Staff Profile

I am interested in how cells sense and differentiate between multiple signals in their environment. My current research concerns podocytes, the specialised cells in the kidney glomerulus that form the sieve to filter waste products from the blood into the urine. Damage to or loss of these cells can result in larger and larger proteins being lost from the blood (proteinuria), causing kidney damage and ultimately, Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD). I am formally trained as a molecular biologist (BSc(hons) Molecular Cell Biology (2008) and PhD (2012), University College London), and use high content imaging to monitor signalling dynamics in podocytes. I have a strong tendency to work across disciplines, however, and I am currently working in the systems biology group of Dr Daryl Shanley at Newcastle University to develop mathematical models that I hope to be able to use to define novel drug targets for the treatment of CKD.

In addition, I have a background in art (BA(hons) Fine Art (2002), Falmouth College of Arts), and I use this experience to explore ways in which art can open up conversations about scientific findings with the public. Notably, I am a member of the Biochemical Society Education, Training and Public Engagement committee, currently involved in developing an art-science programme of public engagement.

Dr Kathryn Garner is currently a Kidney Research UK Intermediate Fellow working and researching at Newcastle University, in north-east England, UK. Every cell in every tissue in the body receives many different signals, some in the form of chemical messages, and the cells need to know how to respond to these and to differentiate between them. Kathryn is formally trained as a molecular biologist (BSc(hons) Molecular Cell Biology (2008) and PhD (2012), University College London), but has a tendency to work across disciplines. In Newcastle, she is learning how to make mathematical models.

In addition to this, Kathryn has a background in Fine Art (BTEC Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Art foundation), Buckinghamshire Chilterns University College (1999), BA(hons) Fine Art (2002), Falmouth College of Arts), and she now uses this experience to explore ways in which art can be used to open conversations about scientific findings with the public. Notably, she is a member of the Biochemical Society Education, Training and Public Engagement committee, currently involved in developing an art-science programme of public engagement.