Professor Gillian M. Griffiths
FMedSci, FRS
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I am a cell biologist and immunologist who has focused on understanding the fundamental cell biological mechanisms that drive cytotoxic T cell killing. I find scientific research endlessly fascinating and have always been intrigued by the parallels between seemingly disparate biological systems such as the immune synapse and primary cilia.
Beyond the lab, I enjoy bird watching and cycling in remote parts of Scotland.
Claire Ma, MB PhD BChir
I am a Clinical Lecturer in Respirator Medicine and respiratory registrar. I am interested in the mechanisms of T cell activation by stimuli of differing strengths. I use single-cell methods including mass cytometry (Cytof) and single-cell RNA sequencing.
Yukako Asano, PhD
I am interested in observing the movement of cell organelles and cytoskeletal proteins when the front-rear cell polarity changes in cytotoxic T lymphocytes during their attack on target cells. My current focus is on understanding the mechanisms and functional consequences of the nuclear movement near the immune synapse and I establish and apply new imaging techniques to address this question.
Akaash Kumar, PhD
I am an interdisciplinary cell biologist and Research Fellow decoding how T cells compute biochemical/mechanical inputs to execute cytotoxicity. Using novel biochemical approaches alongside custom imaging platforms and computational tools I have developed, I simultaneously map signalling networks, organelle trafficking, and cytoskeletal dynamics to gain a 'system-level' view of killing. The long-term aim is to use these insights to classify and predict cytotoxic outcomes from phenotypic features, which could inform future immunotherapies
Martin Limback-Stokin, BA
I am a MB/PhD student, currently in the second year of my PhD. I am interested in identifying novel regulators controlling cytotoxic T lymphocyte killing. I will work on understanding the role of RNA transport for CTL killing. To do this I plan to use several techniques, including CRISPR gene editing and live cell imaging.
“Apart from sciencing”, I spend my time playing ice hockey.
Gurpreet Dhaliwal, MBio
I am an Infection and Immunity PhD student in my 3rd year. I am in interested in immunotherapy, specifically in understanding how CAR-T cells kill their targets. Outside the lab, I enjoy writing, cooking and the gym!
Megan Glover, BSc
I joined the Griffiths Lab in 2024 as a Research Assistant. My role involves lab managing tasks and assisting in the projects carried out by the rest of the team.
As well as my passion for science, I love music, travelling and dogs!
