We are delighted to share the fantastic news that CLUSTER researcher Melissa Tordoff has successfully completed her PhD in Genetics.
Based at the University of Manchester, Melissa has been working hard over the last three and a half years towards this prestigious accolade. Melissa’s research looks at genetic risk factors in Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA), with her thesis entitled ‘Investigating the genetic architecture of juvenile common complex diseases’.
Last year we shared her success in winning the British Society for Rheumatology (BSR) Young Investigator Award, so it’s wonderful to see that she has gone from strength to strength since.
We caught up with Melissa to hear about her PhD experience…
What was your PhD investigating?
My PhD was investigating the role of rare genetic risk factors in the onset of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, juvenile idiopathic arthritis associated uveitis and refractory JIA (where patients are resistant to treatment).
What was the highlight?
Receiving the young investigator award from BSR for the JIA- Uveitis work or travelling to Copenhagen and Prague to present at The European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology (EULAR) and the Paediatric Rheumatology European Society (PReS)!
How has CLUSTER influenced or facilitated your research?
CLUSTER has kindly provided funding, support and invaluable input into my research on refractory JIA.
What’s next?
I have started my post-doc at the University of Manchester, and I am enjoying continuing to work in the genetics of rare diseases.
What would be your advice to others hoping to do a PhD in this area?
To follow what interests you the most and to enjoy your research.
Huge congratulations to Dr Tordoff!
Recent Comments