Robert’s research interests focus on understanding how the vascular system develops and responds to disease. In particular, investigating how cells are able to sense, interact with and respond to changes in their extracellular environment. His PhD focused on how endothelial integrins (cell adhesion receptors) interact to regulate angiogenesis – the formation of new blood vessels. In his current role in Dr Derek Warren’s Lab, Robert is investigating how matrix stiffness regulates the behaviour of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC), with the intention of understanding how these cells, that line the walls of our major blood vessels, regulate vascular compliance and the various complications our vascular system develops as we age.

• Senior Research Associate (BBSRC funded), Dr Derek Warren's Lab, Universty of East Anglia (2020 - present)
• PhD (NRP DTP, BBSRC funded), Dr Stephen Robinson's Lab, Quadram Institute / University of East Anglia (2015 - 2019)