instrumentation. Using a bespoke environmental chamber, high-speed imaging, and laser particle sensors, I evaluated the efficacy of a modified coolant in reducing sub-10-micron aerosol particles. This work led to three international patents, secured approximately £500,000 in research funding, and expanded into a wider research programme investigating ultrasonic scaler performance and implant decontamination.

Throughout my PhD, I received outstanding support and guidance from Professor Michael Fenlon and Professor Luigi Nibali. During this time, I presented my research at international conferences, received an education award, was shortlisted for early two career researcher awards, and continued to represent King’s College London on international platforms as an invited speaker and collaborator with industry and professional bodies.

Following my PhD, I continue as a Research Fellow and Clinical Teacher at King’s College London, leading research initiatives in aerosol mitigation and ultrasonic technology.  I chair the Accreditation Committee for the Irish Dental Council, serve as external assessor for MFHEA, completed three terms on the Council of the BSDHT, and serve on the editorial board of the International Journal of Dental Hygiene.

If you would like to find out more about my research, you can find me on LinkedIn.

Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine:

Dr Daniel Cromb

X (Twitter): @dancromb

Thesis Title: Placental and early brain development in congenital heart disease.

Prior to studying medicine, I did an MPhys degree in Astronomy, Space Science and Astrophysics, followed by an MSc in Biomedical Imaging, and then spent a year working as a research assistant at the Centre for Neuroimaging Sciences at the Insitute of Psychiatry (KCL). I graduated as a medic in 2013 and started paediatricDan Cromb, a winner of a 2025 Outstanding Thesis Prize training in 2016. I did an Academic Clinical Fellowship in the Centre for the Developing Brain in 2018 as a paediatric SHO before returning in 2021 to start my PhD.

During my PhD, titled “Placental and Early Brain Development in Congenital Heart Disease”, I was lucky enough to present my work at several international conferences, including the ISMRM (International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine) conference in Toronto, where I was awarded the Summa Cum Laude merit award for our work assessing MRI brain volumes in fetuses with congenital heart disease, and at the FITN’G (Fetal, Infant and Toddler Neuroimaging Group) conference in Paris, where I won a Young Investigator award for our work investigating placental function in congenital heart disease. I was also awarded a £5,000 ISMRM research grant to collaborate with a research group at the University Medical Centre, Utrecht (UMCU), studying the association between placental abnormalities and brain growth.

Since completing my PhD I have returned to clinical paediatric training full-time, and have taken on roles as an associate editor at the journal Archives of Disease in Childhood, and as the President of the Royal Society of Medicine’s Paediatric and Child Health section. I plan on combining my academic and clinical interests going forward. Find out more about my research on Google Scholar

Personal website: www.dancromb.co.uk

Dr Lucy Durham

Thesis Title: Comparison of skin and joint inflammation in psoriatic arthritis

I am Lucy, I was awarded a PhD in immunology of rheumatic diseases by King’s College London in September 2024 and am currently working as a Medical Director in Rheumatology at AstraZeneca.

Lucy Durham, winner of a 2025 Outstanding Thesis PrizeI started my career in clinical medicine in rheumatology, before starting a PhD at KCL in the Centre for Cell Biology and Cancer Immunology (CIBCI) under the supervision of Professors Leonie Taams and Bruce Kirkham. My research focussed on psoriatic arthritis, an inflammatory joint disease affecting about 30% of people with the inflammatory skin condition psoriasis. We explored the hypothesis that similar immune cells cause inflammation in both the skin and joint and analysed samples from patients with psoriatic arthritis to compare immune responses at these locations.

My experience was characterised by brilliant supervisors, wonderful colleagues in the lab and the rheumatology clinic, and the intellectually stimulating and collaborative environment of CIBCI. My PhD took 6 years due to two parental leaves, re-deployment to the NHS during the COVID pandemic and a transition to part-time working, and the support from my supervisors and colleagues was invaluable throughout.

