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Staff Profile

Dr Suzanne Madgwick

MRC Career Development Fellowship

  • Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 8723
  • Address: Medical School
    University of Newcastle upon Tyne
    Framlington Place
    Newcastle upon Tyne
    NE2 4HH

Background

Biography


I obtained my undergraduate degree in Animal Physiology the University of Leeds and a PhD from Newcastle University with time at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Canada in 2004. I carried out a first postdoctoral period under supervision of Prof. Keith Jones (2004-2007), before taking a career break for family reasons. In 2013 I was awarded a Wellcome Career Re-entry Fellowship (2013-2019) with which to begin an independent career, followed by a MRC Career Development Award (2020-2025). In 2023 I was promoted to Senior Lecturer, a position that will take effect at the end of my MRC Fellowship.

Research

My research focuses on understanding cell cycle regulation in mammalian oocytes, uncovering mechanisms that regulate healthy divisions and ways in which this knowledge may be exploited to improve success rates of assisted reproductive therapies (both in humans and livestock animals). This is fundamental bioscience research with translational links. We use a range of imaging, molecular biology, and oocyte micromanipulation techniques.


Through a Wellcome Trust Career Re-entry Fellowship I supervised my first PhD student, and with a MRC Career Development Award I have expanded the lab to currently include a Research Associate and 4 PhD students. Returning to science after a career break was challenging, but I am proud to now manage and support my own research group, collaborating with colleagues both internally and externally, and with business links through my research.

 

With this team I have 3 main threads of investigation, each with a growing collaborative network. Their aims and methods all support one another.

 

1. Fundamental research science studying molecular mechanisms of key cell cycle protein regulation.

 

2. Revealing protein signatures of competency and non-competency in mammalian oocytes by applying Imaging Mass Cytometry techniques.

 

3. A focus on cell cycle biology but specifically studying bovine oocytes to improve imaging methods and determine markers that indicate competency. This line of investigation has links to food security, animal welfare and reducing emissions in livestock industries. 

Teaching

Seminar lead through Masters module MMB8018 'Biomolecular Research in Health and Disease'

Seminar lead through 3rd year undergraduate module BMS3007 'Research in Biomedical Sciences'

Primary supervisor through 3rd year undergraduate and MRes extended laboratory projects.

Publications