Dr Tyler Howell Bray

Lecturer in Biology

+44 (0)1482 465887 | T.Howell-Bray@hull.ac.uk

Faculty and Department

Faculty of Science and Engineering
School of Natural Sciences

Biography Teaching Research/PhD

Qualifications

BSc (Canterbury Christ Church University)
PhD / DPhil (Canterbury Christ Church University)
FHEA (Canterbury Christ Church University)
PGCert (Canterbury Christ Church University)

Summary

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.

Tyler is currently the Deputy Program Director of both the Biology and Biochemistry undergraduate programs.

Microbiology (L4) - Tyler currently leads the first year module Microbiology, an enthusiastic and revealing glimpse into the weird and wonderful world of Microbiology. With a range of vibrant and research informed lectures and week of exciting and discovery-based labs.

Protein Biochemistry (L5) - Tyler also leads the second year module Protein Biochemistry, in this module Tyler draws on her experience as a protein biochemist to cover the key concepts in protein structure, function, stability and study. Utilising the modern molecular and computational techniques students get and insight into the fascinating and dynamic world of proteins and the cellular roles they play.

Bacterial Genome Sequencing (L6) - Tyler contributes to the Final year (L6) module Bacterial Genome Sequencing with her microbial and antibiotic resistance knowledge.

2017 - Post Graduate Certificate in Academic Practise

2017 - Fellow of the Higher Education Academy

Tyler is an experienced lecturer having held teaching positions at universities since 2014. Her teaching focus has always predominately been in biology and biochemistry from Level 0 to Level 7. Throughout this time, she has received approximately 15 teaching award nominations and many kind comments from her student body.

"She goes above and beyond for all her students, all of the time. Not only does she deeply care about their learning, she listens, helps and advises in all areas of their well-being. She is a fantastic lecturer who has the ability to explain even the hardest of concepts in a way that all of her students understand." (Anonymous student comment)

She prides herself on developing excellent relationships with students, identifying their needs, and adjusting her teaching to meet these and motivate them. Research and evidence based, student centered teaching is at the core of her teaching beliefs and as such she is enthusiastic about putting students at ease within a laboratory setting and giving them all of the skills, they will need to successfully enter the workplace.

Tyler has spent a lot of time working with undergraduates (during their dissertation projects) and postgraduates throughout their research, assisting them in a plethora of areas including troubleshooting, practical microbial and molecular biology skills, statistical analysis, using instrumentation within the laboratory.

Research interests

Effective and efficient disease diagnosis and targeting – Making use of the powerful information available via diagnostic biomarkers to design assays which accurately and precisely inform on disease state and progression. This includes investigation and discovery of disease specific markers and the development of assays to detect them. Vital work within the protein misfolding field, given that despite continued work in this field outcomes and prognosis remain bleak. Early diagnosis and prevention remain a key area of interest if we are to tackle the growing burden that these diseases are likely to impose on an aging population. This interests extends to fast response assays for infection and the plethora of other difficult to diagnosis diseases.

Exploring the Fungal Kingdom – Having worked with the wonderful model Saccharomyces cerevisiae for the vast majority of my research career, I am keen to further explore the fungal kingdom. There are an estimated 2.5 million species of fungi, remarkably over 90% of which remains undescribed by science. Despite this the fungal organisms that we are familiar with are known to have unique cellular functions, powerful bioactive compounds, and intriguing symbiotic relationships. I am aiming to establish our own mushroom farm within the university grounds. This will facilitate research goals such as investigating the bioactive/pharmaceutical properties of many species, the chemical signalling and communication of mycelium, their bioremediation qualities, and their role as keystones for soil health. In addition, following the establishment of a mushroom farm I am keen on establishing outreach activities with local schools and foodbanks, to highlight the value of this often overlooked and plentiful kingdom.