Researching a childhood neurodegenerative disorder called Batten disease. In particular, our lab focuses on the most common form Juvenile CLN3 disease. I work with a variety of models from simple eukaryotic (S. pombe), to primary patient cells and zebrafish models (D. rerio).

I utilise S. pombe (fission yeast) for synthetic genetic arrays and drug discovery high throughput screens. I have dissected consequence and function of mutations including the most common an intragenic ‘1kb deletion’. Identifying small molecules and genetic targets that ameliorate our phenotypic markers. I’ve a passion for translating academic research into innovative technology and biotech start-ups. Currently, I am continuing my researching on this foundation expanding our understanding of the pathogenic mechanism behind Batten disease and btn1/CLN3 function.