Towards the end of my PhD, I wanted to explore different career paths. With guidance from the KCL Careers service and my supervisors, I secured a UKRI policy internship at the Health and Social Care Select Committee in the UK Parliament. This secondment provided insights into policy-making and the interaction between public/private sectors and policymakers. Subsequently, I was awarded a 12-month MRC-AstraZeneca industry partnership fellowship and divided my time between research at KCL and early clinical development at AstraZeneca. Combining my experience in rheumatology and immunology, I contributed to early phase trials in the rheumatology therapy area. The rewarding fellowship experience led to my current role as Medical Director in Rheumatology at AstraZeneca.

Dr Daniel Youkee

Thesis Title: The Impact of Stroke in Sierra Leone: Stroke register methodology in a low-income country setting.

Dan Youkee, a winner of the 2025 Outstanding Thesis PrizeDr Dan Youkee moved to Sierra Leone in 2014 to work for the King’s Global Health Partnership in Sierra Leone during the West Africa Ebola outbreak.  He has lived and worked in Sierra Leone since then, his PhD is entitled “The impact of stroke in Sierra Leone – stroke register methodology in low resource settings”. His PhD provided the first high quality evidence on stroke epidemiology and care in Sierra Leone, where severe strokes are affecting young previously fully functional people and leading to high mortality and significant impact on health-related quality of care. Demonstrating the impact of stroke in Sierra Leone led to the Ministry of Health incorporating the establishment of stroke units nationwide into the Non-Communicable Disease Strategic Plan. In 2022, leveraging a south-south partnership with Ghana, the first stroke unit was opened at Connaught Teaching Hospital in Sierra Leone, delivering improved multidisciplinary stroke care. In 2024 stroke unit care was cascaded regionally, with Kenema Government Hospital stroke unit opening and further roll out across the country planned. Dr Youkee plans to continue working to improve stroke services winning a NIHR Global Advanced Fellowship entitled “Pathways to equitable care in Sierra Leone and South Africa”.

You can find out more about his research on LinkedIn.

Dr Milou Pertronella Martina Van Poppel

Thesis Title: Antenatal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta using fetal cardiovascular MRI

Prior to my PhD, I studied Medicine (Utrecht University) and undertook internships in hospitals in the Netherlands, Thailand, Nepal and Uganda. During my MSc I was introduced to the field of paediatric cardiology. An Early Investigators’ award allowed me to gain more experience and join the iFIND project at KCL which aimed to improve antenatal imaging using ultrasound, MRI and artificial intelligence. As a clinical research fellow, I was involved in setting up a novel clinical fetal cardiac MRI service in the UK, using motion-correction allowing 3D visualisation of the fetal heart. To date over 700 scans have been performed.

Working in this multidisciplinary environment motivated me to pursue a PhD in fetal cardiovascular imaging. My research focussed on the antenatal diagnosis of coarctation of the aorta using fetal CMR. New insights in vascular morphology and fetal circulation received international recognition and I was awarded three prizes at conferences. I was also actively involved in public engagement during my PhD, and I became a Brilliant Club tutor, supporting less advantaged pupils develop the skills, knowledge and confidence to access a competitive university.

After completing my PhD, I moved to the Netherlands to pursue clinical work in paediatrics while continuing various research projects at KCL. I aspire to combine both academic and clinical roles,  providing patient-centred clinical care while conducting research to improve child health from fetal life to adulthood.

This PhD has been an incredibly rewarding experience and it’s an honour to receive this award. I’d like to thank my examiners, colleagues, research participants and especially my PhD supervisors (dr Pushparajah, dr Lloyd, prof Razavi) for their unwavering support. Working in the new, exciting field of fetal CMR has been an adventure and I look forward to seeing further developments in this promising field.

Find out more about my research via ORCID  and on LinkedIn.

