My research focuses on understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive cognitive decline following cerebrovascular disease, including stroke and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). A major emphasis of my work is on the vulnerability of brain white matter and the contribution of non-neuronal cells - particularly astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes - to neuroinflammation, tissue damage, and long-term functional impairment.

I have a particular interest in how endogenous protective pathways, such as Nrf2-mediated antioxidant signalling, can be harnessed to preserve the integrity of the neurogliovascular unit. My work has demonstrated that enhancing antioxidant responses in glial cells can reduce white matter damage, modulate inflammatory profiles, and improve cognitive outcomes in preclinical models.

My research adopts a multimodal and translational approach across both human and experimental systems. This includes single-nucleus RNA sequencing and spatial transcriptomics of human brain tissue to define cell-specific and region-specific transcriptional changes associated with stroke and VCID. In parallel, I utilise mouse models to investigate disease mechanisms and therapeutic strategies, integrating MRI-based imaging and spatial transcriptomics to assess structural and vascular changes, alongside behavioural testing to evaluate cognitive function.

A key focus of my current work is to understand how localised cerebrovascular insults lead to network-wide changes, including progressive white matter damage and secondary neurodegeneration in anatomically connected brain regions. I investigate how these brain-wide inflammatory responses evolve over time and contribute to delayed cognitive impairment. In addition, I am involved in collaborative research, including an NIH-funded project examining endothelial–microglial interactions, with the aim of understanding how vascular dysfunction and immune signalling converge to drive white matter pathology in VCID.

Overall, my research aims to identify novel therapeutic targets within glial and vascular systems, with the long-term goal of developing strategies to protect brain function and prevent or reduce cognitive decline following stroke and related disorders.

My research aims to understand why people develop cognitive decline following cerebrovascular disease, including stroke and vascular cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). I focus on the vulnerability of brain white matter and the role of glial and vascular cells, particularly astrocytes, microglia and oligodendrocytes, in driving inflammation, tissue damage and long-term functional impairment. A key aspect of my work is to determine how localised brain injury leads to network-wide changes, including progressive white matter damage and secondary neurodegeneration in connected brain regions.

Using a multimodal and translational approach, I combine single-nucleus RNA sequencing of human brain tissue with advanced experimental models. In mice, I integrate MRI-based imaging with spatial transcriptomics to link regional molecular changes to neuroimaging readouts, alongside behavioural assessment of cognition. This enables us to better understand the molecular basis of imaging changes and disease progression. My research aims to identify new therapeutic targets within glial and vascular systems to protect brain function and reduce the risk of long-term cognitive decline.

I am a Senior Lecturer in the  Institute for Neuroscience and Cardiovascular Research (INCR) at the University of Edinburgh. I have been based at Edinburgh since 2003, following completion of my PhD in Neuroscience at the University of Glasgow. My research career has been supported by competitive fellowships from major dementia charities, including the Alzheimer’s Society and Alzheimer’s Research UK, and I have held a tenured position since 2021. My work focuses on cerebrovascular disease and dementia.

In addition to leading an active research programme, I contribute extensively to teaching and supervision across undergraduate and postgraduate neuroscience programmes, and I am committed to mentoring early-career researchers and engaging in public outreach to promote brain health and dementia research.