Dr Tyler Howell Bray

Following submission of her Ph.D., Tyler worked as a post-doctoral consultant researcher for Qbiotix. Here she managed projects in the development of novel nucleic assays (DNA and RNA) aimed at viral and bacterial amplification taking a novel approach to nucleic acid biochemistry, FRET, TRF and thermodynamics using fluorescence microscopy and high throughput screening. This included both wet and dry lab experimentation, project managing, developing logistical lab storage and data management systems to aid sharing and progression of works, as well as identifying key lab needs and utilising my network to appoint helpful and productive volunteers and staff. One of the many projects she managed while at Qbiotix, focused on TDP-43, the protein responsible for Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Utilising current understanding of the proteins function, this work culminated in the development of a now patented assay capable of reporting on the concentration of this difficult to quantify protein in blood serum and cerebral spinal fluid. This work also involved many presentations to external companies, including fortune 500 companies.

The vast majority of Tylers research has focussed on prion formation in the model Saccharomyces cerevisiae. During her Ph.D. studies at Canterbury Christ Church University working with Dr Lee Byrne she explored the metabolic consequences of protein misfolding in Saccharomyces cerevisiae. In the conception of this project, it was reasoned that if aggregation was not directly responsible for toxic effects, then potential disruption of other critical processes may be accountable. Such challenging research enabled the development of many valuable and powerful skill sets, including LC-MS experimentation and analysis, processing large sets of raw data, molecular biology, computational biology, statistical analysis, and pathway analysis. Prior to this she conducted her undergraduate dissertation project with Dr Lee Byrne, working on the yeast prion [PSI+].

Having taken a less than traditional route into Higher Education herself, Tyler is passionate about upward social mobility and (as well as being well evidenced) it is her heartfelt belief that diversity makes us stronger. This concept remains at the core of her teaching ethos, a role which she relishes.