Dr Alice Hurrell

Twitter: @alice_hurrell

Thesis Title: Placental growth factor-based repeat testing in suspected preterm preeclampsia

I am delighted to have received an Outstanding Thesis Prize for my PhD thesis, Placental growth factor-based repeat testing in suspected preterm pre-eclampsia. Dr Alice Hurrell, a 2025 winner of the King's Outstanding Thesis Prize.I owe this completely to my outstanding supervisors, Professor Lucy Chappell, Dr Louise Webster, and Professor Andrew Shennan – demonstrated by Lucy winning a Supervisor Excellence Award in 2024. This has undoubtedly been the best experience in my career to date, and I am acutely aware what a privilege it has been to work with such inspirational supervisors. 

 

For my PhD, I was the trial coordinator for the PARROT-2 trial, an individualised randomised controlled trial of repeat placental growth factor-based testing for suspected preterm pre-eclampsia, in 1,253 pregnant women and birthing people in 22 maternity units in England, Scotland and Wales. This demonstrated that repeat placental growth factor-based testing is not associated with maternal or perinatal benefit. This has implications for policy and practice; universal, routine repeat testing, as recommended by some international groups, is not supported by our findings. These results should further lower the barriers to widespread equitable adoption of initial placental growth factor testing.

I had the opportunity to present these findings at international conferences, including the British Maternal and Fetal Medicine Society, and the International Society for the Study of Hypertension in Pregnancy World Congress, where I was awarded the Best Oral Presentation prize and a Young Investigator Award. I was also awarded the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists Harold Malkin prize, for outstanding original work.

I am currently an NIHR Clinical Lecturer at King’s College London, working on the NIHR PAPAGAIO Global Health Group, investigating placental growth factor and planned early delivery for pre-eclampsia in Sierra Leone, Zambia, India and Brazil. I am passionate about improving outcomes for women and their babies through clinical research, and incredibly excited about the opportunity to work on this programme of research.

 

Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience:

Dr Qutba Al Ghafri

Thesis Title: Barriers and facilitators to accessing drug use treatment services for people who use drugs from the perspective of service users and service providers in the Muslim world: A focus on the Sultanate of Oman.

Before starting my PhD, I worked in Oman as a mental health nurse and an academic faculty member. I have also been a volunteer in the local community spreading awareness about drug use and people who use drugs in Oman throughout my career.

My research at King’s College London focused on barriers and facilitators to accessing drug treatment services in Muslim-majority contexts, with a specific focus on theQutba Al Ghafri, one of the 2025 winners of the Outstanding Thesis Prize Sultanate of Oman. It has contributed to addressing the gap in drug use research in Muslim communities focusing on the socio-cultural, legal, and structural factors that impact access to drug treatment in the Muslim world and particularly in my home country, Oman. The findings advocate for the introduction of Opioid Substitution Therapy in Oman through a community-based, shared care model.

During my PhD, I received several awards, including the Best Presentation Prize (Manchester Metropolitan University Substance Use & Associated Behaviours Conference, 2021), Best Poster Design (Society for the Study of Addiction, 2022), and the Addictions Early Career Researcher Award (King’s College London, 2023). I presented my work internationally including London, Bristol, Manchester, Lisbon, Zurich, and Muscat. I have also published a systematic review on drug treatment access in Muslim countries (Al-Ghafri et al, 2023). Additionally, I have blogged for the Society for the Study of Addiction on addiction policy and research in Oman and networking and personal development.

Since completing my PhD, I have taken a faculty position at Oman College of Health Sciences, where I integrate my research into teaching on mental health and addiction. I am also engaging with national stakeholders to explore policy reforms based on my findings and have delivered workplace awareness sessions on addiction and employee well-being.

You can find out more about my work on LinkedIn or follow me on my X (Twitter)Account 

Dr Dina Farran

Thesis Title: Stroke prevention in patients with atrial fibrillation and co-morbid physical and mental health problems

I’m deeply honoured and delighted to receive the King’s Outstanding Thesis Prize for 2024/25. This recognition marks a very special milestone in my academic journey.

Before beginning my PhD, I completed an MPH in Epidemiology at King’s and worked on several public health projects in Lebanon.

My PhD focused on stroke prevention in people with atrial fibrillation (AF) and serious mental illness. Using large-scale electronic health records, I explored how clinical   decision support systems could improve risk screening and enhance evidence-based care in mental health settings. This work led to the development and implementation of a digital intervention on inpatient mental health wards, alongside several peer-reviewed publications. The project has had real-world impact on how AF-related stroke risk is identified in underserved populations and has been recognised with multiple awards, including First Prize at the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ 2024 conference and a Prize Award at the EPSRC DRIVE-Health Centre for Doctoral Training in Data-Driven Health Annual Symposium 2024.

Since completing my PhD, I’ve continued at King’s as a Research Associate, working on a project exploring metabolic interventions for serious mental illness. This exciting initiative involves co-producing and piloting novel interventions with people with lived experience to address the metabolic burden associated with mental illness.

I remain incredibly grateful to my PhD supervisors, Prof Fiona Gaughran and the late Dr Mark Ashworth, for their guidance, wisdom, and unwavering support throughout my doctoral studies. I would also like to extend my thanks to the NIHR Applied Research Collaboration South London (NIHR ARC South London) at King’s College Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and the Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) in Data-Driven Health at King’s College London for funding and supporting my research.

If you would like to find out more about my research, you can find me on LinkedIn .

Dr Eileen Brobbin

Thesis Title: Harnessing wearable transdermal alcohol sensor devices for clinical use

I am honoured and grateful to have been awarded the Outstanding Thesis Prize. I am thankful for my supervisors’ support throughout this process; Prof Paolo Deluca, Prof Colin Drummond and Dr Stephen Parkin, to Prof Matt Field and Prof Tony Moss for the award nomination, and finally, to the NIHR for funding my PhD.

Prior, I completed the Addiction Science MSc at KCL. This sparked my interest specifically in substance use treatment. I was able to work as a Research Assistant on a large RCT, Alcohol Dependence and Medication Adherence (ADAM) trial. From this, I applied and continued my interest in improving and investigating novel substance treatment methods.

My PhD explored novel technology devices, transdermal alcohol sensors (TAS), as a tool to monitor alcohol consumption and to deliver contingency management (CM) for alcohol abstinence. This research expanded our current, limited knowledge of TAS devices and were the first TAS studies to include UK populations, specifically, NHS patients currently accessing alcohol treatment services. This PhD was also aided by Patient and Public Involvement (PPI) and staff consultation throughout.

The main contributions of my PhD were filling gaps in knowledge on TAS accuracy, acceptability and feasibility. Furthering our understanding of TAS potential, their feasibility as an alcohol intervention within clinical populations and their ability to aid CM delivery. However, these findings have greater implications in terms of treatment within specialist alcohol settings (community, inpatient, hospital and private), not only for diagnosis and treatment but for alcohol-related diseases or alcohol-related transplants. This research has now started the initial steps needed for TAS use within UK alcohol services.

Since completing, I’ve continued my interest in technology substance use treatment. I am working on a project aiming to deliver, Virtual Reality enhanced cue exposure treatment for people with cocaine dependence.

Find Eileen on LinkedIn

Dickson Poon Faculty of Law:

Dr Shunqi Yang

Thesis Title: The regulation of dual-class shares and weighted voting rights: examining the Chinese corporate practices in the context of global capital markets law reform

I am truly honoured to have received the 2024/25 King’s Outstanding Thesis Prize. While the award recognises my doctoral research, it is equally a tribute to the tremendous support and collaborative efforts of my supervisors, Professor Eva Lomnicka and Dr Lerong Lu. A research degree presents a distinct set of challenges and Shunqi Yang, a winner of the 2025 Outstanding Thesis Prizethe journey was by no means easy, but I was incredibly fortunate to be guided and supported throughout by Professor Lomnicka and Dr Lu. My thesis, The Regulation of Dual-Class Shares and Weighted Voting Rights: Examining Chinese Corporate Practices in the Context of Global Market Law Reforms, identifies systemic inconsistencies between reform goals and existing regulatory methodologies. I argue that coherent regulatory frameworks, rather than mere strictness, are essential for efficient capital markets.

Reflecting on my path, I realise that my interest in law began at a young age. One of my earliest impressions of a legal career came from watching television series featuring barristers powerfully advocating for their clients in court. During my undergraduate and postgraduate taught degrees, I had the opportunity to engage with leading scholars and explore complex legal reasoning. These experiences deepened my interest in law and strengthened my resolve to pursue further academic study. I am proud that my passion for legal research has only grown, and I remain committed to continuing my academic journey.

I currently hold a PhD in Law from King’s College London (2024), an MA in Law from the University of Bristol (2020), and both an LLB and a BA in English from Southwest University (2018). My academic background allows me to explore legal issues from a comparative and interdisciplinary perspective, and I am eager to incorporate empirical methods into my future research.

Natural, Mathematical and Engineering Sciences

Dr Alexander Vernon

Thesis Title: Electromagnetic field dark spots

Between 2016 and 2020 I studied electrical and electronic engineering at the University of Birmingham. When towards the end of my degree I realised that I didn’t want to be an engineer, being drawn more to the theory behind what I had been learning, I thought to try and apply for a PhD in physics.

While my degree did not give me a broad physics background, it did give me a good understanding of electromagnetism and so I was able to join the Photonics and Nanotechnology group at King’s. I finished my PhD in 2024 with my thesis “Electromagnetic field dark spots” which quite literally looks at the physics of darkness, like the way that energy flows around it, how the polarisation of surrounding light is organised, and how darkness can produce topologies that are immune to (the universal phenomenon of) diffraction.

After finishing my PhD I stayed on as a Postdoc at King’s for the rest of 2024 – I have since left King’s and I am aiming to start another Postdoc position abroad soon with one of the top experts in my field. I am also looking out for fellowship opportunities, as my PhD has given me several ideas that I am quite excited to explore.

Dr Yaoyu Ding

Thesis Title: Advancing Synthetic Strategies for Non-Ribosomal Cyclic Peptides: An Exploration of Facile Methodologies in Macrocyclisation

Winning this King’s Outstanding Thesis Prize is such an incredible honor! I feel so lucky to have had this amazing PhD at King’s College London, just right in the heart of this exciting city. A huge thanks to my examiners Prof Andrew Jamieson and Dr Manuela Tosin for the nomination, my supervisor Dr Sarah Barry and Dr Manuel Müller, brilliant 310, 210 lab mates and my families for their endless support.

Before coming to King’s, I earned my BSc in Pharmaceutical Engineering in China and MSc in Medicinal Chemistry at Cardiff. But my PhD here has been truly transformative where I grew up not just as a researcher in wet lab, but also as a problem-solver, communicator, and scientific thinker. Looking back, my PhD research focused on the ongoing global challenge: antimicrobial resistance (AMR). With AMR threatening modern medicine, novel antibiotics are urgently needed. Many promising naturally produced antibiotics have complex cyclic structures that are difficult to prepare synthetically. In my work, I explored a simple idea: using nature’s own amino acid sequences as a guide to efficiently produce cycles. This approach may offer a practical and facile path toward designing new antibiotics to tackle AMR. I am sincerely thankful for the chance to represent King’s at international conferences, where I could present my work and connect with amazing individuals from across the globe, enriching my perspective and broadening my world.

Now, I’m excited to continue my academic journey as a postdoc at The Rockefeller University. The skills and experiences from King’s will light my way forward. I’d be delighted to connect further: find me on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/yao-ding-760881256/. Thank you to everyone at King’s for this recognition — it’s truly a shared achievement.

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